Deadline: Ongoing

Location: Mutare, Zimbabwe

The Family Health International (FHI 360) is seeking to fill the role of Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Advisor.

FHI 360 delivers sustainable, high-quality, comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support services.

Responsibilities

• With key programme staff and stakeholders, ensure the project’s strategic objectives for MNCH/FP and ACSM activities are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards
• Provide leadership in the planning and coordination of ACSM activities in seven districts of Manicaland province, ensuring activities are implemented on schedule and meet relevant international and national guidelines
• Lead design of an advocacy, communication and social mobilisation strategy for the MNCH/FP programme, identifying strategies to engage, influence and mobilise different constituencies, including political, religious and community leaders, youth and women of reproductive age in the MNCH/FP response
• Provide sub-partners with the design and implementation of their ACSM strategies
• Oversee the development of materials needed to realise the project’s SBCC strategy, which may include development and testing of training curricula, messaging, and other communication tools and materials
• Provide technical and strategic guidance in community mobilisation, supporting the programme’s district-based teams to meet their objectives of mobilising and sustaining a community-based network of community mobilisers and advocates to carry out project activities, and working closely with provincial partners who collaborate on these objectives
• Coordinate development of district demand generation plans for each target population
• Roll out and disseminate updated MNCH/FP approved guidelines, standard operating procedures and other job aids at the facility and community levels
• In collaboration with the monitoring and evaluation team, track progress towards relevant performance indicators, analysing reasons for shortfalls and adapting programme strategies as needed
• Support the design and implementation of feedback and response channels to enhance accountability of programme vis-à-vis beneficiaries
• In collaboration with programme management team, provide guidance and technical oversight to sub-partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure lessons learnt and best practices for ACSM and the MNCH/FP clinical components are documented and disseminated
• Facilitate learning exchanges among stakeholders, and support quality improvement initiatives
• Initiate and participate in evaluation of targeted demand generation strategies and assessment activities related to advocacy, community mobilisation and communications with the goal of improving project outcomes
• Stay current in knowledge in MNCH, ACSM, ASRH, Gender, HIV and AIDS care, prevention and treatment
• Strengthen the role of VHWs and HCCs in MNCH-FP activities including strengthening of facility and community linkages
• Review ACSM and overall programme reports, providing feedback on implementation progress and performance, and identifying solutions to address challenges and weaknesses
• Ensure implementation of activities in compliance with all USAID and FHI 360 administrative and operational procedures and policies
• Coordinate closely with the technical director, relevant MoHCC provincial and district staff (health promotion office) to plan ACSM activities, ensuring the national guidelines are appropriately and consistently applied
• In collaboration with programme management, contribute to the development and implementation of tools, approach and strategies to strengthen ACSM
• Present progress, achievements and lessons learnt at relevant technical working groups, sectoral meetings and coordination forums

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Health Promotions, Development, Communication, Public Health, or a related field
• Seven years, minimum, of experience in programme management and in-depth knowledge of maternal, child health and family planning, gender, ASRH and youth issues
• Familiarity with current strategies and best practices for social and behaviour change
• Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver training on social mobilisation and behaviour change communication
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based ACSM models and strategies, best practices in community health interventions, and linkage to services and approaches to addressing gender issues relating to uptake of health services
• Experience in partnership management

To apply and for more information, click here.

Photo source: USAID in Africa