Position Title : Social Behaviour Change Communication Strategy and Materials Development Consultant
Duty Station : IOM Philippines Country Office (Cotabato)
Classification: Consultant
Type of Appointment: Consultancy
Estimated Start Date: ASAP
Closing Date : 02 October 2026
Project Context and Scope
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports efforts to strengthen health systems and improve equitable access to healthcare in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These efforts contribute to reducing health vulnerabilities associated with displacement, mobility, and other drivers of forced and unsafe migration, while improving health outcomes among conflict-affected and underserved populations. Through its Migration Health Programme, IOM has implemented a range of health initiatives with BARMM that have contributed to strengthening local health systems and improving access to essential health services. As part of these efforts, IOM is implementing the Building Resilience through Inclusive Governance and Healthcare Transformation in BARMM (BRIGHT-BARMM) project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM), provincial governments, and city and municipal health systems to pursue key and cross-cutting health sector reforms. Specifically, BRIGHT-BARMM supports health system strengthening in the areas of governance and leadership, health financing, and health information systems to create a more enabling environment for the delivery of Safe Motherhood (SM), Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH), and Global Health Security (GHS) programmes.
Under the Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health component, BRIGHT-BARMM seeks to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and high-risk pregnancies through strengthened community engagement and social and behaviour change Communication (SBCC) interventions. Recognizing that improved maternal health outcomes require both quality services and increased demand for services, the project will promote positive health behaviours through culturally appropriate and community-based approaches.
A key activity under this component is the development of a Regional SBCC Strategy for Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health, informed by behavioural evidence, stakeholder consultation, and human-centred communication materials. Initial SBCC analysis and mapping of existing SBCC materials have been undertaken by the project team and will serve as an input to this consultancy.
With this, IOM seeks to engage a consultant to review, refine, and validate the draft comprehensive SBCC Analysis Report conducted by IOM and SBCC materials mapping, and translate the findings into a Regional SBCC Strategy and package of pilot-tested SBCC materials. The consultancy combines behavioural analysis, strategy development, material design, and pilot testing within a single engagement to ensure continuity from evidence generation to implementation. Throughout the process, the consultant will provide technical expertise to ensure that behavioural insights are translated into strategic priorities, audience-centred communication approaches, and practical communication tools that reflect the realities, needs, and sociocultural contexts of communities across BARMM. Ultimately, the consultancy aims to strengthen the promotion of positive maternal and reproductive health behaviours through evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and locally relevant SBCC interventions.
Under the overall guidance of the Head of Sub-Office in Cotabato City and the direct supervision of the National Migration Health Programme Coordinator, the consultant will provide technical guidance and advisory will support the validation of behavioural evidence, development of a Regional SBCC Strategy and finalise communication materials and tools to promote positive maternal health behaviours in BARMM. These outputs will strengthen the capacity of MOH-BARMM and the Integrated Provincial Health Offices (IPHOs) as well as local health units to plan and implement culturally appropriate, inclusive, and evidence-based maternal health communication interventions beyond the life of the project. All outputs shall align with applicable standards and guidance from DOH, MOH-BARMM, WHO, KOICA, and IOM, including Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), branding and visibility requirements, and IOM Data Protection Principles.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
IOM Migration Health Unit in Mindanao
Responsibilities
Tasks to be performed under this contract
The Category B Consultant will lead the review, refinement and validation of the draft comprehensive SBCC Analysis and SBCC materials mapping, and translate the validated findings into a Regional SBCC Strategy and a packaged of pilot-tested SBCC materials. The consultancy is output-based and payable in three instalments upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of deliverables, with a total contract value of Five Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos (PHP 540,000).
A. FIRST DELIVERABLE: Review, Refinement, and Validation of the SBCC Analysis Report and SBCC Materials Mapping
The consultant shall:
- Review and validate the findings of the draft comprehensive SBCC Analysis Report and the mapping of existing SBCC and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health, including an assessment of message content, cultural and religious appropriateness, language, literacy level, accessibility, and communication channel suitability.
- Finalize the comprehensive SBCC Analysis Report, including the evidence base, audience segmentation, prioritized behaviours, and key barriers and enablers across the individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and policy levels. This includes a proposed activity design for the Regional Consultation Workshop including facilitation guide, detailed agenda and workshop materials based on the report.
Deliverable outputs:
1. Finalized and validated comprehensive SBCC Analysis Report
2. Refined audience segmentation, priority behaviours, barriers, and enablers.
3. Validated mapping and assessment of existing SBCC/IEC materials, including recommendations for improvement.
4. Draft Regional Consultation Workshop Concept Note including facilitation guide, detailed agenda and workshop materials
Activities completed and all required deliverables submitted by email to IOM no later than 30 November 2026.
B. SECOND DELIVERABLE: Co-design Regional SBCC Strategy for Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health based on the comprehensive SBCC Analysis Report
The consultant shall:
- Prepare a draft Regional SBCC Strategy based on the results of the analysis report and in coordination with IOM, the MOH-BARMM Health Education and Promotion Office (HEPO), the Safe Motherhood Programme Focal and the Adolescent Health Development Programme Focal.
- Facilitate the two (2)-day Regional Consultation Workshop to validate the SBCC Analysis findings and co-design the Strategy providing technical guidance throughout the consultation process. This includes sessions on the Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health situation analysis, priority behaviours and barriers, communication objectives, audience segmentation, message development, communication channels, material development planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
- Produce a Workshop Documentation Report, including participant attendance, workshop proceedings, key decisions, areas of discussion and resolution, participant feedback, and other means of verification.
- Finalize the Regional SBCC Strategy, incorporating consolidated feedback from IOM, MOH-BARMM, and other relevant partners. The strategy shall include:
- Situational Analysis for Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health in BARMM;
- Strategic goals, and communication and behavioural objectives that are measurable and audience-specific;
- The strategic approach and behavioural framework, applying the Behavioural Drivers Model to link drivers to objectives and interventions;
- Priority behaviours, barriers, and drivers;
- Primary, secondary, and influencing audiences;
- Audience-specific messaging approaches, culturally and religiously appropriate to the Bangsamoro context and adapted to local languages and literacy levels;
- Recommended communication channels and SBCC interventions across the three levels of behaviour change communication, community and social mobilization, and advocacy;
- Recommended SBCC materials, including the five (5) prototype materials for development;
- Capacity-building requirements for implementers, including HEPO, IPHO focal, and frontline health workers;
- A monitoring and evaluation framework, including indicators, means of verification, and feedback and learning mechanisms; and
- Risks, assumptions, and measures for sustainability and institutionalization within MOH-BARMM.
Deliverable outputs:
1. Final Regional Consultation Workshop Concept Note, Facilitation Guide, Detailed Agenda and Workshop Materials, incorporating IOM/MOH comments.
2. Completion of two days Regional Consultation Workshop.
3. Consultation Workshop Documentation Report and means of verification (i.e. activity and workshop outputs, participants attendance, participants’ feedback, workshop materials).
4. Final Regional SBCC Strategy.
Activities completed and all required deliverables submitted by email to IOM no later than 31 January 2027.
C. THIRD DELIVERABLE: SBCC Technical Content and Communication Materials, Pilot Testing, and Handover
The consultant shall:
- Develop/refine the technical content and draft communication materials for five (5) SBCC/IEC materials based on the approved Regional SBCC Strategy. This may include key messages, scripts, content outlines, communication guidelines, and technical specifications for SBBC materials such as printed materials, audio-visual materials, advocacy tools, and counselling or community volunteer job aid. Where appropriate, existing materials may be adapted and enhanced rather than developing entirely new materials.
- Develop content based on the agreed behavioural objectives and key messages, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), dialogue scripts, success stories, safe motherhood tips, integration of Islamic values, and endorsements from influential religious leaders, where appropriate.
- Submit the draft technical content and communication materials for technical, religious, and branding review and clearance by IOM, the MOH-BARMM Health Education and Promotion Office (HEPO), the Safe Motherhood Programme Focal and Adolescent Health and Development Program Focal.
- Develop pilot-testing tools and conduct four (4) provincial feedback sessions, one in each target province in Maguindanao del Sur and del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Special Geographic Areas, in coordination with IPHO HEPO focal points. Each session shall engage approximately twelve (12) participants drawn from mothers, adolescents, male decision-makers, non-readers, community leaders, and Muslim Religious Leaders.
- Facilitate structured pilot-testing sessions to assess message comprehension, cultural and religious appropriateness, relevance to the intended audience, acceptability of the materials, and suitability of the proposed communication channels. Feedback mechanisms shall be accessible to non-readers, and safeguarding measures shall be applied where adolescents participate.
- Analyse pilot-testing findings and develop recommendations for improvement and adapting the technical content, messages, scripts and communication approach.
- Produce an SBCC Materials Pilot Testing Report documenting the methodology, participant profile, findings by audience group and province, and revisions recommended for each prototype.
- Revise and finalize all five (5) SBCC/IEC materials based on pilot-testing results and stakeholder feedback.
- Conduct a one (1)-day orientation for MOH-BARMM, HEPO, IPHO focal points, and IOM staff on the use, key messages, target audiences, and appropriate adaptation of the SBCC materials.
- Submit a Final Consultancy Report and Handover Package.
Deliverable Outputs:
1. Five (5) draft and pilot-tested SBCC/IEC materials.
2. Pilot-testing tools and completion of four (4) provincial pilot-testing sessions.
3. SBCC Materials Pilot Testing Report, including findings and recommendations.
4. Five (5) finalized SBCC/IEC materials incorporating stakeholder feedback.
5. Orientation Completion Report for MOH-BARMM, IPHO, HEPO, and IOM personnel.
6. Final Consultancy Report and Handover Package.
Activities completed and all required deliverables submitted by email to IOM no later than 30 March 2027.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The Consultant’s performance will be assessed based on the timely completion, quality, and comprehensiveness of the agreed deliverables, as well as the effectiveness of technical assistance, stakeholder coordination, and documentation and reporting.
Performance Evaluation Criteria:
Performance will be evaluated against the following criteria:
Evaluation Area
Weight / Assessment Criteria
Technical Assistance
60% – Quality, relevance, technical soundness, and practical applicability of technical guidance and assistance provided under the consultancy
Documentation and Reporting
30% – Quality, comprehensiveness, accuracy, and timeliness of deliverables, progress documentation, reports, guidance materials, and other knowledge products.
Coordination, Liaison, and Stakeholder Engagement
10% – Effectiveness of coordination, liaison, facilitation, and engagement with IOM staff and relevant national, regional, provincial, and local government stakeholders and partners.
In addition to the above weighted criteria, the Supervisor will consider:
- Relevance of planning, organization, and timeliness in managing and delivering agreed outputs;
- Quality and comprehensiveness of all deliverables (reflecting the cultural practices, languages, and literacy levels of migrant and mobile populations, ensuring messages are relevant and accessible);
- Quality and effectiveness of mentoring sessions, technical discussions, and interactions with IOM staff and key government stakeholders;
- Responsiveness to feedback and satisfactory incorporation of comments from IOM, MOH-BARMM, and relevant stakeholders into the final outputs.
- Feedback from relevant stakeholders on the quality and usefulness of the Consultant’s work and outputs; and
- Contribution to the achievement of project objectives in BARMM, including strengthened operational and institutional capacity, application of technical knowledge, sustainability of project-supported investments, and effective health service delivery.
Payment shall be made upon satisfactory completion, submission, and acceptance by IOM of the corresponding deliverables indicated above.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s or Higher degree in Public Health, Social and Behaviour Change, Development Communication, Health Promotion, Sociology, Anthropology, or any related field from an accredited academic institution with seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
- Advanced knowledge and proven experience in social and behaviour change, development for communication, health promotion, and maternal, reproductive or adolescent health.
Experience
- Application of behavioural frameworks, including the socio-ecological model, COM-B, Behaviour Centred Design, and human-centred design;
- Behavioural or formative analysis, including audience segmentation, barrier analysis, and qualitative methods (KIIs and FGDs);
- Design and co-facilitation of multi-stakeholder consultation workshops involving government counterparts, religious authorities, and community representatives;
- Development, packaging, and design of IEC materials for audiences including non-readers, comprising print and audio or audio-visual components;
- Pilot testing or pre-testing of communication materials with community audiences;
- Integration of Islamic values into health messaging and engagement of Dar’ul Ifta or Muslim Religious Leaders on health topics would be an asset.
- Experience working in complex health system environments, preferably in the Philippines or similar contexts, and strong understanding of migration.
- Prior working experience with the International Organization, UN, Development Organization, National, and BARMM government is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with the issues, policies, structure, and context of the Global and Philippines on public health is a must.
Skills
- Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and creative direction skills are required to translate evidence into audience-ready materials and to build capacity among health staff at various system levels effectively.
Languages
For this consultancy, Fluency in English and Filipino is required. Working knowledge of local languages such as Maguindanaon and Maranao is an advantage; where the consultant engages a team, the team must include native speakers of the languages of the target provinces and female facilitators for sessions with mothers and adolescent girls.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
How to apply
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.
APPLY HERE: CON 2026 047 | Social Behaviour Change Communication Strategy and Materials Development Consultant – IOM Careers​​
Interested applicants should attach the following in their applications: resume and cover letter.