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17 February 2012
Posted in
Jobs
Title: Behavior Change Communication Officer
Project: Bioko Island Malaria Control Project (BIMCP)
Location: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Start Date: As soon as Available… Contract duration is to December, 2013 with possibility of extension.
The Bioko Island Malaria Control Project (BIMCP), implemented by MCDI and funded by Marathon Oil Company and the Government of Equatorial Guinea, supports the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in seeking to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality caused by malaria on Bioko Island. Project interventions are centered on indoor residual spraying (IRS), distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs), case management, behavior change communication (BCC), and monitoring and evaluation.
The current phase of the project includes a substantial investment in human resources development and a strong commitment to capacity-building and integration, the objective of which is to prepare the NMCP of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Equatorial Guinea to assume full responsibility for the management of the BIMCP/NMCP’s malaria control activities.
Overview of Position: The Malaria BCC Officer provides technical and programmatic oversight for all behavior change communication activities undertaken and implemented by the BIMCP. S/he plans, implements, monitors and reports on the activities specified in the BCC work plan, and guided by the national BCC Strategy document. The BCC Officer’s work will include development of BCC messages and materials, and training/capacity building of local staff and counterparts and oversight of BCC activities by local staff and international consultants. The position is based in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and entails travel to other locations on Bioko Island.
Qualifications Requirements:
- At least 5 years’ experience as a behavior change communication specialist in a developing country health program context is required;
- Prior work in malaria-specific behavior change communication (BCC) is preferred;
- Significant experience in development of local capacity to implement behavior change communication programs;
- Multiple country work experience is required;
- Prior experience in Africa is desirable, preference for sub-Saharan Africa;
- Good interpersonal skills, team player, able to work under stress. Sensitivity to the concerns of the developing world;
- Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish language skills at the very good to excellent/native level is required;
- MD, MPH, Master’s in International Development, or comparable education.
Specific Responsibilities: The Malaria BCC Officer will, inter alia:
Plan and lead BCC in support of malaria control by the BIMCP
- Oversee implementation of the national Behavior Change Communication strategy;
- Plan and lead the training of the IRS Advance Team; monitor Advance Team activities and the impact of the same; provide training/refresher training, as needed;
- Develop and oversee dissemination of materials and messages on IRS, LLINs, and care-seeking behavior;
- Plan and oversee public animations integrating messages on IRS, case management, IPT and LLIN use;
- Produce and arrange for the broadcasting of radio and television spots and programs promoting LLIN use, IRS, IPT and care-seeking behaviors;
- Oversee training of health facility staff in communications skills, provision of talks in health facilities and in the use of IEC materials developed by the project;
- Oversee training of community leaders and community health workers in communication skills and delivery of messages on malaria prevention;
- Train members of the press corps and mass media in malaria control and its importance;
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of BCC activities and materials; propose changes to these on the basis of the findings.
Advocacy
- With the Chief of Party and external advisors to the project, contribute to development of a strategy, presentation(s) and materials for gaining support by authorities and key policymakers for the NMCP, and for allocation of the resources needed to control malaria over the longer term.
- Develop and produce materials targeting these audiences.
- Plan malaria control events for Independence Day and other significant dates, including “launch events” for IRS rounds and important new project initiatives (e.g., new treatments, new interventions).
- Plan and support local meetings with community, religious, political and military leaders.
- Obtain press coverage for special events by the program; make press releases available; work with local journalists to enhance their understanding of malaria control and what BIMCP and the NMCP are achieving.
Capacity Building
Oversee the implementation of the Job Handover Plan (JHP) and the Continuing Education Plan (CEP) for the national BCC Officer. The JHP specifies the benchmarks for knowledge, skills, and assumption of responsibilities, achievement of which will be required for the BCC Officer to complete the transition to full responsibility for the BCC program, and also specifies an expected timeline for achieving these. The CEP details the formal and informal training to be provided to enable the BCC Officer to complete the transition. Mentoring and on-the-job training by the BCC Officer comprise a significant part of the CEP.
Benefits:
- 2 months (40 working days) paid vacation. Vacation is usually taken in 3 tranches—one month from mid-December to mid-January, and two additional two-week periods between March and September
- Round-trip ticket home for each of the three vacation periods
- Paid furnished housing
- Living stipend equal to $35/day for each day in country
- Paid health and medical evacuation insurance
- Access to the recreational facilities (pool, tennis, exercise room) and clinic on the Marathon plant
- No local income taxes
To apply for this position:
Interested parties should submit résumé detailing relevant skills and experience, and the names and contact information for three professional references to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The subject line should have “Behavior Change Communication Officer”
Deadline for Application: February 27, 2012