Democratic Republic of the Congo: Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Advisor, Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP)

Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Advisor, Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP)

Summary

Save the Children is recruiting for a Social and Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Advisor to serve as part of a multi-disciplinary team on an anticipated USAID Food for Peace funded program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The program is planned to start in October 2016 and operate for a minimum of five years. The objective of this Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP) is to improve the food and nutrition security of vulnerable households in the Kasai Provinces. The program will include objectives around livelihoods (primarily agriculture), nutrition, resilience, gender and social cohesion.

The SBCC Advisor will lead the design and implementation of a cross-cutting evidence-based social and behavior change strategy that reaches poor and extremely poor households and communities, to influence the behaviors of men, women, youth and children. The Advisor provides technical leadership on social and behavior change at the nexus of livelihoods, nutrition and gender. Reporting to the Community Resilience Program Manager, the position works closely with Advisors for Livelihoods, Nutrition and Gender/Youth to undertake assessments and coordinate the design, implementation, monitoring and adaptation of an effective social and behavior change strategy for the overall program.

The program’s behavior change approach will be grounded in formative research at the community level, and promote behavior change at the individual, household, community levels and where possible the institutional levels, in communities where social cohesion is currently lacking. The Advisor will be responsible for the development of strategic plans, technical materials, communication tools, training packages, job aids, guidelines and standards to be used across project sectors; as well as the creative application of mobile technologies, community forums, peer groups etc.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Impact

• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team, under the guidance of the Chief of Party and Save the Children US technical advisors and consultants, leading the design, implementation, monitoring and adaptation of social and behavior change strategies
• Oversee the design of formative research and contribute to the design of assessments relevant to social behavior change that may include barrier analysis and KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) studies.
• Regularly travel to field site locations in order to lead the start-up and implementation of integrated social and behavior change communications activities, using a “Refine and Implement” process.
• Work collaboratively with project staff in other technical areas, including nutrition, WASH, food security and livelihoods, gender, youth and climate change to support integration of social and behavior change activities and providing mentoring and coaching on social behavior change throughout project design and implementation.
• Contribute to project reports, annual implementation plans and regional strategic planning, ensuring that the SBCC strategy is well articulated.
• Collaborate with M&E team to ensure indicators on social and behavior change are SMART, and that collection and analysis of data on social and behavior change is rigorous. Make regular field visits to monitor program quality and strengthen community capacity.
• Build management capacity for social and behavior change communications implementation, and for support and training for SBCC design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Participate in technical working groups and liaise with other stakeholders.
• Serve as a focal point on social and behavior change, with local and international partners.
• Provide timely and accurate reporting.

Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, international development, health, nutrition or related area preferred.
• 5 years of experience with the design and implementation of social behavior change programming in livelihoods, health, WASH and/or gender.
• Significant knowledge of social and behavior change theories and community mobilization principles as they relate to livelihoods, agricultural practices, health, nutrition, youth development and/or gender for community-based programs.
• Experience conducting and/or overseeing applied research and analysis regarding livelihoods, food security, health, nutrition and/or gender at the community level is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with host government and partners in implementing a complex project in the field under challenging circumstances.
• Significant knowledge of livelihoods, food security, health, nutrition and/or gender issues, preferably in the DRC or similar context.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations, as well as demonstrated ability to manage teams effectively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French required.
• English language skills preferred.
• Local candidates are encouraged to apply.

Employee Type

Full-Time Regular

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.

Save the Children provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

https://chp.tbe.taleo.net/chp01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SAVETHECHILDREN&cws=1&rid=4296