BACKGROUND

The “Survey of salt levels in street foods and strategic communication to strengthen salt reduction action in Malaysia” project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the George Institute for Global Health Sydney Australia, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Office in Malaysia, through a competitive international research grant.

The objective of the program grant is to strengthen Malaysia’s salt reduction strategy by comprehensively analyzing salt levels in street foods with a view to:

1. Accelerate mandatory sodium labelling
2. Create awareness on salt reduction among Malaysians through an extensive communication strategy
3. Engage food industry in reformulation efforts

The MEL activities performed under this contract fall under Objective (b) of the LINKS Salt Reduction Project as mentioned above.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The primary purpose of this contract is to implement the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan for the Salt Reduction Behavioral Change Communication Strategy, which was developed in 2021.  This is part of the wider Malaysia LINKS Salt Reduction Project: ‘Survey of salt levels in street foods and strategic communication to strengthen salt reduction action in Malaysia’.

The specific objectives are:

a) To conduct a baseline study of the public's current perception and practice of salt reduction and the communication of salt reduction messages.

b)  To conduct a pilot study of the media and communication tools produced for the salt reduction program.

c)  To monitor the media and school engagement programs.

d)  To produce a preliminary, mid-term and final evaluation of the salt communication strategies.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The selected contractor will work for the WHO Country Office in Malaysia, the Non-Communicable Section of the MOH Malaysia and relevant stakeholders to perform monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities of the behavioural change communication campaign to reduce the population salt intake in Malaysia.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

• • Lead and implement the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan.
• • Undertake periodic assessments and analyses of the Social Behavioural Communications Program as it is being implemented.
• • Monitor and track behaviour change and salt reduction awareness levels among the target population.
• • Provide feedback at regular intervals to the Technical Working Group for the Survey of Salt Levels in Street Foods meetings.

Deliverables

Output 1: The implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning plan.

• • Deliverable 1.1: To produce a baseline study report of the target populations current perception and practice of salt reduction and the communication of salt reduction messages.
• • Deliverable 1.2: To produce a report from the pilot study of the media and communication tools produced for the salt reduction program and provide feedback to inform any necessary adjustments to the communications tools.
• • Deliverable 1.3: To produce a monitoring report of the media and school engagement programs.

Output 2: Reports submitted.

• • Deliverable 2.1: To produce preliminary and mid-term evaluation reports.
• • Deliverable 2.2: To produce and submit the final evaluation report.

Output 3: Presentation of the findings from the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning plan.

• • Deliverable 3.1: Facilitate the delivery of a presentation session to disseminate the key findings identified through the implementation of the MEL plan to help inform future opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

University degree in related field. An advanced degree (Master level or above) in related field is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• • A minimum of 2 to 5 years of undertaking Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) related to social and behaviour change.
• • Proven track record in publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required
2. Intermediate/Expert knowledge of Bahasa Melayu and English languages
3. Strong research and report writing skills

LANGUAGES

Proficient in written and spoken Bahasa Melayu and English

(Read - Write - Speak / Expert or Intermediate)

COMPETENCIES

• • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• • Moving forward in a changing environment
• • Ensuring the effective use of resources
• • Fostering Integration and teamwork
• • Communication in a credible and effective way

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• • Duration of contract is 4.5 months starting February 2022
• • For local applicants only

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 13 February 2022. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 165844 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.