Consultancy: Developing a Regional Communication Operational Guide for Prevention and
Control of Childhood Pneumonia and Diarrhoea in East Asia and Pacific
Terms of Reference
1.
Context
Far fewer children are dying today in East Asia and the Pacific than 20 years ago. Nearly 2.2 million
children under 5 years of age died in 1990 compared to 694,000 in 2010. This is a 68% decline in child
mortality regionally in 20 years, translating into 4,000 fewer children dying each day. This is mostly
attributed to rapid expansion of basic public health services such as immunization and increased access
to safe drinking water. Despite great progress, however, pneumonia and diarrhoea continue to be the
main killers of children in the region and worldwide, yet these diseases can be easily prevented and
treated when identified early and by taking appropriate care seeking behaviors. Communication and
social mobilization activities can play a major role in helping families to adopt preventive practices,
identify danger signs and seek appropriate and timely care.
Deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea are concentrated among the poorest children in the region. East
Asia and Pacific had an estimated 145,000 deaths among children under the age of 5 due to pneumonia
and diarrhoea in 2010 which comprises 39% of total under-five mortality (Pneumonia and diarrhoea
Report 2012: 18). Pneumonia and diarrhoea, diseases of poverty, are closely associated with factors
such as poor home environments, malnutrition, lack of access to essential services and poor family
practices. Child illness and deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea are largely preventable through
positive and healthy behaviours such as exclusive breastfeeding up to six months, hand washing with
soap before eating and after defecation, recognition of danger signs and timely decision making to see
appropriate care, as well as safe drinking water and basic sanitation, adequate nutrition, and
vaccination, amongst other measures.
Several vaccines – both new and old – also save countless children from dying due to pneumonia or
diarrhoea every year. These include vaccines against leading pneumonia-causing pathogens
(Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b [Hib] and rotavirus vaccine for
diarrhoea, as well as vaccines that prevent infections that lead to pneumonia or diarrhoea as a
complication (such as pertussis for pneumonia and measles for both pneumonia and diarrhoea). If a
child gets sick, death is also avoidable through cost-effective, low-cost and life-saving treatment such
as antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia and oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea.
Yet, many children, especially from vulnerable families and deprived populations, still do not have
access to these services, nor do they engage in the preventative behaviours and practices listed above.
Wide variation exist in coverage of interventions that promote these preventative and curative
measures in East Asia and Pacific region, as well as in efforts to reach the most vulnerable populations
through communication that empowers communities, families and caretakers of children to engage in
protective and preventative behaviours. Barriers include a range of structural, environmental, service,
and behavioural factors.
Communication for promotion of critical practices for prevention and treatment of pneumonia and
diarrhoea has been used widely, and there is evidence of the contribution of communication
interventions to promote and/or change specific health-related behaviors. However, the mix of social
and behavioural factors listed above reflects the increasing need to use a socio-ecological (SEM)
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model as advocated in the in Communication for Development (C4D) literature and practice. Further
exploration of these factors, through a SEM, is critical to identifying and prioritizing 1) areas of
intervention at individual, community, policy and societal levels, and 2) evidence and best practices
that can inform the development of a Regional Operational Communication Guide for
Pneumonia and Diarrhoea Prevention and Control that is relevant for participating countries.
The development of this guide will build on the UNICEF Communication Framework for New
Vaccines and Child Survival (https://sites.google.com/site/commframe) and the Socio-Ecological
Model, and will support involved countries in the development of country-wide communication
strategies/plans. As a result, the UNICEF existing communication framework also could be refined
following consultation and incorporation of the experiences of participating countries.
This effort also fits well with the Promise Renewed and Call to Action for Child Survival that has
been recently launched by the Governments of Ethiopia, India and the United States together with
UNICEF to end all preventable child deaths. The call to action aims to provide equitable opportunities
for children to survive and thrive. It means protecting children from easily preventable and treatable
conditions like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
Call to Action Goals:
1.
Mobilize political leadership to end preventable child deaths.
2.
Achieve consensus on a global roadmap highlighting innovative and proven strategies
to accelerate reductions in child mortality.
3.
Drive sustained collective action and mutual accountability.
2.
Geographic Focus
Lao PDR, Mongolia, North Korea and Timor Leste have volunteered for this support on the basis of
country specific requests for C4D assistance and the need to improve child health and nutrition
outcomes by improving household care practices (Please see the countries’ context in the Annex 1).
C4D is an integral part for the development of interventions that seek to address behavioural and social
and cultural bottlenecks, and can contribute significantly to UNICEF Monitoring Results for Equity
System (MoRES) agenda in these countries. MoRES is a monitoring for results framework which
involves data collection, analysis and planning at four distinct levels of the Country Office (CO)
programming process.1 In the context of Level 3 Monitoring (L3M) within this model, UNICEF
supports countries to identify barriers of vulnerable groups in accessing quality services and adopting
safe and protective practices for children and their families, and also the socio-cultural, legal, political,
economic and administrative bottlenecks that affect the achievement of results.
3.
Action: A Coordinated Communication for Development (C4D) Response for
Child Survival
The critical role of C4D in addressing child health and survival related issues with a long-term
perspective is highlighted in the C4D Position Paper (2008) which states that “while cost-effective,
affordable and high-impact interventions such as vaccines, antibiotics and micronutrient
supplementation save lives, they are not enough for long-term, sustained impact. No matter how
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This and other relevant documents will be shared with the consultant.
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well commodities are distributed or how efficiently services are provided, children will continue to
die from preventable diseases, become malnourished and have their social, emotional and cognitive
development compromised, if their families and communities do not also care for, protect and
nurture them more effectively” (pp. 01).
Communication for Development (C4D) can be defined as a systematic, planned and evidence-based
process to promote positive and measurable individual behaviour and social changes that are integral
to development programmes, policy advocacy, humanitarian work and the creation of a culture that
respects and helps realize human rights. It uses research and consultative processes to promote
human rights, mobilize leadership and societies, influence attitudes and support the behaviours of
those who have an impact on the well-being of children, their families and communities. As
necessary and feasible, evidence and elements from this work may be incorporated into global
guidance, standards as well as training, peer-learning and knowledge management resources and
tools.
4.
Suitable C4D approaches for pneumonia and diarrhea prevention and treatment
UNICEF’s guidance on C4D strategy development emphasizes a mix of four key approaches, which
is based on evidence accumulated over time with respect to the role of these approaches for
effective programming. The approaches are Advocacy; Behaviour Change Communication;
Communication for Social Change and Social Mobilisation. These approaches complement and
reinforce each other, thus their implementation need be continuous and simultaneous. The resulting
Regional Operational Communication Guide for pneumonia and diarrhea prevention and treatment is,
therefore, expected to reflect them, with the required adaptation and reflection of country contexts and
appropriateness. National communication strategies/plans will be developed under the leadership
of the government and support from UNICEF and partners.
The existing theoretical components embodied in the Communication Framework will be enriched
by the utilization of the Socio-Ecological Model, ultimately guiding the development and
implementation of the work, from the preliminary scope and identification of existing evidence to
the development of the regional guide, implementation and evaluation of interventions. The guide
will be supported by case studies as necessary and to illustrate and highlight the application of
recommended steps.
5.
Purpose of Consultancy
A consultant is being sought to facilitate the process of developing an evidence-based Regional
Operational Communication Guide for prevention and control of childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea
in East Asia and Pacific and actively support the design of country-wide communication
strategies/plans.
The specific tasks are the following:

Desk review of available evidence on applied communication for development strategies for
prevention and control of childhood pneumonia and diarrhea.
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Review key UNICEF documents related to prevention and control of childhood pneumonia and
diarrhea.
Analyse countries’ SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis,
focusing on the programme and stakeholders’ analysis and following the socio-ecological
model (SEM) to identify suitable C4D approaches and key stakeholders that should be part of
this process.
Based on the review of evidences listed above and SWOT analysis findings, develop an outline
of a draft Regional Communication Guide for prevention and control of childhood pneumonia
and diarrhoea for East Asia and Pacific to be presented in a regional technical consultation.
Identify and prepare 2 case studies following UNICEF guidelines for C4D case study
development, that demonstrate the design of evidence based, inclusive and participatory C4D
interventions. These case studies will be incorporated within the operational guide and used to
support global initiatives in this area.
Facilitate a regional technical consultation to refine and finalize the Regional Communication
Guide in coordination with countries’ stakeholders and UNICEF staff.
Provide technical support to Country Offices in the development of national communication
strategies/plans for pneumonia and diarrhea prevention and control to ensure correct
application of the guide.
Deliverables:
1) A report on the latest evidence of applied communication for development
strategies for prevention and control of childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea by 10
November, 2012.
2) A report on the findings of the SWOT analysis to be discussed with UNICEF
Country Offices (COs), Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQs) by 15
November, 2012.
3) A draft Regional Communication Guide for prevention and control of childhood
pneumonia and diarrhoea for East Asia and Pacific developed in coordination with
countries’ stakeholders and UNICEF HQs, RO and COs by 1 December, 2012.
4) Submit a revised version of the UNICEF Communication Framework for New
Vaccines and Child Survival reflecting the consultation and contributions for
participating countries and the results of the application of the Socio-Economical
Model by 15 December 2012
5) Development of 2 case studies as described above by 20 December, 2012
6) A final Regional Communication Guide for prevention and control of childhood
pneumonia and diarrhoea for East Asia and Pacific developed in coordination with
countries’ stakeholders by 22 December, 2012.
7) Country-wide communication strategies/plans developed by 31 January, 2013.
Time Frame
October, 2012 – January, 2013, 50 working days
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Qualifications
o Advanced university degree in communication, social sciences and/or related fields.
o 10-15 years of professional experience in social/international development.
o Demonstrated experience with developing community- and national-level
communication strategies for behavior and social change.
o Expertise in communication and health and other child survival areas.
o Expertise in monitoring and evaluation.
o Experience in quantitative and statistical analysis as well as qualitative research
methods and the development of indicators and measurement tools.
o Knowledge of UNICEF’s areas of work.
o Knowledge in relation to the areas of human rights, gender equality, social change and
inclusive development a plus.
o Excellent writing skills in the English language.
Duty Station
The consultant can work from remote but travels to NY and Bangkok will be required.
Requirements for responding to this ToR
Interested consultants should revert with:
Letter of interest
Latest, updated version of P11 & Curriculum Vitae (not more than 3 pages) of applicant
Sample of any written report that displays research, synthesis and analytical skills
Proposed daily fee rate
How to apply
Qualified candidates are requested to email a cover letter with subject line: “Developing a Regional
Communication Operational Guide for Prevention and Control of Childhood Pneumonia and
Diarrhoea in East Asia and Pacific”; CV and P11 form (which can be downloaded from our website
at: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) to pdconsultants@unicef.org by 18
October 2012
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Annex 1. Country Context
Mongolia - Mongolia is moving toward a middle income economy, so it needs a system to ensure continuity of
public education and implementation of a broader, longer term strategy rather than a one-time campaign.
Therefore a systematic C4D strategy that is well-integrated with the country’s institutions is needed. Ministry
of Health (MoH) has identified National Maternal and Child Health Center (NMCHC) as a key institution to
develop C4D for maternal and child health.
The institution has agreed to establish a unit to specifically deal with C4D for Maternal and Child Health for
general public, parents and young mothers. Strengthening the capacity of MoH is important especially the
workers in this department. The office requests:
1. Advise on specific mandate for new C4D unit of NMCHC and institutional arrangement of C4D for
Mongolia to ensure continuous and supportive information flow for new mothers.
2. Advice on systematic approaches to empower families and parents via Community health workers and
grassroots health facilities based on discussion with NMCHC/MOH.
3. Develop a communication strategy on pneumonia and diarrhea prevention.
The fundamental idea is to build a C4D system and develop a long-term communication strategy. Previously all
health promotion works were/are being done through Department of Health, a government agency; however its
structure is too far removed from target audiences, and maternal and child health professionals. Therefore,
NMCHC is the closest institution to these stakeholders and it is heading all activities in the country on MCH.
Mongolia also plans to restructure the existing Public Health Institute toward more operational direction rather
than being a research agency only. This creates an opportunity for strengthening the capacity of another
existing unit, rather than setting up a new one.
Lao PDR - There are multiple interventions for diarrhea and pneumonia, although not all of them are amenable
to C4D action. The UNICEF country office will have to prioritize areas for C4D interventions based on local
context. . Limited funds are available for the initiative at this stage though efforts for resource mobilization are
being undertaken.
Timor Leste - Timor-Leste has already surpassed its MDG-4 targets, however, childhood mortality rates are
still very high, in particular, the stagnation in the reduction of neonatal mortality. In Timor Leste context, while
a lot of emphasis still needs to be given on BCC and Advocacy, the use of a CSC approach would be a good
piece of innovation and experimentation. C4D interventions should be mainstreamed into the overall
government's planning and programming process. Timor-Leste does not have any credible institutions with
whom the office can collaborate on this. It usually collaborates with the Universities / Institutions either in
Indonesia or in Australia. The CO has funds for our routine C4D activities based on the joint planning and
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priorities with Government and Partners in line with our AWP. However, it does not have any earmarked
resources for this initiative. In regards to in-country methodology, the CO needs to go through a systematic
approach of building consensus on this initiative considering the nature of its involvement and extent. They can
initiate dialogues and discussion at the technical level under the leadership of MoH's Department of Health
Promotion that will follow the formation of a platform such as a C4D Task Force or Working Group with all
stakeholders involved in C4D including NGOs, CBOs and Churches for organizing subsequent consultations
on planning, implementation and monitoring. However, a kick-off consultation with a wide range of partners
would be useful.
North Korea - DPRK has limited institutions and universities/partners with whom alliances can be formed. The
government runs an institution called "Grand Peoples Study House", which is one of the institutions that we are
planning to contact for this initiative. The office did not talk to them yet as our focal point is out of the country.
It has allocated 10,000 US$ in our work plan which will not be sufficient for this initiative. It expects funds
form the regional office and it will be able to inform you the exact requirement once we have the agreed concept
note with detailed budget with the MOPH and Grand Peoples Study House.
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The following conditions of service apply to all individual consultants:
1. LEGAL STATUS
Individuals engaged under a consultant contract serve in a personal capacity and not as representatives
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members” under the Staff Regulations of the United Nations and UNICEF policies and procedures nor
“officials” for the purpose of the Convention of 13 February 1946 on the privileges and immunities of
the United Nations. Consultants may, however, be given the status of “experts on mission” in the
sense of Section 22 of Article VI of the Convention. If they are required to travel on behalf of the
United Nations, they may be given a United Nations certification in accordance with Section 26 of
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shall neither seek nor accept instructions regarding the services to be performed for UNICEF from any
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UNICEF business to compensation equivalent to the compensation which, under Appendix D to the
United Nations Staff Rules (ST/SGB/Staff Rules/Appendix D/Rev.1 and Amend.1), would be payable
to a staff member at step V of the First Officer (P-4) level of the Professional category.
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request for arbitration, then each party shall proceed to appoint one arbitrator and the two arbitrators
thus appointed shall agree on a third. Failing such agreement, either party may request the
appointment of the third arbitrator by the President of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal.
The decision rendered in the arbitration shall constitute final adjudication of the dispute.
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period of less than two months and fourteen days in the case of contracts for a longer period; provided
however that in the event of termination on the grounds of misconduct by the consultant, UNICEF
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satisfaction of UNICEF. Additional costs incurred by the United Nations resulting from the
termination of the contract by the consultant may be withheld from any amount otherwise due to the
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