Uganda: Care Behavior Change Assistant - 6 Vacancies based in Amudat and Kaabong (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps does high-quality, analytical work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, DFID and ECHO, among others. Apolou (“Growth” in Nga’karimojong) is a 5-year USAID funded DFSA activity operating in the four districts of Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and Amudat. Apolou has four objectives grounded in social behaviour change and supports gender-transformative and resilience outcomes:

1. Inclusive and effective governance contributes to food and nutrition security.

2. Improved health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, children under five and adolescent girls.

3. Improved WASH conditions.

4. Adolescent girls, adolescent boys, women and men access diverse and secure livelihoods through improved capacities and strengthen market systems.

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/promoters. Care groups conduct ongoing sensitization to promote positive maternal child health and nutrition practices. Care Group CBCAs will be responsible for formation and start-up of care groups in Amudat and Moroto, followed by implementation of ongoing health sensitization activities through the care group platform.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program

· Sensitize community leadership on behaviour change approaches and conduct identification exercises.

· Mobilize communities to form and maintain care groups, using a standardized approach.

· Organize and lead trainings for promoters.

· Supervise ongoing implementation of care group maternal and child health and nutrition promotion activities, ensuring quality control.

· Coordinate with other health teams to ensure complementary approaches, monitor implementation of project activities and document learning 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.

· Support and mentor community partners on data collection and use.

· Troubleshoot monitoring and evaluation challenges for proactive problem solving with support of team leader 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 Apolou 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 and DCoP.

· Support Apolou activities with key stakeholders, ensuring collaboration with counterparts in partner organization Save the Children 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.

· Motorcycle riding permit.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· A Diploma (Degree is an added advantage) in development studies, nutrition, gender, health sciences, social sciences, or other related development discipline with 2+ years of experience,

relevant advanced experience (7+ 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.

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 Tuesday, 6^th February, 2018. 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. |b