90 days consultancy for supporting external communication of Vitamin A Supplementation programs (Kenya prefered) At Helen Keller International

Co-founded in 1915 by Helen Keller, Helen Keller International is dedicated to saving and improving the sight and lives of the world’s vulnerable. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness, poor health and malnutrition with more than 120 programs in 20 African and Asian countries, as well as in the United States. Renowned for our reliability, efficiency and high level of technical expertise, Helen Keller International promotes the development of large-scale, sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing issues in public health.**

Background and Context

Helen Keller International supports the supplementation with high dose of Vitamin A of up to 40 million children every year in 13 countries of sub Saharan Africa.

When delivered twice a year to at least 80% of children aged 6 to 59 months in countries with high under five mortality and high rates of vitamin A deficiency, Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) can contribute to a reduction of U5M by up to 24%.

VAS is delivered to children twice a year through multiple delivery mechanisms. Some countries are organizing mass distribution campaigns where teams of distributors visit every household to give the vitamin A to children. Others have integrated VAS into their facility based delivery systems alongside routine immunization or growth monitoring. A third group of countries are using a hybrid system between campaigns and facility based delivery. Finally, some countries are transitioning from one approach to another.

Beyond the technical monitoring and evaluation of the programs, Helen Keller International is seeking support to develop a communication strategy and produce communication material to share its program for various audiences: the general population, donors and partners.

Concrete components of the consultancy

1. Support communication for the Kenya-based Every Child thrives project

Every Child Thrives (ECT) project aims to support and strengthen the health system in 5 counties. It supports the scale-up of COVID-19 compliant health and nutrition services and helps achieve optimal protection of the population. Building on the success of first phase of ECT project in Kilifi, Kwale and Siaya counties, the project was extended to Taita Taveta and Uasin Gishu counties as requested by the Kenya Micronutrient Technical Working Group (MNTWG).

The support provided to the 5 counties will enable continued Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) and deworming services for children under 5 to sustain coverage achieved through the investments of the ECT project. The project will also adapt service delivery to protect both health workers and the population from COVID-19, remove barriers to healthcare seeking and promote the adoption of optimal nutrition practices by women, men, and children during the pandemic.

The scope of work: The consultant will support the production of communication materials to help disseminate success stories, best practices and human-interest stories from the ECT project. The consultant will also capture and deliver content collection in photography and videography on success stories, demonstrating impact of ECT Project Interventions in the 5 supported counties in Kenya.

Specific deliverables include 1 video (Approx. 5 minutes; with transcription and sub-titles), edited and captioned photographs (minimum 100 photos to create accompanying materials to promote edited video) and three (3) written profile stories (details written out, including names, locations, etc.)

1. Support communication for the Kenya office

Helen Keller Kenya office is seeking support to develop a communication strategy to increase its visibility among the general population and its donors and partners.

Components of this support will include preparation of a brief strategy for communication, development of brochures for dissemination, development of bi-annual newsletters.

1. Support communication for the overall Vitamin A Supplementation portfolio

Helen Keller is seeking support to develop a communication strategy for its entire Vitamin A Supplementation portfolio, which covers 13 countries in Sub Saharan Africa. Components of the support will include developing a brief strategy paper to inform the approach and objectives of the communication by Helen Keller, Production of communication materials including success stories, newsletters, videos, photos, reports to donors.

Number of days and timeline:

The consultancy will be organized over a first two years period and for 90 days to be used over this two year period. If needed, additional days can be added during the period.

Qualifications:

· At least Masters level in communication, public relations or other relevant field

· Extensive demonstrated experience in production of communication materials and strategies

· Proven Expertise in editing and post-production using editing software

· Excellent interpersonal and interviewing skills

· Good analytical, communication and writing skills.

· Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural and gender diversity and equity in his/her daily work and personal behavior

· Ability to meet deadlines and priorities

· Capacity to work independently