Social Behaviour Change Communication Strategy and Materials Development Consultant

Organizational context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. Within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), IOM supports health system strengthening through the BRIGHT-BARMM project, funded by KOICA. This project aims to improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes by enhancing local health capacities and promoting positive health behaviors through community engagement and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions.

Job purpose:

This consultancy aims to strengthen the promotion of positive maternal and reproductive health behaviors in BARMM through evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and locally relevant SBCC interventions. The consultant will review and validate existing SBCC analysis and materials mapping, then translate these findings into a Regional SBCC Strategy and a package of pilot-tested communication materials. The role involves providing technical expertise to ensure behavioral insights are translated into strategic priorities and practical communication tools. The outputs will build the capacity of the Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM) and local health units to implement effective maternal health communication beyond the project's lifespan, aligning with national and international standards.

The consultant will lead the development of a Regional SBCC Strategy and communication materials for Safe Motherhood and Adolescent Reproductive Health in BARMM.

Key responsibilities include:

• reviewing and validating SBCC analysis and materials mapping;
• finalizing the SBCC Analysis Report with audience segmentation and prioritized behaviors;
• co-designing the Regional SBCC Strategy through stakeholder consultations;
• developing and pilot-testing five SBCC/IEC materials;
• analyzing pilot-testing feedback to refine materials;
• conducting an orientation for MOH-BARMM and IOM staff on material usage;
• and submitting a final consultancy report and handover package.

The consultant will ensure all outputs are culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and aligned with project objectives and stakeholder requirements.

Education:

A Master’s or higher degree in Public Health, Social and Behaviour Change, Development Communication, Health Promotion, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field is required, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Advanced knowledge and proven experience in social and behaviour change, development communication, health promotion, and maternal/reproductive/adolescent health are essential.

Work experience:

Required experience includes applying behavioral frameworks (e.g., socio-ecological model, COM-B), conducting behavioral analysis and formative research, designing and co-facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops, developing and pilot-testing communication materials for diverse audiences, and integrating cultural/religious values into health messaging. Experience in complex health systems, preferably in the Philippines, and familiarity with public health issues are crucial. Prior work with international organizations is highly desirable.

Skills:

Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills are essential for translating evidence into audience-ready materials and building capacity among health staff. Creative direction skills are also required to effectively develop and refine communication strategies and materials.

Required languages:

English