Recruitment at John Snow, Incorporated

Title: Request for Quotations (RFQ) to Support the Development of Integrated Reaching Every Ward Microplans in MRITE-Focused States

Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Contract

Introduction

• Immunization has made some significant strides in Nigeria from 33% in 2017  to 57% in 2021, however attaining high immunization coverage has remained a problem, with routine immunization (RI) coverage rates for penta3 at 57% for all 3 doses.
• To expedite progress and focuson implementing strategic interventions towards improving immunization coverage, Nigeria launched the Strategy for Immunization and Primary Healthcare System Strengthening in 2018. This outlines a lot of strategies geared towards increasing immunization services especially targeting zero dose children.
• Nigeria accounts for 2.2 million zero-dose children (ZD) in the West Africa region and one of the highest in the world. NPHCDA conducted a prioritization exercise and identified 100 LGAs in 18 states with unimmunized children and has been implementing some strategies such as the RI intensification, however, the plan of reducing ZD children by at least 15% annually has not been reached.
• To achieve this, strategies customized to different settings are required to address context specific immunization issues relating to zero dose and underserved communities.

Project Background

• John Snow Incorporated (JSI) is a US based not for profit organization that supports Nigeria to strengthen health systems. MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (MRITE) is a subsidiary of the John Snow Incorporated. MRITE project is part of a suite of innovative awards funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to holistically improve family planning and maternal and child health in partner countries around the world.
• The project applies best practices and explores innovations to increase equitable immunization coverage in USAID-supported countries around the world. MRITE has improved immunization coverage across various states in the country including Lagos.
• MRITE has been strengthening immunization in some states across the country including Lagos and Imo states as access to routine immunization services is crucial for safeguarding the health of children and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Lagos is one of the states that experienced Diptheria outbreaks recently and also has an LGA with the highest number of Zero-dose children in the country.
• To ensure that all children are fully vaccinated, strategies must be put in place to ensure every child is reached with immunization services.
• A key strategy is to develop clear microplans and/or update already existing ones that reach every ward to improve immunization coverage.
• In the MRITE-focused states, the catchment area population used for the integrated REW micro plan is derived from the projected 2006 census which stops at ward level.
• Each facility and settlement is then allocated an arbitrary population data for micro-planning purposes. Under this approach, hand-drawn maps are used, which can be inaccurate and have the potential for missed settlements.
• MRITE, will support its facilities, using GIS for micro-planning process, which will help improve access to RI/PHC services as the accuracy in determining fixed, outreach and mobile strategies will be enhanced.
• This will consequently improve integrated micro plans with better population estimate developed, that will improve RI coverage and provision of other PHC services.

Goal:

• The overall goal is to support the states develop a Reaching Every Ward (REW) microplan for Primary Health Care facilities in the states.

Objectives:

• The firm will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring strategies to ensure settlements are adequately mapped and walkthrough microplans to improve immunization coverage in the states.

The specific objectives include:

• Identify and map all settlements based on their populations within select LGAs in the states
• Develop clear microplans integrating all components needed for strong routine immunization service delivery and PHC.

Scope of Work

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current immunization status in Lagos and Imo states, identifying areas with the high concentrations of zero dose and underserved children to prioritize for microplan development/update
• Identify key stakeholders and their roles  to enable effective involvement and include local community organizations to ensure community-level input in the immunization process
• Review existing policies, guidelines, and data related to immunization in both states
• Conduct meetings with relevant health authorities, government officials, community leaders, and healthcare workers to gather insights
• Facilitate workshops to ensure active participation and collaboration among stakeholders
• Implement awareness campaigns to address myths and misconceptions about immunization
• Utilize GIS mapping to identify high-risk areas and optimize resource allocation
• Train staff to conduct walkthrough microplanning in the 2 states
• Develop a comprehensive microplan for each ward, outlining strategies for immunization coverage improvement.
• Include details on targeted interventions, community mobilization, and communication strategies
• Ensure the sustainability of the microplan through ongoing training and support
• Establish a robust monitoring, evaluation and supportive supervision to track the progress of work

The specific responsibilities of the firm include:

• Review the status of GIS mapping in the states (information gathering and reconciliation assessment preparation and planning)
• Stakeholder and community consultation
• Surveying, capture and data processing and geospatial analysis
• Production of standardized GIS maps and population estimates for MRITE supported health facilities in the 5 states
• Dissemination of developed maps and GIS data
• Build capacity of State/LGA program officers on the use of GIS mapping for micro planning
• Write and submit the technical report of all processes to MEAL Director.

Project Deliverables:

• A completed GIS report showing mapped areas
• A comprehensive report on the processes employed during microplan development
• Insightful PowerPoint presentations of findings from assessment and analysis
• Well-developed/updated RI/PHC REW microplan
• A monitoring, evaluation and learning reports.

Budget:

• Prepare a budget estimate covering all aspects of the microplan development and implementation.
• Clearly outline the allocation of funds for training, communication materials, and other necessary resources.

Project Workplace:

• The primary focus area will be select LGAs in the 5 states. However, coordination and collaboration may extend to neighbouring LGAs.

Expected Duration of Assignment:

• The assignment is expected to be completed within two months.

Payment Terms and Conditions

• Payment will be structured based on the achievement of predefined milestones. An advance will be provided upon project commencement, followed by subsequent payments tied to the successful completion of key deliverables.

Application closing Date
To be Decided (TBD).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Proposals, including a detailed Workplan and Budget to the Technical Manager via: recruiting@ng.jsi.com using “Firm to Develop / Update Reaching Every Ward Microplans in Stated State” as the subject of the mail.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Title: Consultant to Provide Communication Support for JSI-HAPPI on Engagement of Media Practitioners, Training of Teachers and, Airing of Radio Spots on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction (HPV VI)

Locations: Abuja (FCT), Ekiti, Imo, and Kogi

Background to the Project

• HPV Vaccine Acceleration Program Partners Initiative (HAPPI) consortium is a project that aims to accelerate the uptake of HPV vaccines among girls and adolescents worldwide.
• The project is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and combines expertise in policy, access, introduction, implementation, and evaluation and learning to achieve its goals.
• The project seeks to achieve its objectives through enabling global coordination and compilation of evidence to inform policy decisions; providing targeted country technical assistance for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision-making, introduction, acceleration, and sustaining coverage in select countries; and conducting monitoring, evaluation, and learning to build on the existing evidence base.

Current Status of the Activity

• The Government of Nigeria will introduce the HPV vaccine in the Phase Two states of Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara in May 2024.
• The HAPPI project is supporting the NPHCDA in the roll out and implementation of the vaccine introduction through support to Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization. To this end, HAPPI will produce materials for the purpose of program promotion and community mobilization and demand generation support.

Purpose of the Assignment

• JSI- HAPPI is seeking a professional communications consultant to support its demand generation work in Phase II of HPV vaccine introduction in Nigeria.

Objective

• The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the JSI-HAPPI project on SBCC activity implementation including, a) engagement of Media practitioners in a dialogue on Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Introduction in selected phase II states. b) Training of teachers on HPVVI. c) Airing of promotional spots on Radio. The consultancy service will highlight the following;

Media dialogues:

• Review database of Media practitioners in phase II states
• Select key Media practitioners and conduct dialogues

Training of teachers:

• Review database of Education stakeholders in phase II states
• Select and train school teachers on Cervical cancer and HPV Vaccine Introduction
• Document lessons for future vaccine introduction and routinization of the HPVV

Airing of Radio spots

• Review the latest AMPS
• Facilitate and coordinate airing of approved Radio spots.

Description of the Assignment

• The consultancy shall be performed for the Government under the supervision of the Government and JSI-HAPPI Nigeria Country Team.

Scope of Work
The consultant under the supervision of Senior Social Behavior Change & Communication Advisor and with the support from the project teams across the states will:

• The Social Behavior Change and Communication Consultant will provide technical expertise in social behavior change communication areas with a special focus on HPV vaccine introduction.
• Develop all SBCC training materials ensuring adaptability to local context using appropriate communication tools.
• Establish a strong working relationship with SERICC- ACSM and other project partners to support the HPVVI.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming in all elements of planning and implementation of HAPPI activities, communication, and promotion of social inclusion/equity.
• Review project documents and reports from Phase I HPVV introduction to orient self and work with JSI-HAPPI staff to determine the exact scope of the assignments.
• Work with JSI-HAPPI State Technical Assistants to determine context, timing and dates.
• Document quotes from beneficiaries. Document highlights of each activity in photographs and short videos. Shorts must be 9:16 (vertical format) ratio and dimensions of 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels OR with a 1:1 aspect ratio and dimensions of 1080 pixels by 1080 pixels.
• Submit reports for initial feedback

Methodology

• The exercise will involve review of JSI-HAPPI stakeholder databases and maps; Review of program reports; Planning and coordination meetings with project staff at National and state level; Travel to states to implement activities; Moderation and facilitation of activities; Documentation of events through photographs and short videos; submission of draft and final reports for each activity.

Duration

•  A total of 18 days equivalent time between March and May 2024 is estimated for this consultancy.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of work in the area of strategic communication for health.
• Knowledge of Immunization program policies and strategies
• Solid understanding of behavioral and social determinants of immunization/ vaccination uptake
• Excellent communication, presentation and report writing skills
• Solid experience working with and engaging media practitioners
• Experience collaborating with Government and implementing partners.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex environments
• Availability for internal trips in Nigeria to facilitate HPVVI activities.

Deliverables/Outputs

• Agreed workplan/schedule
• Agendas, meeting notes, attendance and activity output/ outcomes
• Catalogue of photographs and short videos
• Final activity report using JSI-HAPPI template

Application Closing Date
19th February, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Technical proposal and financial quotes in English with list of at least three (3) Referees with contact details to: recruiting@ng.jsi.com using “Social Behavior Change & Communication Support For JSI-HAPPI ” as the subject of the mail.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• JSI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions.
• Women are encouraged to apply.