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. Mercy Corps is in the fourth year of a 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded food security program working in the northern half of Karamoja, and are in search of seven (7) community behaviour change assistants with four (4) based in Kaabong and three (3) based in Kotido districts to lead community level behaviour change activities. 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.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focus of CBCAs will be to promote behavior change for maternal and child health and nutrition at household level. This will be done through the care group approach. Care groups are an evidence-based peer-to-peer nutrition learning platform comprised of caregivers and led by village health teams. Care groups conduct ongoing sensitization to promote positive maternal child health and nutrition practices. Care Group CBCAs will be responsible for the formation and start up of care groups, followed by implementation of ongoing health sensitization activities through the care group platform. This includes, but is not limited to supervision of village health teams (promoters), quality control of health promotion activities, spot checks of leader mother activities, and ongoing sensitization with local leadership.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
· Mobilize communities to form care groups, using a standardized approach
· Introduce the behavior change interventions to relevant stakeholders including local government representatives, technical staff and community members, and foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders;
· Organize and lead trainings for village health team/promoters
· Supervise ongoing implementation of care group maternal and child health and nutrition promotion activities, ensuring quality control
· Identify and document best practices to share with the team, stakeholders, GHG partners and donors
· Provide technical contribution in the development of core IEC materials
· Coordinate with other health teams to ensure complementary approaches, monitor implementation of project activities and document best practice and success stories
· Support CBCA colleagues to ensure team success, including but not limited to logistics coordination, temporary support during leave, etc.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
· Take responsibility for data gathering, data validation, quality control and timely data submission including gender and age disaggregated data
· Take primary responsibility for the data filing system and ensure that information is organized according to the reporting and auditing needs of the program
· Support and mentor community partners (promoters, leader mothers) on data collection, reporting and use
· Troubleshoot monitoring and evaluation challenges for proactive problem solving with support of MCHN Officer 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 MCHN Manager, MCHN Advisor, SO2 Manager, CoP and Program Advisor
· 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;
· 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 (3+ 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
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.