The MENTOR Initiative (MENTOR) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to reduce death and suffering from tropical diseases. In South Sudan, MENTOR is currently implementing the UNICEF-funded programme “Sustainable WASH for Resilient Programme (Partnership for Resilience and Recovery) in Torit, South Sudan – Lot 2” in four counties (Torit, Magwi, Ikotos & Lopa/Lafon). The SWfR project aims to combat poverty and strengthen resilience by supporting local sustainable recovery through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions. Since 2020, the SWfR project has provided safe water, improved sanitation facilities, promoted proper hygiene practices, and implemented Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) interventions in four counties in Eastern Equatoria State (EES).
1. The Need for a harmonized WASH IEC/BCC materials
Under the SWfR project MENTOR has been implementing a resilience WASH project aiming to improve access to basic sanitation, safe water and hygiene facilities and raise awareness of hygiene issues among vulnerable people in the project areas. The programme aims to achieve this through improved rural WASH and the strengthening of institutional capacity and enabling framework by working toward attaining the following program outputs:
- The target populations in conflict-affected, underserved and epidemic-prone communities have access to safe water
- Poor and venerable people in the selected program areas have sustainable access to sanitary means of excreta disposal and adopt proper hygiene practices
- People in the target areas are aware of the three key improved hygiene behaviour (hand washing, use of toilet and HWTS)
- The State WASH Ministry has enhanced capacity to plan, monitor, supervise and coordinate WASH service delivery
Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) interventions have contributed significantly to improving best practices that prevent WASH-related diseases. Multiple channels have been used by WASH partners and agencies to disseminate information and engage communities in prevention, including TV/radio spots, theatre plays, radio announcements, brochures and other IEC materials in all hotspots. However, the various agencies have been using different IEC/BCC messages and materials that aim attaining similar desired behavioural changes. Therefore, there is the need to develop and harmonize IEC materials/messages used by various partners including the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utility to generate standard materials that will not only strengthen SBCC approaches especially for prevention, but also help to gauge the effectiveness of various interventions.
2. Objectives/Scope of Work
The main objective of this assignment is to develop, design and print harmonized IEC/BCC materials to be used by all partners in EES. The overall objective of the consultancy are to:
- Review existing IEC/BCC materials on WASH promotion
- Design new materials, including the reorganizing and reshaping of illustrations in English and Arabic.
- Develop a monitoring tool that provides feedback on the effectiveness of the IEC materials
The selected consultant/firm will be expected to complete the following tasks:
- Conduct a thorough desk review of existing IEC/BCC materials and conduct a needs assessment to understand WASH-related IEC/BCC material requirements.
- Compile a list of available IEC/BCC materials, assess needs and gaps through the lens of gender sensitivity, male engagement, and social inclusiveness, and recommend new materials to design and/or update
- Propose, design and develop harmonized IEC/BCC in consultation with MENTOR, UNICEF and other relevant stakeholders
- Field test the materials before finalization to ensure that they are user friendly and easily understandable
Responsibilities of MENTOR
MENTOR will be responsible for the following tasks/ assistance:
- Provide all relevant existing materials and documents including pictures and illustrations
- Review and provide feedback on draft materials
- Organize meeting with project personnel and relevant stakeholders.
Key Qualification, Experience and Skills Needed:
- Have sound and proven experience on IEC/BCC material development and publication on the relevant issues (including designing).
- A sound technical, practical and conceptual understanding on developing the IEC/BCC materials focusing on WASH, Child care and disability is essential.
Ownership of Materials to be developed
The harmonized IEC/BCC materials will be used for the benefit of the beneficiaries in EES by all WASH partners, including the relevant Ministries. However, it is the consultant’s responsibility to ensure that no materials/illustrations can be accused of plagiarism and due acknowledgement and necessary permissions are taken from the original creators.
MENTOR role and reporting line:
It is the responsibility of the firm/consultant to plan and carry out the assignment. MENTOR will provide financial supports as agreed between MENTOR and the consultant and ensure timely feedback. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining correspondence and outputs in a timely and efficient manner keeping MENTOR informed via written email correspondence.
Duration of the Assignment
6 weeks (45 working days) after signing the contract. Expected starting timeframe 4th February 2024 and ending on 20th March 2024.
How to apply
Guideline for Application
Proposals will be accepted via email in PDF format by using the subject line “Assignment for developing IEC/BCC materials for Sustainable WASH for Resilient Programme” by 25th January, 2024. The proposal shall have the following sections and page limits:
- Cover page: 1 page
- Relevant experience: 0.5 – 1 page
- Proposed work methodology: 1 page
- Work plan: 0.5 pages
- Team composition: 0.5 pages
- Any other relevant information (if required only): 1 page
- Financial proposal that outlines the fees and associated costs as well as the preferred payment methods/schedules. The consultant must budget for all costs (including Tax/VAT) and provide budget notes.
Evaluation
In response to the invitation, the individual consultant/consulting firm will have to submit a Technical and Financial proposal as per the ‘Terms of Reference’. The total scoring points for both the evaluations will be 100. A cumulative analysis weighted-scoring method will be applied to evaluate the proposal. The award of the contract will be made to the consultant/consulting firm whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a. Responsive/compliant/acceptable with reference to this ToR, and;
b. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted criteria.
Criteria – Weight
1. Expertise of the firm/organization
Experience in conducting relevant work – 20
Work plan – 15
2. Methodology
Appropriateness of methodology in response of the indicators – 30
Quality assurance – 15
Management structure and qualifications of key personnel
Team composition – 20
Total – 100
The Individual/firm must submit the following documents along with Technical & Financial Proposal (including VAT/TAX):
For Individual Consultants:
a. Maximum two-page CV highlighting related assignment completed with client name, contract person and mobile number (this person must have fulltime engagement during assignment time)
b. Other team members’ one-page CV highlighting related assignment completed
c. TIN Certificate and proof of eligibility of work in South Sudan (PDF soft version)
For Consultancy Firm:
a. Maximum two-page firm profile highlighting related assignment completed with client name, contract person and mobile number
b. Lead consultant’s two-page (max.) CV highlighting related assignment completed, role in of the completed assignment
c. Other team members’ (involved in the project) one-page paragraph short CV highlighting related assignment completed and role
d. Firm’s certificate of incorporation, TIN and VAT registration relevant documents showing legal status to work in South Sudan
Application Instruction:
We invite proposal from interested individuals/firm to undertake this assignment. Submit your letter of interest to MENTOR HR Manager at recruitment.southsudan@mentor-initiative.net by 15th January, 2024.
The MENTOR Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at its company. We ensure the constant non-discrimination throughout our recruitment process.
The MENTOR Initiative is committed to promoting diversity and gender equality within the organisation. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The MENTOR Initiative applies a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, mistreatment or harassment, and other types of unethical behaviour including fraud.
The MENTOR Initiative will contact previous employers of applicants to determine if they have any history of violating international standards and codes of conduct relating to such matters**.**