Social Behavior Change Advisor

Jhpiego seeks a Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Advisor for the anticipated USAID Gambia Malaria Elimination Activity (GMEA). GMEA, a five-year, $13 million project, will provide support to the Gambia Ministry of Health (MoH) through the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) to accelerate progress towards achieving malaria elimination in The Gambia. The GMEA Activity will provide implementation support and technical assistance on malaria case-based surveillance and response for elimination, support enhanced cross-border collaboration between The Gambia and Senegal particularly focused on data sharing and coordination of interventions, and strengthen the NMCP’s capacity to coordinate, manage and sustain malaria elimination and control approaches. Additionally, GMEA will optimize delivery of malaria services through community-based approaches to address remaining gaps in intervention coverage or quality for achieving elimination.

The Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Advisor will provide technical expertise and leadership in the design, implementation, and evaluation of behavior change interventions aimed at malaria control and elimination in the GMEA. The SBC Advisor will collaborate with project teams, stakeholders, and partners to assess needs and lessons thus far, and drive a locally led process to develop evidence-based SBC strategies, ensuring socio-cultural relevance in achieving behavioral change in target populations. The role involves strategic guidance, capacity building, and ongoing technical support for the successful delivery of SBC interventions.

This position is contingent upon donor award and is for Gambian nationals only.

Technical Leadership and Strategy Development:

• Provide technical guidance for the development of SBC strategies in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring they align with GMEA goals and global best practices.
• Facilitate the design of evidence-based interventions targeting key behaviors that may include focus group discussions, and baseline studies to inform strategy development.
• Develop clear, actionable SBC plans with well-defined behavioral objectives, audience segments, and communication channels aligned with GMEA resources, i.e., time, budget, HR

Capacity Building and Support:

• Build the capacity of internal teams and local partners through training, mentorship, using contextual SBC tools and resources.
• Provide ongoing technical support to GMEA field staff, partners, and community-based organizations in the implementation of SBC activities.

Implementation and Monitoring:

• Provide oversight and technical direction during the rollout of SBC campaigns and activities and support MER team to develop indicators and tools to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of SBC interventions.
• Support the analysis of monitoring data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement/course correction and assist in the adaptation of SBC activities based on ongoing feedback and evaluations to optimize efforts

Partnership and Collaboration:

• Serve as the main technical point of contact for GMEA SBC, fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders, and work closely with SMECA for effective integration of SBC approaches into interventions.
• Represent the project at meetings, workshops, and technical working groups focused on social and behavior change.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Document lessons learned, case studies, and best practices in GMEA’s SBC programming, and disseminate findings internally and externally.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, reports, and technical papers on SBC for both local and international audiences.
• Promote innovation and the use of new technologies and methodologies in SBC interventions.
• Contribute to strategic planning and program design processes, ensuring SBC considerations are fully integrated into program approaches and workplans.

Education:

• Master’s degree in public health, Behavioral Sciences, Communication, or related field (or equivalent work experience).

Experience:

• A minimum of 7+ years of experience in designing and implementing SBC programs, particularly in public health, social development, or humanitarian sectors.
• Experience working on multi-sectoral SBC programs with donors such as USAID, DFID, or the UN system.
• Proven expertise in formative research, audience segmentation, message development, and media planning.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluating SBC interventions using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Familiarity with digital media and emerging communication technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train teams in SBC approaches.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

• Experience working in diverse cultural contexts, particularly in low-resource or crisis settings.
• Knowledge of relevant behavior change theories and frameworks (e.g., Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Stages of Change).
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Jhpiego offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Please apply at www.jhpiego.org/careers

Applicants must submit a single document for upload to include: cover letter, resume, and references.

For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org

Note: The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

EEO is the Law

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