UNICEF - Consultancy Assignment, Health and Hygiene Promotion (HHP) Approaches for Namibia- UNICEF Namibia

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Health and Hygiene Promotion Approaches for Namibia Technical Assistance

1. Summary

2. Justification and Background

Access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation and knowledge of sanitation hygiene practices are particularly critical to both the survival and the early development of the child. These are closely linked to nutrition standards and responses, and to the prevention of infant and young child illnesses that come within the main causes of child mortality and morbidity. Access to water supply and sanitation services (WSSS) is also critical for community health standards for both adults and children and particularly those affected by sensitive illnesses such as HIV and AIDS.

Though MDG targets for water access have been achieved, the situation for sanitation remains of considerable concern for both urban and rural areas. With just 49 per cent of the urban population having an improved sanitation facility and 17 per cent among rural population in 2013 (Namibian Demographic and Health Survey 2013), and one in five people in urban areas (20 per cent) practicing open defecation, it is a substantial threat to child and community health standards, especially as urban area represents a growing population. Over the same period, there has been only a small increase in improved sanitation across rural communities such that, by 2013, 76 per cent of these communities still practiced open defecation. The proportion of people practicing open defecation in Namibia is around 48% (Joint Monitoring Programme Report 2014, WHO/UNICEF). This is one of the highest in the world and the second highest proportion in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAR) after Somalia.

Poor sanitation is one of the leading causes of stunting as well as under-five morbidity and mortality in Namibia. Consequently, the elimination of open defecation (EOD) must incorporate strategies to encourage behaviour change in terms of sanitation practices, water use and personal hygiene, particularly handwashing. A range of complementary strategies is therefore needed. For example, the Communications Strategy for eliminating Open Defecation in Namibia (ODFN Strategy) has been developed using formative research findings from 2013/14. The strategy builds on the National Sanitation Strategy (NSS) (2010-2015).

A formative research was conducted in 2013 to gather background evidence that informed the development of the overall goal of the ODFN Strategy. The ODFN Strategy aims to raise awareness and understanding about sanitation and hygiene issues and initiatives contributing to hygiene behaviour change throughout the country. Evidence of existing social norms, attitudes and practices is needed to inform the development of appropriate mobilisation and communication strategies.

This consultancy is required to undertake a desk review of good HHP approaches that have been developed and tested elsewhere and an assessment carried out of how these maybe adapted for use in different regions in Namibia. By conducting an assessment survey of the effectiveness and appropriateness of health and hygiene promotion approaches that have been implemented in Namibia, an analysis of good practices and lessons learnt should result in a recommended harmonised approach to support development of effective messaging and channeling advocacy and behaviour change efforts to eliminate open defecation and increase rates of handwashing with soap. The survey findings will be used as baseline for monitoring implementation of HHP interventions.

3. Description of the Assignment

3.1 Global Objective

The overall objective is to develop a common approach to Health and Hygiene Promotion (HHP) for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) that will be applicable in all contexts and reach consensus among key stakeholders for common messages and communication materials aimed at eliminating open defecation. It will also contribute to define and conceptualise Namibian Approach to Total Sanitation.

3.2 Specific Objective(s)

The specific objectives of this assignment include:

• To carry out desk review and in-depth assessment of existing (HHP) approaches in Namibia.

• To document the best practices of HHP approaches that have been developed and tested elsewhere that maybe applicable for future use in Namibia.

• To develop a common approach (Namibian Approach to Total Sanitation) in HHP for key stakeholders in the WATSAN sector.

• To prepare a costed implementation plan to take the recommendations from the assignment, to incorporate all forms of communication and media developments in line with the ODFN Strategy.

3.3 Requested Services

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Directorate for Water Supply and Sanitation Coordination (DWSSC) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF) and also reporting to the Chief of Child Health and Nutrition, UNICEF with guidance from the HHP Taskforce, the technical expert is expected to perform the following tasks:

3.3.1 Assist the DWSSC through the HHP Taskforce and within the context of NSS, the ODFN Strategy, International commitments made by the Republic of the Government of Namibia and National Human Rights WATSAN action plan by:

1. Carrying out a detailed review of good HHP approaches that have been developed and tested in all regions in Namibia, by engaging particularly with HHP Taskforce representatives. For example, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, examine the alternative interventions used to implement School Health and Hygiene programmes, including further application of WASH activities for scaling up sanitation coverage and promoting sustainable hygiene behaviour changes in schools;

2. Establish a close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Services particularly relating to WASH HHP within the wider application of health promotion in Namibia;

3. Use and compare the findings of the situation analysis carried out to inform the ODFN Strategy when carrying out this assignment, and other knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practice (KABP) surveys and monitoring reports that may have been conducted recently in Namibia;

4. Engage with cross sectoral key stakeholders through alternative intervention opportunities such as during parenting, at early learning centres and at schools and any variations found in different parts of Namibia;

5. Develop details of a recommended common approach to Namibian HHP interventions based on assessment findings;

6. Prepare a costed development plan to take the recommendations from the assignment, to incorporate all forms of communication and media developments in line with the ODFN Strategy;

7. Assessing HHP interventions practices within SADC region and compile a menu of approaches for references by the key stakeholders.

Other key reference documents that will provide background information include the HHP Scoping Concept Note (2015) prepared by the HHP Taskforce and the Public and Environmental Health Act No. 1 of 2015 which refers to HHP responsibilities particularly in urban areas. It should be noted that all HHP approaches should link water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion.

The technical expert will be based in the MAWF- DWSSC Head and collaborate with Regional DWSSC offices which will assist in the interaction and communication of lessons learnt and other findings throughout the assignment.

4. Deliverables and Timeline

4. Expertise Required

4.1 The Technical Expert and Number of Person-days

The position will be filled by one technical expert, for up to a maximum of 50 working days, between 1 March 2016 and 10 May 2016.

4.2 Profile of the Technical Expert

The Technical Expert must have proven expertise in sanitation technology, including practical application of WASH, PHAST, CLTS principles and other health and hygiene promotion participatory methodologies used in different contexts that are similar to those found in different parts of Namibia. He/she will have the responsibility for all the required outputs.

The technical expert should be able to demonstrate their competence in the following:

• At least a Master degree in a relevant field (e.g. social science applied to WASH), or alternatively a Honours Degree in the same area;

• At least six (6) years practical experience for a Master Degree, and a minimum of eight (8) years for lower degrees;

• Experience of carrying out desk studies and the analysis of information collected as part of past assignments;

• Experience with preference in the implementation of a range of HHP approaches in Namibia applied particularly to sanitation but in the wider context of WASH. Experience used elsewhere that is relevant to Namibian conditions would also be advantageous;

• Familiarity and proven material development experience with WASH, PHAST, CLTS and other relevant approaches;

• Experience with self-build approaches in infrastructure will be a distinct advantage;

• Demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity, interpersonal skills, team working skills and negotiation skills;

• Computer literacy, excellent report writing skills and ability to produce quality documents;

• Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken), while mastering any of the other languages spoken in Namibia would be an asset;

• Valid driving licence is highly recommended.

5. Location and Duration of the Assignment

5.1 Duration

The expert will work for a maximum of 50 days between 1 March 2016 and 10 May 2016. The days during weekends and national public holidays when the expert is in the place of the assignment may be considered to be working days by prior arrangement by UNICEF/or DWSSC.

5.2 Planning

Based on the inception report, the detailed planning (list of activities, time table, events, results and deliverable) for the assignment will be refined and/or further detailed, in close coordination with the Director- DWSSC guided by the HHP taskforce.

5.3 Location of Assignment

The assignment will be based in Windhoek, with frequent field missions to selected parts of Namibia, whenever required with the approval of the Director (DWSSC).

5.4 Office Accommodation

DWSSC will provide a full serviced office within the MAWF office block at Government Park in Windhoek to include a desk, chairs, storage and filing facilities, a functional telephone for official calls within Namibia, internet services and a laser colour printer. Access to a photocopier will be provided. The technical expert will be responsible for the provision and use of his personal equipment, including a full serviceable laptop with appropriate up-to-date software, scanner and mobile phone.

6. Reporting

6.1 Language

All written communications and reports must be presented in English.

6.2 Record Keeping

The technical expert will keep a daily record of his/her individual assignment (time sheet) that will be countersigned by the Director-DWSSC. A schedule of regular feedback and discussion sessions with DWSSC and the HHP taskforce will be maintained and should be provided for within the work plan incorporated in the inception report.

6.3 References

A full list of relevant references will be given to the technical expert at the first briefing meeting held at the commencement of the assignment.

-WSASP 2008

- NSSP 2009

-Communication Strategy to eliminate OD in Namibia 2014

-Harmonization of HHP Approaches in Namibia: A Scoping Concept Note 2014

-Document on CLTS and PHAST Approaches

6.5 Expression of interest

Qualified and interested candidates are requested to submit their motivation/cover letters enclosing their latest CVs, expected fees, the completed Performance History (P11) form and certified copies of qualifications. Applications through e-mails can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope, Attention Mr. Saidu Bai-Kamara, Operations Manager, UN House, 38-44 Stein Street, Klein Windhoek (Tel +264 61 204 6111/6235), which must reach UNICEF Namibia by closing date of Friday, 12 February 2016.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Attachments:

Namibia Technical Assistance on Health and Hygiene Promotion Final TOR.DOC	[ ]	95 kB
Namibia Technical Assistance on Health and Hygiene Promotion Final TOR.PDF	[ ]	300 kB
Staff members - Personal History Form UN P 11 -UNICEF version.doc	[ ]	115 kB