Introduction

Breakthrough ACTION is an eight-year cooperative agreement from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), mandated to lead the Agency’s social and behavior change (SBC) programming globally. The project is implemented by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) in partnership with Save the Children, ideas42, Think Place, Camber Collective, Viamo, and the International Center for Research on Women.

With funding from USAID/Burundi, Breakthrough ACTION will increase the demand for family planning and sexual and reproductive health (FP/SRH) among all reproductive-age women, men, and youth to complement and bolster USAID/Burundi’s overall health strategy. The project’s mandate is articulated in two Intermediate Results (IRs):

1. Improved knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors around family planning and its outcomes on health and nutrition
2. Improved capacity of community groups and radio programs to create, disseminate, and promote accurate information around FP/SRH

About the Role:

The Community Mobilization Officer will provide technical assistance for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of SBC/community mobilization strategies under the BA Burundi project. He/She will be strengthening the capacity of MOH, NGOs, and community stakeholders and partners to design, plan, implement, and monitor community engagement activities to promote the uptake of SRH/ FP services.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND ATTRIBUTES:

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BSc/HND in Social or Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Education, Nutrition, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related fields.

EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES

• At least three years of experience implementing SBC/Community mobilization interventions, monitoring, supervision, and training.
• Experience in planning and implementing community action approaches is an asset;
• Master trainer and a good facilitator
• Ability to supervise and work collaboratively with community structures;
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive, and empathize with all beneficiaries and their careers.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
• Demonstrable ability at report writing.
• Ability to work independently as well as in cooperation with a multi-cultural team.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Proficient writing and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English, French, and Local languages (Kirundi).
• Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay in the field.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values, and principles.
• Relevant computer software skills (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office)

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Programme Support (typically will be at field level):

Under the leadership of a Community Engagement Coordinator, and working with other team members, the post holder will;

• Provide day to day support for the  implementation, monitoring and suppervision of community mobilization activities across implementation districts, in collaboration with project partners, government and community stakeholders against intended objectives, targets, and timelines.
• Support the development of an evidence-informed SBC strategy, approaches and activities to influence shifts in community norms, attitudes and behaviours  to promote the uptake of SRH/FP services, in close coordination with other technical teams;
• Contribute to development of detailed implementation plans, work plans and budgets for SC-supported SBC interventions;
• Facilitate and maintain relationship with community leaders, community members and structures such as health committee members and community health workers
• Support recruitment of community volunteers and facilitators in consultation with community leaders and partners
• Prepare required periodic reporting for social and behavior change activities.

Capacity Strengthening:

• Undertake field visits to partners to oversee implementation, including provision of on-site feedback and supportive supervision on required improvements, and generate field visit reports with timely and appropriate follow-up on action points.
• Support training of community volunteers and other relevant community partners, and ongoing capacity strengthening through mentoring and supportive supervision and encourage the development of peer networks and learning opportunities, including through review meetings.

Partner Management:

• Under the supervision of the Community Engagement Coordinator, Health and Nutrition manager , liaise and maintain relationships with CCP

Representation & Advocacy & Organisational Learning:

• Ensure that Save the Children’s and CCP’s work is coordinated with other agencies and the Government’s efforts and support Interagency Coordination forums, advocating for the specific needs of children. This may involve supporting coordination working groups within the  project supported communities, LGAs and at the State level;
• In cooperation with Advocacy team, ensure community-based and social accountability initiatives are linked with policy influencing;
• Contribute to communications and media work as required through correction of data and information and sharing with the team leads;
• In cooperation with the MEAL Team, conduct data quality assessments and support community volunteers to effectively document and report community mobilization activities using appropriate tools.
• Support documentation and dissemination of programme results, including success stories and case studies in close coordination with SCI Burundi’s Knowledge Management team;
• Support in sharing the PLANE experience and learning at stakeholder meetings, workshops, donors and other engagements as appropriate

General:

• Comply with Save the Children policies and practices concerning child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities, and other relevant policies and procedures.

Desirable

• Experience in community mapping and community engagement approaches such as the Community Action Cycle
• Good knowledge of the Burundi health system

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises or those who need better health care, education, and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the rights of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday.
• All children learn from quality basic education and,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated.

We know that great people make a great organization and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

This position is on Child Safeguarding- Level 3:  the post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the police checking/vetting process staff.

ANTI-HARASSMENT Policy

We are committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all those who work for us and for all those who meet our staff and representatives, including children and members of the communities with whom we work.

SCI takes a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and any other conduct that is discriminatory or disrespectful to others.

Where We Work – Where We Work | Save the Children International

We Invite all suitable people, particularly women and people with disabilities. To Apply, Click on the link bellow . The deadline for receiving applications is 17^th September 2024.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

*Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. *

*Disclaimer: Save the Children International does not charge any kind of fee at whichever stage of the recruitment process*