C Y Gopinath

C Y Gopinath ! Address 117 (12C6) Witthayu Complex Wireless Road, Makassan Bangkok 10400 Thailand. email-Cell and WhatsApp - skype cygopi ! CAREER SUMMARY The main body of my work has been in providing hands-on regional leadership, support, and strategic direction in communication and advocacy for promoting behavioral change at the social, familial and individual levels. This has encompassed Social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) strategy design, including formative assessments and situation analysis, capacity building, intervention design, documentation and evaluation. In addition, internal and external communication, and the development of institutional image have been core activities of my work over the last 15 years, in Africa and the Asia Pacific. Sexual and reproductive health has been a stable theme in all my work, and most-at-risk populations (MRPs) and youth have been the most persistent of the audiences I have worked. The issues on which I have helped design SBCC strategies include HIV and AIDS, malaria, TB, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, safe abortion, avian influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. My high-level hands-on skills include video film direction and editing; graphic design and documentation; project management; ICT, channel mixing and social media strategy design; formative assessments; intervention design; capacity building in SBCC ; and curriculum design. I have led medium-sized (up to 20) multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams in project work. I have deep experience working with donors in projects funded by USAID, CDC, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among others, and have worked with PSI, FHI360, PATH, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, FAO and ILO. ! I am currently based in Bangkok, and work as an independent communication and advocacy consultant in all the areas mentioned above. SKILLS Social Behavioral Communication strategy design: Since 2000, I have designed over 15 SBCC strategies for countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and in India. Most recently, in 2014, I developed Changing the ground, a plan to engage Botswana communities and their headmen in bringing HIV incidence down to zero. The strategy has become the flagship of Botswana’s approach to AIDS control and been singled out by the President in my State of the Nation speech. In 2011, I developed Seeing around corners, a communication strategy framework against emerging infectious diseases for countries of the Asia-Pacific, which has now been adopted by ASEAN and SAARC. Between 2000 and 2008, I led strategic thinking and institutional capacity building within PATH, a US not-for-profit, around its core competency in communication for so- C Y GOPINATH 2 ! OF ! 9 cial change. For projects, I have worked with government and communities to develop national communication strategies in Kenya and Eritrea against HIV/AIDS, and TB, family health, adolescent reproductive health, maternal and child health, and safe abortion. I have designed and implemented multi-media campaigns against child labor and gender-based violence in India. Capacity development: I have developed SBCC training methodologies that take into account the knowledge and skill degradation that typically happens during cascade training, including a practicum period for field work between two rounds of training, and peer-to-peer mentoring. I have also created tools and processes that use Naturalized Role play for delivering technical information to non-technical audiences, and building SBCC knowledge and skills among MRP, government-level officials, low-literacy communities, service providers, health workers and program staff. Making new knowledge accessible, working within local culture and world views, and minimizing inter-cultural intrusiveness while enhancing interactivity and community participation have been the hallmarks of my work. I have worked with UNICEF in India to build media capacity to respond to and cover children’s issues. Curriculum design: In 1998, I developed innovative research methodologies for exploring the sexual vulnerabilities of deaf adolescent Indians, a highly diverse group with no uniting sign language, and developed the first ever non-verbal sexual and reproductive health behavior change curriculum for them. In 2007, I led a team to conduct an evaluation of the Malaria Community Competency process that had been rolled out over 12 African countries, and analyzed where it was successfully bringing social and behavioral change within communities, and the key contributing factors of that success. Formative Assessment: Formative Assessments and Situation Analyses have been inherently part of the more than dozen SBCC strategies I have designed in my professional career so far. My data gathering methods have ranged from traditional focus group discussions and key informant interviews to innovative tools that I have designed to mine information from hard-toreach groups and challenged groups such as deaf youth. While exploring intimate and confidential areas such as sexual behavior, health and sexuality, in addition to traditional methods, I have used processes based on Naturalized Role Play (NRP), which are highly effective in generating spontaneous responses within controlled settings. Exploring the sexual vulnerability of urban deaf Indian youth, a formative assessment among deaf Indian youth used many such methods. Graphic design and publishing: The design, production and dissemination of communication materials has been a long-standing component of Gopinath’s professional life across multiple jobs. This has included bulletins, house journals, technical papers and research reports, posters, brochures, training manuals, and also video documentation (covered in greater detail below). Television and radio programming: I has developed innovative formats for radio soap operas integrated with other community interventions to promote dialogue and behavior change around HIV and AIDS. The radio show, Kati Yetu, aired in Kenya as a part of the IMPACT project. I has also scripted, directed and edited TV political satire for Indian television, in a show called Nothing Serious. Film-making: I has scripted, directed, and edited several video films documenting processes and outcomes of communication, including rabies control in Bali, farming practices in Viet Nam, the use of SMS to control avian influenza in Bangladesh, behavior change interventions in Kenya (HIV and AIDS), and Nepal (safe abortion). I is thoroughly conversant with film editing and music C Y GOPINATH ! OF 9 3 ! production software, and edits my own movies. Intervention design: I have developed new SBCC dialogue tools, processes and simulations for interpersonal communication, including Magnet Theatre, Figureheads, Splash!, and Storytelling. I worked with deaf adolescent youth in India to develop an innovative reproductive health and HIV/AIDS curriculum that taught Advertising: I served for five years as creative director of India’s largest international advertising agency, Lowe-Lintas. In my capacity, I managed major international brands of Unilever and also led and managed a team of nearly 20 creative staff. I have built some of India’s largest household brands, and has a sound knowledge of branding and image building. I have extensive hands-on and leadership experience in communication media, including radio, television, filmmaking, advertising, and print. Journalism and media relations: I owned and managed Sol Features, a cooperative of journalists and communication professionals interested in social change through communication. I have conducted national media training in children’s issues for Unicef in India. I have written extensively on wildlife conservation in India, and have a strong interest in the area. ! Activism: In 1993, I led a team of journalists in Bombay to experiment with forms of writing and media use that could lead to social transformation, in collaboration with the Indian Express newspaper. One of the projects conducted here started with an ad in 1991 seeking responses who stood against gender-based violence, and led to the formation after two years to India’s first NGO dedicated to working with men to prevent gender-based violence. The group is called Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) and remains active today. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE National AIDS Coordinating Agency, Botswana Jan 24-to May 30, 2018 SBCC Consultant Developed a National SBCC for the prevention of HIV among adolescents and young people in Botswana. The purpose of the strategy, called WATCH (Working with Adolescents and Young People to Combat HIV/AIDS) is to guide and support the coordination and implementation of effective behavior change communication interventions. More specifically the objectives of this 34-day consultancy are to conduct a situation analysis and map potential opportunities and platforms to implement SBCC based on available data; and facilitate the development of a national, evidence-based, integrated and operational SBCC Strategy for prevention of HIV among adolescents and young people !including a separate monitoring and evaluation plan). The consultancy is expected to be completed by end-March LINKAGES, FHI360, Washington DC Nov 1, 2016 to Sep 30, 2017 Communication Consultant Developing SBCC strategies for Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Suriname in the Caribbean that are implementing the LINKAGES program with MRPs, and also working with the global LINKAGES team to provide technical support, capacity development, and materials and resources to other countries globally working on LINKAGES. C Y GOPINATH !4 OF ! 9 National AIDS Coordinating Agency, Botswana Jan 23 to Feb 14, 2016 Communication Consultant Conducted evaluation of first phase implementation of CATCH (Communities Acting Together to Control HIV), the programmatic approach to creating community agency against HIV that I had developed for them in 2013. Based on the evaluation and several issues identified, I made recommendations for Phase 2 and also long-term guidance for sustainability. The CATCH methodology has now been adopted by the government of Botswana as its flagship approach towards controlling HIV and singled out by the President in my 2015 State of the Nation Speech. PATH Viet Nam, Mar 9, 2015 to Sep 30, 2015 Communication Consultant Provided technical assistance to support the finalization of a Behavior Change Communication Strategy of Healthy Markets projects to increase demand for condoms and other HIV-related goods and services among key populations facing the greatest HIV risks. Developed BCC strategy and design of interventions in BCC and social media. International Labour Organization (ILO) Bangladesh •Feb to August 2015 Communication Consultant Developed a strategic approach to building collaboration between media and garment workers/ trade unions in Bangladesh by facilitating a collaborative and discussive process that helped identify areas of mutual agreement, needs and concern. Identified a core group of media and trade union persons interested in collaborating in increasing visibility for garment workers’ issues. Conducted key informant interviews with different stakeholders and developed a brochure called Difficult Lives, documenting the challenges and plights of garment workers in Bangladesh. UNAIDS Thailand May 30, 2014 to Jul 15, 2014 Communication Consultant Developed individual profiles of 12 cities in the Southeast Asia and South Asia region, to represent a quick factual sketch of their HIV and AIDS epidemics, as well as the scope and texture of their responses and achievements under their mayors. Designed posters, booklet and data UN Food & Agriculture Organization, Region of Asia and the Pacific Dec 12, 2009 to Jan 7, 2015 Regional Communication Coordinator Developed Seeing around corners, a regional communication strategy framework against infectious diseases in the Asia-Pacific. SAARC and ASEAN have adopted the framework and are currently helping countries here develop national strategies based on it. Leading regional, crossborder advocacy initiatives in promoting One Health and action against emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in collaboration with regional partners; developing new tools, processes and paradigms for communicating technical information on EIDs to communities at risk; designing and producing in-house communication including newsletters; designing and producing exter- C Y GOPINATH ! OF 9 5 ! nal visibility materials including video films, technical brochures, posters, leaflets; and coordinating communication plans and activities with communication/advocacy staff in FAO offices over the Asia-Pacific region. National AIDS Coordinating Council, Botswana Gaborone, Botswana • Nov 2013 to June 2014 Communication Consultant Developed Changing the Ground, a national plan to engage Botswana tribal leaders and communities in bringing down the HIV incidence rate to zero over two years. BASICS Lilongwe, Malawi, May 20 to June 4, 2009 Communication Consultant Developed communication strategy for maternal and child health and nutrition to be implemented in phases in 8 selected districts of Malawi between 2009 and 2011. UNDP Bangkok, Thailand • April 1 to September 30, 2009 Communication Consultant Developing regional plan to develop capacity in communications and advocacy of NGOs and others associated with the Partners for Prevention project to work with men and boys to prevent gender-based violence. Conduct two regional workshops, in Dhaka and in Phnom Penh. Develop frameworks and processes for developing advocacy and communication strategies for preventing GBV. PATH South Africa Eastern Cape, South Africa • January 15 to March 4, 2009 Communication Consultant Built capacity of PLWHAs in three selected communities to effectively implement Magnet Theatre and Dialogue Groups, including developing scripts, social mobilization, promotion of shows, and managing sessions. PATH-MACEPA Learning Communities Lusaka, Zambia, March 2008 to Dec 31, 2008 Senior Advocacy and Communication Adviser Provided leadership in advocacy and communications around malaria control scale-up strategies for countries in the South African region, and Ethiopia. Responsibilities included helping regional countries convene around a table for shared learning on successful strategies , and also build national and local skills in documentation, dissemination, advocacy and communications of successful practices, tools and processes. Evaluation of Malaria Community Competency approach East and West Africa, Jan to May 2008 Team Leader Led a team and developed a methodology for evaluating a social and behavioral change methodology called Malaria Community Competence. Conducted key informant interviews and desk research, as well as site visits to develop an evaluation report of the process, including what seemed to be working and why. C Y GOPINATH !6 OF ! 9 PATH Thailand Bangkok, Thailand • August 2006 to March 2008 Senior Communication Manager (Regional) Brought cutting-edge thinking and innovation to the design of TB and HIV/AIDS communication strategies and program interventions, with focus on Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Nepal, South Africa, and Kenya. Developed communications strategies and designed interventions for behavior change and communication programs that enhanced communities’ ability to reflect critically on health issues and make new behavior choices. Facilitated capacity-building workshops in Magnet Theatre skills; designed innovative curricular approaches in HIV and AIDS knowledge that built on the community’s latent self-learning skills. Worked to provide technical assistance in TB control in advocacy, communication, social mobilization (ACSM) to selected countries. Developed TB ACSM curricula; learning and communication materials; and developed new games and simulations as teaching and research tools. Fostered teamwork in multidisciplinary teams. PATH Kenya Nairobi, Kenya • August 2000 to July 2006 Creative Director Brought cutting-edge thinking and innovation to the design of communication strategies and programs (IMPACT Kenya, IMPACT Eritrea, ROADS, AMKENI, APHIA II). Managed and implemented behavior change and communication programs that enhanced communities’ ability to reflect critically on health issues and make new behavior choices. Developed curricula; information, education, and communication materials; and games and simulations as teaching tools. Fostered teamwork in multidisciplinary teams. Macarthur Foundation 1998 to 2000 Fellow Was awarded three-year fellowship to conduct research into the sexual vulnerabilities and risks faced by deaf Indian adolescents, a widely varied group with no uniting sign language at the time. Developed the country’s first nonverbal, adolescent life skills and sexual and reproductive health curriculum including HIV and AIDS, for deaf Indian youth. Conducted seminal research into deaf youth’s sexual vulnerability and designed innovative processes, games, and tools for in-depth communication without using words. UNAIDS New Delhi, India, 1998 Consultant Developed five-year advocacy strategy for UNAIDS in India. Department for International Development (UK) 1996 to 2000 Consultant Provided technical assistance to the State AIDS Control Societies of the Indian states of Kerala, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Developed a ground-breaking campaign that encouraged magazine readers to respond with advice to stories about HIV-infected Keralites. The campaign greatly enhanced the environment enabling open discussions on reproductive health issues. C Y GOPINATH ! OF 9 7 ! Population Services International New Delhi, India, 1992 to 1993 Manager, funded project Implemented a PSI-funded project titled A Story a Day Keeps AIDS Away, to increase journalistic writing on HIV and AIDS in India in six major languages by commissioning and syndicating highquality journalism. Lowe-Lintas International Advertising Mumbai, India, 1986 to 1992 Creative Director Headed the creative department of India’s largest advertising agency; developed brand communication strategy and TV, radio, print, and other campaigns for several leading consumer product brands of Unilever and other corporations. Developed tools and processes for fostering and managing ideas in a high-pressure, high-demand environment. Sol Features Mumbai India • 1979 to 2000 Director Built an agency of young communicators, primarily journalists, with an interest in developing new processes for using communication to bring about social change. In collaboration with Indian Express, developed an approach that spurred action by individuals in authority by naming them in print as “champions” and applauding their successes and activities in the media. Created a unique talent pool of committed journalists writing to make a difference in areas of health, marginalization, and violence in the lives of women and children. Reader’s Digest Mumbai, India • August 1977 to November 1978 Sub editor Edited and planned original editorial content for Reader’s Digest, India English edition. Also wrote several original features for the magazine at this time. JS magazine India, August 1972 to July 1977 Roving Reporter Traveled around India and wrote features on wildlife, social issues, personalities, and events for India’s first-ever national youth magazine, Junior Statesman or JS. In this time, won a national award for Young Journalist of the Year Under 30 in 1972, for my writing based on the inner life of marginal and poverty-stricken communities by living in their midst incognito. C Y GOPINATH ! !8 OF ! 9 EDUCATION ! BA Economics, Delhi University COUNTRY EXPERIENCE ! Bangladesh, Botswana, Cambodia, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Uganda, South Africa, Thailand, Viet Nam, Zambia. LANGUAGES Bengali-fluent English-fluent Hindi-fluent Tamil-fluent French-fair Kiswahili-fair ! Thai-beginner HONORS AND AWARDS Young Journalist of the Year Under 30 Award 1973 PATH Vision Award for Innovation 2007 ! Shortlisted for the 2012 Commonwealth Book Prize for my first fiction novel, The Book of Answers, published by HarperCollins 2011 PUBLICATIONS Exploring the sexual vulnerability of urban deaf Indian youth. C Y Gopinath, Shilpa Patil, 2000. Formative assessment conducted under the Macarthur Foundation Population Fellowship. The Role of Interpersonal Communication in Preventing Unsafe Abortion in Communities: The Dialogues for Life Project in Nepal. Bingham A, Drake JK, I CY, Goodyear L, Kaufman A, Bhattarai S. (in press) Journal of Health Communication. Finding Connectors. A spreadsheet based algorithm for identifying community connectors. C Y Gopinath I 2003. The Continuum of Enquiry. How people's questions change as their HIV risk perception changes. C Y Gopinath I 2004. Of camels, cows, sheep — and information. How Afar pastoralists communicate life-saving information about AIDS and family planning through their long-standing traditional communication practice known as dagu. C Y Gopinath I 2004. Development and Application of a Vaccination Planning Tool for Avian Influenza. David M. Castellan, Jan Hinrichs, Guo Fusheng, Elly Sawitri, Do Huu Dung, Vincent Martin, James McGrane, Santanu Bandyopadhayay, Ken Inui, Mat Yamage, Garba Maina Ahmed, Laura Macfarlane, Tony Williams, Ravi Dissanayake, Muhammad Akram, Wantanee Kalpravidh, C. Y. Gopinath, and Subhash Morzaria (2014). Avian Diseases: September 2014, Vol. 58, No. 3, pp. 437-452. ! C Y GOPINATH ! OF 9 9 ! MOVIES Bingwa’s challenge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgR6jG8_Tt4&feature=plcp Bingwa, an ordinary shopkeeper in Mumias, Kenya, changed my behavior and became an activist promoting voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) for HIV. My behavior change started from watching an innovative form of community performance called Magnet Theatre, pioneered by PATH, a Seattlebased NGO. Farmers Clubs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIBZoOcnvyU&feature=plcp It started as a USAID-funded project to bring poultry farmers together in clubs, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. The goal was to help farmers improve their biosecurity practices. Today it is a thriving farmer-led initiative, funded by farmers, and empowering them through dialogue, sharing experiences, and learning from experts. All over Thoi Quang commune, farmers are following safer and better practices and dramatically improving their livelihoods. Saving lives in Bali http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSYV9BSWfwc The story of how the islanders of Bali tackled an unprecedented epidemic of rabies through a concerted programme of large scale vaccination of dogs, collaboration between doctors and veterinarians, communication and community engagement. Over 3 years, they brought human deaths from rabies down to 1 or none per month. Messages from the Farm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEj0gVV44V0&feature=plcp How the Bangladesh has dramatically brought down its response time to outbreaks of avian influenza by using modern cellular phone technology and training village animal health workers. Dialogues for Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3E0Y1sEnBk How Nepal’s culture of seeking unsafe abortions, often across the border in India, is being slow transformed by an innovative, dialogue-driven communication program that is teaching women how to discuss their predicaments, and seek correct information about their bodies and their options.