Country: Uganda
Closing date: 15 Sep 2016
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. The five year USAID Program, Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) operating in Northern Karamoja is accountable for improvements in child underweight and stunting prevalence, underweight prevalence of women of reproductive age and dietary diversity practices amongst women and children < 5years (with emphasis on pregnant and lactating women and children < 2 years). Under Strategic Objective 2, GHG is accountable for improvements in key Maternal/Child Health Nutrition (MCHN) practices, such as antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, use of ORT (and zinc) for diarrheal diseases, water sanitation and hygiene practices (hand-washing and latrine use).
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focus of the MCHN Officer for Community Behavior Change (CBC) will be to support the roll out of the MCA strategy to program coverage sub-counties in Kaabong, with occasional backstop support to the team in Kotido. The officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the CBC component of the GHG behavior change strategy and will have some supervisory responsibility for activities in Kaabong.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
· Support the Community Behavior Change team in Kaabong, delivering sector related activities in a quality and timely manner, through direct implementation and mentorship of Community Behavior Change Assistants (CBCAs).
· Introduce the intervention to relevant stakeholders including local government representatives, technical staff and community members, and foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders;
· Support staff training on essential nutrition actions, infant and young child feeding and MCA modules,
· Support rollout of module trainings to male change agents, as a direct trainer and and backstop supporter to CBCAs
· Troubleshoot challenges of CBCAs, standardizing implementation approaches and ensuring technical quality
· Identify and document best practices to share with the team, GHG partner World Vision and other relevant stakeholders
· Collaboratively represent the health activities of GHG together with partners World Vision and Whave at relevant local government and civil society fora
· Provide technical contribution to the development of core IEC materials
· Working closely with team leaders of MC SO2 activities to coordinate day-to-day operations and logistics to maximize use of resources and ensure complementary programming
Partnership Management:
· Establish and maintain productive working relationship with World Vision and Whave, working together to develop complementary monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management structures wherever possible
· Liaise with partners to coordinate and maximize influence at local and regional forums
· Establish and maintain productive working relationships with sub-county and district leaders, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate;
Monitoring and Evaluation:
· Provide ongoing mentorship to CBCAs in monitoring, evaluation and learning
· Take responsibility for data gathering, quality control and communicating to MELC focal person on Kaabong activities, with backstop support to Kotido;
· Oversee the program filing system and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the program
External Representation and Coordination:
· Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government, particularly in Kaabong target areas.
· Support visits from regional and HQ based staff and external visitors, such as donors and media, in collaboration with the team leader when necessary
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;
· Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
· At least 3 years of related professional experience.
· Community Behaviour Change implementation experience is a plus
· Demonstrated skills in data collection, verification and documentation
· Proven skills in networking, team-building, community consultations and organizational development;
· Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
· Willingness to consider new perspectives, promote gender equality and engage in advanced gender training
· Fluency in Nga’Karamojong a plus
How to apply:
Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Thursday, 15th September, 2016. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for**.** Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.