Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Specialist

Organizational Background

The Ethiopia Somali Development Association (ESDA) was established in April 2012 by the Somali communities in the region as non-governmental, no-profit making association registered under the Ethiopian civil society charity organization number 3122 with a view to mitigating the humanitarian and development problems of the region by mobilizing local and external resources. SDA support the development endeavours of the people of Somali region in the areas of Health, Basic education, food security and livelihood, protection, Water, hygiene and sanitation, livestock health, peace building, income generating activities for women and youth, and other related development activities through mobilizing resources from volunteer members, Diaspora communities and institutional donors.

After four consecutive failed rainy seasons over the past two years, communities in parts of southern Ethiopia including the Somali region, have been severely affected by a prolonged drought. This resulted in significant economic losses, mainly due to the effect on agricultural productivity. In the Somali region, the population is highly dependent on natural-resource based livelihoods and is very vulnerable to drought. The Ethiopia Somali Development Association (ESDA) will implement a project titled “Digital Voucher for Nutrient-Dense Foods for Stunting and Waste Prevention” in Mula, Erer, Harshin, Degahbur, Gode, and Kebridehar woredas funded by the World Food Program (WFP). The project focuses on households with pregnant and lactating women and/or children under 2 years of age (6 to 23 months). The project beneficiaries will receive a voucher that can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables and certain animal source foods (such as eggs and milk). To ensure that the markets can respond to the increased demand, the FFV project will actively engage with fresh food traders in the intervention areas. The FFV project will include a large behavioral component where beneficiaries will be given information about the importance of a diverse diet, along with other social behavior change communication (SBCC) initiatives such as practical demonstrations on the proper usage of nutritious foods. Overall, the project has two objectives. First, it aims to improve dietary diversity among children between 6 and 23 months of age and among pregnant and lactating women (PLW).

Role Purpose:

The Social and Behaviour Change Communication specialist, will oversee and coordinate all SBCC activities in Somali region. With support from FFV technical team and PM in JigJiga, will lead the development and/or adaptation of SBCC approach and materials to Somali context to be used for community conversations. This may include pretesting, creative concept testing, and development of SBCC media, messages and materials adapted for use in the region. Will participate in and support regional SBCC working group hosted by RHB to develop counselling and SBCC materials to be used in health facilities. This position is based in JigJiga and reports to the FFV Project Manager, working with FFV SBCC team in material adaptation and development. This position required frequent travel to districts to provide supportive supervision and coordination of SBCC activities in the field.

Coordination:

•  Responsible to roll out and oversee FFV SBCC activities in the region, including leading development / adaptation of SBCC materials in coordination with SDA SBCC team, Somali RHB and partners
• Under the leadership of ESRHB, lead the establishment and coordination of nutrition SBCC working group to harmonize existing materials or develop new materials
• Conducts supportive supervisions and provide responsive support to assure quality and timeliness of activities at regional, district and ward levels. Provides mentoring to community facilitators leading community conversations.
• Leads planning and organization of SBCC workshops, trainings, and site visits.  Maintains regular communications with SDA’s SBCC team in JigJiga to provide feedback and suggestions from the region.
• Work closely with M&E team to ensure regular and timely monitoring and reporting of SBCC data and responsive feedback to improve program performance.

Collaboration and Empowerment:

• Provide technical support regarding FFV SBCC interventions to FFV project teams, RHB, WHO,  health workers, community and DAs
• Coordinate and collaborate with other projects/programs of SDA, working on nutrition and livestock / agriculture-nutrition issues in areas of BCC and advocacy to ensure synergy, sharing of technical resources, learning and mutual support.
• Participate in regular Review Meetings, Joint Supervisions and other FFV led activities relevant to nutrition areas.
• Actively contribute to FFV’s documentation, dissemination and sharing of lessons learned, research findings, best practices and success stories in SBCC
• Serves as a technical resource in SBCC for staff and partners to strengthen approaches, materials and activities.
• Provides assistance with generating reports and feedback forms related to SBCC from the field.

Duty station Jig jiga with frequent travel to field

Reports directly to: Project Manager – Fresh Food Voucher

• A BA or BSc Degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Communications, Health Promotion.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in BCC programs, ideally in nutrition, health or related technical areas.
• Experience with SBCC materials development and and/or adaptation strongly preferred
• Experience working effectively with local NGO/CSOs/FBOs
• Experience working in Somali region with pastoralist and agro-pastoralist populations
• Proven ability to work in a team, with good communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to motivate community leaders, health extension workers, AEWs.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching
• Willingness to work with district government officials, local NGO/CSOs and frequently travel to rural communities
• An understanding and commitment to SDASCI
• values
• Strong results orientation
• Proven ability to manage a complex and demanding workload
• Excellent spoken and written English and Somali languages
• Good computer skills (particularly Excel, Word) and internet skills