Uganda: Community Behavior Change Assistants - Based in Kotido/ Kaabong ( Open to Uganda Nationals)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. Mercy Corps is mid-way through a 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded food security program working in the northern half of Karamoja, and are in search of four community behaviour change assistants to lead community level behaviour change activities in Kotido (2) and Kaabong (2) districts. The project, called Growth, Health and Nutrition (GHG) Program, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja and strengthening governance and accountability mechanisms. The Community Behaviour Change Assistants (CBCAs) for the Enabling Environment Team will lead community dialogues to promote behaviours that will improve maternal and child health. CBCAs will also coordinates and supervise male role model activities at sub-county level. It is an opportunity for sharp thinkers looking for a serious challenge.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary focus of CBCAs will be to promote behavior change for maternal and child health and nutrition at community level. This will be done through two complementary evidence based approaches, male role model activities and community dialogues, although other behavior change activities may be involved. The role of CBCAs will be to train, oversee and support male role models and to lead and/or train community groups in community dialogue processes. The CBCA will collaborate with the wider health and behavior change teams, including the care group team, the health facility support team and staff from GHG partner, World Vision. CBCAs will be supported by the Enabling Environment Team Leader and the broader health team support unit, including the Health Expansion Manager and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team.

CBCAs will work closely with community leaders, including but not limited to, community elders, sub-county leadership and village health teams. The ability to communicate effectively, respectfully and enthusiastically with community structures will be one of the position’s three success factors. The second will be the degree to which CBCAs drive results, producing scheduled outputs at deadline and to expected quality. The third success factor will be the degree to which CBCAs effectively gather activity monitoring and evaluation data and utilize data to inform activity implementation and program learning.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program

• Sensitize community leadership on behaviour change approaches and conduct identification exercises


• Mobilize fathers to enter into male change agent role model program


• Organize trainings and supervise male change agents in maternal and child health and nutrition and gender


• Lead and/or support community members to lead community dialogues promoting positive maternal and child health behaviors and gender equality


• Coordinate with other health teams and GHG sectors to ensure complementary approaches, monitor implementation of project activities and document best practice and success stories


• Collaborate with CBCA colleagues to ensure team success, including but not limited to logistics coordination, temporary support during leave, etc., as advised by team leader

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Take responsibility for data gathering, data validation, quality control and timely data submission including gender and age disaggregated data


• Support and mentor community partners on data collection and use


• Troubleshoot monitoring and evaluation challenges for proactive problem solving with support of team leader and M&E team


• Utilize qualitative and quantitative data to inform program implementation, actively documenting best practices and lessons learned to share with team during routine monitoring, coordination meetings and other learning opportunities

External Representation and Coordination:

• Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in Kotido and Kaabong target areas


• Coordination of field activities with other NGO and local government partners to avoid duplication of services and support an enabling environment for health promotion


• When needed, support visits from district and sub-county government, regional and HQ based staff and external visitors, such as donors and media, in collaboration with CoP and DCoP


• Support GHG activities with key stakeholders, ensuring collaboration with counterparts in partner organization World Vision in relevant meetings, internal and external.

Other:

• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;


• Motorcycle riding permit Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· A Diploma (Degree is an added advantage) in development studies, nutrition, gender, health sciences, social sciences, or other related development discipline, relevant advanced experience (5+ years) may be considered in lieu of a degree

· Proven experience in conducting community mobilization, training, and networking

· Experience in capacity building with communities in Karamoja

· Knowledge in behavioral change methodologies such as care groups, Community Led Total Sanitation, and other related innovative hygiene and sanitation approaches is a plus

· Knowledge of approaches to promote gender equality, with a training in gender a plus

· Experience and skills in working with other NGOs, government partners, and local community-based organizations.

Other Competencies/Attributes:

· Able to speak Ng’karamojong dialect

· Computer literacy

· Dynamic public speaking skills

· Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while showing flexibility in day-to-day operations · Demonstrable English writing and speaking skills
. Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills