Democratic Republic of the Congo: Program Manager II - Social Behavior Change Communication

Note: This position is contingent upon grant and candidate approvals by the donor

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Background:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)/CRS will be submitting a proposal in response to the 2015-16 USAID Food for Peace (FFP) Development Food Assistance Program (DFAP) Request for Applications (RFA). CRS/DRC will serve as the prime on the application and will develop the proposal in consortium with other international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and international/national research institutions. The proposed program will involve a multi-sectoral response to addressing food insecurity and vulnerability across the former Kasai provinces in DRC. The estimated timeframe for this program is 2016-2021.

Primary Function:

The Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Specialist will provide technical support to all interventions related to social or behavior change. S/he will lead the development of the project’s social and behavior change strategy in collaboration with CRS and partner technical staff, focusing on culturally appropriate solutions for changing behavior related to poor nutrition and gender inequity. The SBCC Specialist will develop context-specific SBCC materials and will work closely with implementing partners to assess the efficacy of SBCC approaches and refine as needed. S/he will also assist the MEAL Coordinator in designing research to address barriers to behavior change relative to DFAP sectors and disseminating results to project partners.

Specific Responsibilities:

Project Conception and Organizational Learning

· Develop the social and behavior change (SBC) strategy for all project Purposes using best practices, study results, baseline data and through partner consultations

· Support the MEAL Coordinator in the development of formative research to test behavior change assumptions and revise the SBC strategy as needed

· Document lessons learned related to behavior change and participate in project learning events to evaluate progress and modify SBC approaches

Project Implementation and Reporting

• Work closely with partners in the field to implement the SBC strategy in an integrated manner throughout project interventions
• Work closely with implementing partners to assess and address barriers to behavior change and continuing gaps in behavior change programming
• Conduct formative research with end users to inform program implementation related to behavior change and test appropriate SBC approaches
• Participate in CRS and partner project strategy sessions, including coordination meetings and thematic working groups, and contribute to behavior change solutions
• Work with HNI, implementing partners and project communities to develop or adapt existing sensitization tools and materials for productive SBC messaging
• Organize sensitization campaigns for improved nutrition and gender equity in collaboration with project partners and measure knowledge and impact on behavior
• Support the programing team in organizing punctual events (International Women’s Day, International Nutrition Day, fairs, etc.) to raise awareness about topics that affect food security

· Review training materials and communication plans for field agents and community volunteers and support Purpose Leads and Gender Advisor in knowledge transfer to communities and HHs

Partnership/Capacity-Strengthening

· Conduct training sessions with CRS and partner staff in order to strengthen capacity in behavior change methodologies

Management, Finance and Donor Compliance

· Manage the use of SBCC tools and materials across project Purposes

· Ensure that all SBC-related activities are implemented according to CRS and donor policies and procedures

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

· Serves with Integrity

· Models Stewardship

· Cultivates Constructive Relationships

· Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Meal Coordinator and MEAL Team, Purpose Leads, Gender Advisor

External: CARITAS, local and international technical partners (NGOs, projects, platforms, decentralized structures, etc.), government authorities, communities, beneficiaries, donors

Knowledge and Skills:

· Excellent partnership skills and the ability to interact effectively with donors, collaborating agencies, local and government partners

· Excellent organization and planning skills and ability to resolve problems constructively

· Understanding of current best practices and challenges in SBC while coordinating to implement the SBC strategy through a participatory approach

· Computer literate, with strong knowledge of MS Office applications, spread sheets, database programs, and statistical software packages.

· Flexibility, persistence, and ability to work well in a multi-sectoral and multi-cultural team

· Ability to work in a challenging and stressful environment with unexpected challenges

Qualifications:

· Master’s in Communication, Social Sciences, Anthropology or equivalent

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in communications or behavior change in the Congolese context

· Experience in conducting formative research/evaluations of behavior change initiatives in health and nutrition, livelihoods and gender

· Experience working in the Kasais preferred

· Ability to analyze qualitative data and formulate recommendations and reflections for project improvement

· Demonstrated experience in evidence-based behavior change principles and practices

· Ability to develop context-specific SBC strategies taking into account social and environmental factors that impact behavior

· Experience as a trainer and demonstrated success in knowledge transfer

· Familiarity with community development and mobilization approaches and understanding of food security programs

· Knowledge of USAID and USG grant regulations and procedures specifically relating to ADS 205

· Excellent written and oral communication skills in French and Tshiluba required

· Working knowledge of English is a plus

· Willingness to be based in the Kasais

Major Responsibilities of Position: Technical leadership, team building, strategic leadership, coordination, monitoring/evaluation, mentoring/training, supervision, and report writing.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with this position. Also, this position is conditional upon award of funding for the DFAP.

Note: All internal applicants are encouraged to apply within the 10 day internal posting period.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.**EOE**

Apply online: https://www5.apply2jobs.com/CRS/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.showJob&RID=2924&CurrentPage=1