AED Nigeria Vacancy for BCC and Community Mobilization Officer

AED is a non-profit organization working globally to improve education, health, civil society, and economic development - the foundation of thriving societies. In collaboration with local and national partners, AED fosters sustainable results through practical, comprehensive approaches to social and economic challenges. AED implements more than 250 programs serving people in all 50 US State and more than 150 countries. Visit us on the web at: www.aed.org

AED has been awarded the USAID-funded Malaria Action Program for States (MAPS) project designed to support the Nigeria National Malaria Strategic Plan and National MAlaria Control Program (NMCP). The project will increase the quality, access, and uptake of specific malaria control interventions, including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), expanded use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDs), and delivery of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) to pregnant women.

AED Nigeria  is currently recruiting candidates to fill a number of exciting positions with the Malaria Action Program for States (MAPS) Project in Abuja as well as state offices in Zamfara, Cross River, and Nassarawa. Available positions include:

Behavior Change Communications and Community Mobilization Officer

The Behavior Change Communications (BCC) and Community Mobilization Officer will provide direction, technical expertise, and oversight for activities at the individual State level. They will assist the National Malaria Control Partnership (NMCP) and will collaborate with and build the capacity of the State Ministry of Health and private-sector counterparts to identify, develop, implement, and monitor an array of BCC approaches to changing and maintaining behaviors in the area of malaria prevention and treatment.

Essential Job Functions

1. Foster individual and community mobilization through both proven and innovative implementation of key campaign messages, including proper and consistent LLIN use and maintenance; comprehension and use of ACTs; and increased use of ANC services.
2. Develop and disseminate IEC messages to improve mothers' awareness of the risk of malaria during pregnancy and promote the use of IPTp during various phases of pregnancy.
3. Coordinate with the NMCP, partners, and subcontractors to develop educational materials as well as ensure continuity in communications.
4. Conduct focus groups and interviews in order to establish communication messaging and platforms.
5. Conduct IEC/BCC activities at the health facility and community level to ensure maximum local impact and education.
6. Collaborate closely with the M&E Advisor to ensure the documentation of BCC effects on target audiences by designing all messages to track specific, measurable behaviors.
7. Contribute to work plans, budgets, pipelines, technical reports, and deliverables.
8. Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.

Experience

1. Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health; Communications; Marketing; or a relevant field. Master’s Degree preferred.
2. At least tens of professional experience developing mass communication campaigns.
3. At least ten years of experience working in public health.

Specific Knowledge Requirements

1. Practical experience with the Nigerian health system.
2. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
3. Ability to multi-task and oversee a number of ongoing activities.
4. Excellent communication and networking skills.

Application Deadline
16th December, 2010

How To Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and contact information to nigeriarecruitment@aed.org and specify the position and location in which you are interested. Please write "Nigeria MAPS Hire" in the subject line. Submissions may also be delivered/mailed in hard copy to:

Attn: Dr. Olufemi Oke/C-CHANGE Office
7th Floor, Labour House
Plot 820/821, Off Ralph Shodeinde Street
Central Business District, Abuja