Behavioral Scientist at the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a non-profit networking and service alliance of Field Epidemiology (and Laboratory) Training Programs (FELTPs), and other applied epidemiology training programs. AFENET has operations in over 31 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa or the World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHO – AFRO). Established in 2005, AFENET is dedicated to helping Ministries of Health in Africa build strong, effective, sustainable programs and capacity to improve public health systems on the African continent.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Behavioral Scientist

Location: Abuja  
Work Hours: Full-time
Duration of Contract: Nine (9) Months

Scope of work

• This is a full-time position to be stationed at the national office in Abuja with travel to implementing states.
• A Behavioral Scientist will coordinate activities in three (3) states.
• They will work closely with the Team Lead and project managers to achieve project objectives and follow up with their respective states to achieve project deliverables.
• S/he should have optimal knowledge of PHC operations in Nigeria, analytical skills, and knowledge of behavioral science approaches to health interventions.
• In addition, S/he should have the ability to facilitate training and work in diverse settings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and the implementation of the behavioral component of a multifaceted formative study aimed at exploring in-depth, root causes, enablers, and opportunities in data quality in PHC in Nigeria
• Develop a robust learning agenda around various interventions aimed at changing the behaviour of front-line health workers in order to improve PHC data quality and use
• Based on Fogg's model, implement interventions utilizing triggers versus peer-led orientation and feedback in changing behaviours of health facility workers and LGA health teams
• Design metrics to monitor and measure behaviour change of health care workers throughout the life of the project
• Coordinate activities at the local government and ward. Interface with all level actors to ascertain the status of activities with respect to the chronogram and timelines.
• Support the development of behaviour change training modules addressing accurate reporting, review, and data use. Review training materials and support training at state and lower levels.
• Develop training modules and materials for the training of all categories of personnel involved in this project
• Provide oversight and supervision for a behavioral component of project implementation in 3 states
• Work with the project managers, monitoring, evaluation, and learning officer to ensure tracking of all project indicators and timely reporting of project activities
• Prepare reports/presentations to be shared with stakeholders, and professional groups and for publication in professional journals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the project lead.

Required Qualifications / Experience

• A Degree in Behavioral / Social Science or related disciplines appropriate to the position
• Or a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field
• Or four (4) years of appropriate experience in behavioral or social sciences field that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired requisite
• A postgraduate degree in behavioral or social science or public health
• Experience in developing and training in behavior change projects will be an advantage
• Two (2) years of specialized experience in implementing behavioral change projects with evidence of practical experience
• Two (2) years of experience in the conduct and analysis of research on the various aspects of behavioral, social, and cultural influences on public health
• Two years' experience working with Primary Health Care bodies/Systems
• Two years of working experience with frontline healthcare workers and health systems at all levels-community, health facility, LGA, state and national
• Experience in developing and implementing a learning agenda.

Knowledge Requirements / Skills:

• Language proficiency in English
• A good understanding the primary health care is a requirement
• Strong knowledge in the conduct of qualitative study including qualitative data analysis
• Skills in Microsoft Office, and qualitative data analysis software
• Ability to communicate clearly in the English language orally and in writing
• Ability to engage in successful interaction, and extensive contact with members of government agencies and partners at national, state, and local government levels.

Application Closing Date
8th August, 2022.