Social Behaviour Change (SBC) is a priority at Sightsavers as a contribution to delivering our thematic strategies and programmes in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), disability inclusion, eye health, inclusive education and refractive error.

Our SBC staff aim to provide high quality and effective social behaviour change technical support and leadership to programmes across Sightsavers global portfolio, with three priorities:

• Prevention and treatment of priority diseases
• Increasing use of inclusive health and education services and products
• Reducing disability stigma

Sightsavers is committed to deliver SBC interventions that are inclusive and accessible for all people.

As a result of a growing portfolio of SBC work in both the NTDs and Programmes departments, we seek an experienced social and behaviour change analyst to support our work to scale up the quality and impact of social behaviour change interventions.

Sightsavers is a lead implementing partner for the multi donor funded Reaching the Last Mile Programme, aimed at elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. As part of this programme, the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is funding a programme called ELFA: Eliminating LF in Africa. In Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda, ELFA funding will support social behaviour change approaches to promote uptake of mass drug administration, support healthy behaviours to reduce risk of disease transmission, and address stigma and discrimination. This is particularly important as countries approach elimination and our focus turns from ensuring uptake of mass drug administration to awareness and update of essential LF patient care services – including hydrocele surgeries and lymphedema management. Specifically, this consultancy will focus on design and technical support to the SBC activities in Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda.

We’re seeking an experienced social scientist to lead and support social, and behaviour change analysis, research, and strategy development and support for the delivery of that strategy for the three countries. The consultant will work with our country specific SBC Technical Advisors, Sightsavers global SBC team, Sightsavers country office staff, National NTD programmes and Ministries of Health, and other stakeholders to lead and support social behaviour change analysis, research, and strategy development.

Principle accountabilities will include:

• Provide technical advice and support to country office staff and partners on social and behaviour change field research and analysis in new and ongoing projects, working in close collaboration with other members of the SBC team and thematic leads.
• Support the collaboration and coordination with interdepartmental teams, with a focus on cross-departmental SBC programs, research, MEL and communications design teams.
• Contribute towards the planning and facilitation of co-creation and design exercises for ELFA SBC programs.
• In coordination with other team members contribute to the capture and dissemination of ELFA SBC learning, research, innovation and communications agenda.
• Participation in internal and external meetings and workshops to validate findings and share experiences

The principal accountabilities listed above are not meant to be an exhaustive list of tasks. The consultant will be expected to be flexible and carry out any other related duties that are within the consultant’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Deliverables:

1. Literature Review: Conduct a quick review of existing research and case studies related to social and behavioural change related to LF with a focus on the target countries. Identify key theories, models, and successful interventions that can inform the co-creation workshop to develop the SBC plan.

2. Lead the design and development of field assessment and ethnographic protocols and their implementation

3. Coordinate and participate in data collection and analysis

4. Develop a standardised analysis and insights approach which can be used by Sightsavers to inform ELFA SBC interventions and programme design.

5. Behavioural Insights: Utilize behavioural science principles to understand the motivations and triggers that influence the target population's behaviours. Identify potential leverage points for change.

Please see the Terms of Reference for further details.

• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field (social and/or behavioural research methods, public health, social or behaviour sciences or research methods etc)
• Good knowledge of different social science and/or anthropological research and analysis paradigms and methods, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches;
• Knowledge of current issues and best practice in social and behaviour change research and analysis in the international development sector, including frameworks, approaches and methods
• Demonstrable experience with social and behavioural field research and analysis techniques and the development of insights to be used in SBC intervention design
• Experience of managing social and behavioural research and/or analysis, preferably in the areas of health and/or disability.
• Preferable experience in using participatory and inclusive methodologies for research and analysis, including planning, designing and delivering final reports
• A high level of oral and writing skills in English (French skills desirable but not essential)
• Excellent analytical thinking and ability to convert social and behavioural research into practical programmatic insights.
• Ability to collect data using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of cross-functional teams.
• Strong ability to develop and adapt programming guidance tools and other resources materials.
• Ability to influence others and communicate effectively.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and the inclusion of marginalised groups.
• The ability to travel

In the expression of interest, the consultant should outline a clear proposal with timelines and level of effort to complete deliverables 1-5 from the TOR. It is anticipated that the consultant will work full time and will be contracted according to an agreed upon plan. Tasks will be agreed upon before commencement of the agreement. Payment will be made based on deliverables. Payment for services will be made pending submission of an invoice and approved completed deliverable, up to a maximum equivalent of 120 billable days during the period of performance.

Interviews will be held w/c 9 December (probably on Friday 13 December) and business/ safeguarding references will be required for each participating consultant before an agreement is signed.