The Technical Advisor for Social and Behavior Change (SBC) will lead and guide the development, execution and coordination of technical assistance, capacity building and support to governments and partners to improve MIYCN behaviors in West Africa using evidence-based tools and approaches. S/he will provide technical advice based upon expertise and knowledge of evidence-based SBC methods and strategies, current practice, and established operational and research standards to ensure quality and rigorous design. S/he will build SBC capacity in country-level and regional program staff. S/he will also work with A&T, UNICEF and other national partners in designing national campaigns around “Breastmilk Only No Water” and “Promotion of diverse diets” and ensuring that the campaigns adhere to SBC standards and guidelines that are technical sounds. S/he will share best practices in using mass media, the health system and other channels and ensure that they are tailored to specific audiences. S/he will steward the integration of new disciplines such as human centered design and behavioral economics to drive better client insight. S/he will support the follow up and monitoring of the SBC efforts, recommend mid-course corrections during implementation and assess and document the findings on the coverage and impact of the campaign and capacity building initiatives. In addition to social and behavioral change, the Senior Technical Advisor for SBC will be responsible for several knowledge products related to the national level campaigns. S/he will develop a catalogue of tools and materials for use by ministries of health and other partners in the West Africa region. S/he will also document best practices and lessons learned from Burkina Faso that can be disseminated and shared with other countries in the region.
- Technical support: Provide technical direction and coordinate support to governments and partners in developing and implementing proven SBC approaches and activities, including those developed by A&T.
- Evidence generation: Support development and updating of situation analyses, including gathering and reviewing studies, polices and materials, stakeholder and opinion leader assessments. Manage the development and implementation of formative assessments and innovative approaches to increase learning around MIYCN behaviors in collaboration with governments, partners and contractors.
- Strategic Communication: Collaborate with governments, partners and colleagues to plan, develop, and produce tools and communication vehicles to enhance capacities, policies and systems leading to improved MIYCN behaviors in the region, and support related program objectives.
- Documentation and dissemination: Contribute to the documentation, dissemination, and reporting of A&T activities, experiences, and results for partner and donor updates, publications, social media, and relevant communication channels.
- Measurement, learning and evaluation: Support measurement, learning, and evaluation activities, including monitoring implementation of country and regional workplans and application of A&T tools, as well as contribute to the design, implementation and use of project evaluations.
- Representation and engagement: Represent A&T in meetings, workshops, working groups, and networks with external stakeholders including governments, civil society organizations, and other partners. Increase the visibility of A&T within the SBCC sector at the country, regional and global level in collaboration with regional colleagues and the Knowledge Leadership and Learning team at A&T Headquarters.
- Typically requires 8-11 years of experience in education, health, behavioral, or social sciences or related field.
- Ideal candidates will have 10+ years of advocacy or communications experience in the developing world context.
- Demonstrated experience in marketing and communications within public health arena, preferably in nutrition.
- Fluent in behavior change theory and approaches, including human centered design.
- Demonstrated experience using innovative and technology-based approaches for behavior change.
- Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
- Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English; fluency in French required
- Prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) preferred.
Applied Knowledge & Skills
- Working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures to provide technical support and supervision for studies and assessments.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying findings and results from qualitative assessments for the development of communications strategies and tools.
- Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures related to communications.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.
- Excellent and demonstrated public relations, interpersonal relations, public speaking, and diplomacy skills required.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to take initiative and focus on results.
- Ability to influence, motivate, negotiate and collaborate well with others.
Problem Solving & Impact
- Decisions and actions have a significant impact on the long-term success of the program with management and division operations.
- Problems encountered are complex and highly varied, and non-recurring requiring creative approaches to resolve them.
- Exercises own judgment to set goals and determine strategies to achieve results that align with organizational goals.
Travel Requirements
- 40-60% to Burkina Faso
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