Project Background
The USAID-funded Western Kenya Sanitation Project (USAID WSKP) is a five-year project that aims to create a financially sustainable, transformative, replicable, and locally owned sanitation marketplace in eight target counties of Western Kenya – Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya.
Goals and objectives
The overall goal of the project is to create a financially sustainable, transformative, replicable, and locally owned sanitation marketplace in the target counties of western Kenya. Ultimately, customers must be willing and able to pay for the products and services—a key point being to eliminate any need for subsidies or donor support. The objectives to achieve this goal are (1) increased access to and uptake of market-based improved sanitation and fecal sludge management products and services, (2) increased access to and uptake of market-based improved menstrual hygiene management products and services at the household level, and (3) strengthened policy and regulatory environments and increased capacity of county government officials to effect lasting change in sanitation management.
Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to facilitate interactive processes with contracted radio stations, community health promoters and communities, using developed tailored messaging and approaches that enable and encourage positive behaviours and promote individual, community, and societal behaviour change. This means supporting the USAID WKSP MHM SBCC campaigns and strategies that promote sanitation management and improved MHM products and services. The goal of the assignment is to support the roll-out of Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) campaigns and strategies that promote sanitation management and improved MHM products and services. One position based in Busia, covering Bungoma, and another based in Migori, covering Kisii.
Responsibilities
In collaboration with the USAID WKSP Communications Director, the Communications Field Assistants are expected to:
- Radio Program Tracking: Coordinate with contracted radio stations in Busia, Bungoma, Migori, and Kisii counties to plan talk-shows as per the agreed schedule and as contracted. Track all presenter mentions and any other promotional activities by radio station for SBCC MHM. Monitor broadcast quality and clarity for listeners.
- Media monitoring: Scan public information on print or digital platforms looking for key issues raised on MHM, as aligned to the SBCC campaign – and submit weekly brief report on (a) audience reception of the MHM messages on radio programmes – especially with feedback from social media, call-ins and SMS to the radio launch, (b) identify public influencers who can be engaged for continued media dialogue on MHM, (c) raise alert to protect brand reputation, and (d) investigate and inform USAID WKSP of other potential opportunities for media engagement.
- Community Engagement: Attend (randomly) radio listening groups to understand the dynamics of listening as a group and report to USAID WKSP on any adjustments needed. Hold check-in/feedback sessions with Ward PHOs on community engagement in radio listening – discuss ways to improve sessions.
QualificationsRequirements and Qualifications USAID WKSP Is Looking To Work With Candidates With
- At least Diploma in Communications, Media, Public Relations, Social Work, Development Studies, Counseling, Sociology, or other fields relevant for the consultancy.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience in working with community activities and county governments.
- Demonstrated experience in monitoring and reporting community-based activities, especially in menstrual hygiene management and sanitation.
- Proven strategic ability to see opportunities, design innovative approaches backed by strong analysis and planning, to advance the USAID WKSP SBCC agenda.
- Have a strong sense for messaging, themes and techniques that resonate with the messaging for menstrual hygiene management and sanitation.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams, including virtually – and with women, girls, persons with disabilities, and has a keen eye on contemporary issues of climate change and innovation for improved sanitation and hygiene.
Contractual Terms
The two months assignment will be hybrid (in-person at said counties, select check-in meetings at USAID WKSP office in Kisumu, and virtual). The consultants will receive a monthly fee which will be defined based on desirables. The consultants must be in possession of all the equipment and software.
