This consultant will provide crucial technical assistance to the communication unit of the Provincial Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Sindh. The primary goal is to lead all SBC-related activities and develop a comprehensive SBC framework to bolster routine immunization and enhance Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) efforts across the province.

Key Responsibilities

The SBC Consultant will undertake the following key responsibilities:

1.Strategic Implementation & Technical Assistance:

Offer ongoing technical assistance to the EPI communication unit for implementing Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) initiatives.
Support the execution of the Communication Strategy for Routine Immunization (RI) and broader risk communication efforts. This includes targeted advocacy, coordination between provinces, aiding in the introduction of new vaccines, supporting Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), and fostering strong collaboration between EPI and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) at the provincial level.

2.Activity Roll-out & Documentation:

Support the provincial roll-out of ACSM activities linked to international immunization days and other initiatives as directed by the Provincial EPI.
Document progress, lessons learned, and best practices derived from these activities.

3.Capacity Building & Training:

Assist EPI Sindh in facilitating health education training for government officials.
Support the delivery of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) trainings for frontline health workers, working closely with Provincial EPI.

4.Coordination, Collaboration & Reporting:

Coordinate and provide assistance to the
Immunization office (Karachi field office) and work in close liaison with UNICEF Country Office SBC specialist for the effective implementation and reporting of ACSM activities and the introduction of new vaccines.
Strengthen cross-sectoral coordination forums by identifying, developing, and maintaining crucial partnerships with relevant institutions.

5.Urban Immunization & Partnerships:

Provide technical support to the provincial EPI team to develop a communication action plan specifically for urban immunization, in partnership with selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

6.Human-Centered Design (HCD) Story Development:

Develop and support the facilitation of Human-Centered Design (HCD) stories for EPI, emphasizing user-centric approaches to communication.

7.Material Development & Capacity Strengthening:

Adapt, develop, and pretest training materials, guidelines, and tools aimed at strengthening the capacity of government and non-government partners, networks, and communities.

Required Qualification

At least Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, communication, or a related field.

Required Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating SBC programs, preferably within immunization or public health.
Demonstrated experience working effectively with government counterparts, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and international organizations.
Strong understanding of the local context in Sindh, Pakistan.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills.