ROLE PURPOSE

 Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organization committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Plan is seeking applicants for SBCC Coordinator for the Healthy Village project in Ethiopia. The project is planned with consortium of Max Foundation Ethiopia as lead and Plan international Ethiopia as founding member. The SBCC Coordinator will be in charge of managing Healthy Village project under the role of plan international Ethiopia specialization (demand creation& behavioral change for sanitation and nutrition marketing).

The SBCC Coordinator will be in charge of overseeing WASH & Nutrition behavioral and practice change/demand creation activities at the community level through Health Extension Workers (HEWs) to increase demand for low-cost, quality WASH products and services, with a focus on sanitation

The SBCC Coordinator will serve as the lead technical specialist for successful implementation of the project demand creation activities. The specialist will advise and support in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen and sustain efforts to increase on demand for improved sanitation & Nutrition products and services in project supported geographies, with an initial focus on Behavioural change communication tools, VESAs/VSLAs and sanitation facilities, Hygiene behaviour and Nutrition related awareness, norms. The Specialist will furnish leadership to project staffs, partners and provide day-to-day direction of all demand creation and behavioural change activities,

Dimensions of the Role

Plan international Ethiopia supports this program in Sekota Declaration woredas under Amhara Region. The position holder is expected to provide her/his technical expertise to the Healthy Village project, including across the other consortium members as a technical expertise to the coalition.

 The demand creation & behavioral change activities could be demonstrated through different innovative means in which it can address the target beneficiaries through government structure and health extension works, House to house, through VESAs, and creating demonstration site ( WASH & Nutrition service) for improved sanitation/nutrition products and services. The demonstration sites could be health posts and health centres, schools and other public demonstration and service areas.

The position holder also delivers adequate support and assistance for the implementation of the project communication strategy with an aim of enhancing the overall achievement of the program through internal and external communications and public relations activities that build visibility, and brand; increase knowledge and awareness of program goal and Plan in Ethiopia within different audiences, and that support key business processes including but not limited to program communication, knowledge management and learning.

Accountabilities

• The project holder is responsible to manage the overall project strategic role, implementation role, external and internal communication including donor communication and communication among and with project consortium member.
• Responsible to Provide leadership and technical expertise to design, develop and monitor SBCC strategies for improved sanitation & Nutrition product and service in collaboration with the government offices and selected institutions, through a mentoring, learning by doing approach
• Lead, coach and supervise project staff to develop and implement SBCC strategies
• Support the development of innovative new approaches to SBCC, including use of Information and Communication Technology
• Support design and implementation of SBCC-specific capacity building activities to partners and front line health extension works
• Contribute to capacity building , formative researching and gap and lesson identification activities
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports as required, detailing the performance of the SBCC program, including reports and others as directed
• Support and assist country Program Quality Department, including M and E team in proper data monitoring, analysis and reporting pertaining to respective project initiative
• Integrate and implement broader Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategy in to improved WASH & Nutrition product market activities into project’s
• Monitor WASH and Nutrition demand creation & behavioral change activities according to the M&E framework, and assess whether are achieving desired goals
• Contribute to all Healthy Village project content for reports and meet all reporting requirements.
• Gather feedback on implementation of SBCC strategies in target districts and provide technical support, when necessary
• She/he will ensure a smooth working environment and teamwork within Plan International Ethiopia, the respective field staff and across the Healthy Village consortium & implementing partners;
• VESA/VSLA groups and WASH/Nutrition product and service and implementation follow up, Guidance and integration with the social behavioral change activities.
• Build the technical Capacity of district office, Kebele Administrators, HEWs, and other local level actors using proven approaches, according the national strategy, to promote demand creation for improved sanitation, health hygienic and nutrition behavior
• Shall perform any other duties as assigned by his line manager
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

 Key relationships

• Working in Coordination with relevant government ministries, projects and working groups
• Support relevant trainings, meeting and workshops relative to WASH, Nutrition at the national, department, district and community levels.
• Provide strategic, technical, guidance for the Healthy Village program and work closely and in collaboration and sector sharing and learning to and with the consortium members;
• Conduct regular reporting to the PC, and consortium Lead, on periodic reports and planning’s, successes, challenges and lessons learned.
• Work closely with program leadership team to plan program activities
• Ensure quality project delivery at all levels of the project cycle management in line with the child centered community development approach.
• Provide strategic, technical guidance for the HVP project staffs;
• Ensure optimum community involvement (district health office and kebele Administration) in the conceptualization, development, management, monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Comply with Donor requirements, PQP implementation, and fund & grant management guidelines. Monitor project implementation processes, coordinate evaluations, share learning, and document best practices; ensure project learning and achievements are documented and disseminated widely
• Shall perform and support any other duties as assigned by s/his line manager
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters.

 Monitoring and evaluation

•  In collaboration with the other Consortium partners, prepare and document case studies, evidences and lessons learned on best practices and challenges of project
• Prepare and submit periodic narrative and financial reports in a timely manner according to Plan International and donor requirements
• Monitor and evaluate project implementation with coordination including with other project partners
• Ensure all project documentation is filed and organised for accountability purposes

 Program integration and mainstreaming

• Mainstream inclusion and gender in relevant program designs and implementation as appropriate.
• Ensure that Plan’s Child Protection Policy is adhered to within the project and any child protection concerns are appropriately reported.
• Mainstream child centred community development approach in the project cycle to achieve appropriate participation of stakeholders and help them play leading rolls.
• Foster collaboration and support at program area level to develop plans for integrating the project with other thematic areas.

 Partner development and strengthening

• Provide technical assistance and build the capacities of local partners in project management.
• Provide high level guidance to field staff on smooth partnership management for enhanced project implementation.
• Ensure that appropriate partner assessment is done on time and communicated to relevant staff.
• Ensure adequate stakeholder consultation and participation at all stages of the project implementation.
• Manage and monitor partnerships with implementing organisations, including their efficient utilization and timely accountability of funds allocated as appropriate. 

Networking and representation

• Represent the project, as directed, in any working group, committee, or task force addressing SBCC.
• Establish partnerships and networks with HVP program consortiums, Government bodies, forums and CBOs for cross learning, identification of lessons learned, best practices, resources mobilization and scaling-up to enhance project initiatives
• Network effectively with others to draw information and knowledge for the development of project inputs and strategy development.

 Staff Development and Management

• Actively participate in country programme team and project meetings in an open, cooperative and proactive manner and contribute towards ensuring smooth collaboration and coordination.
• Ensure equal and fair opportunities and representation of both sexes and persons with disabilities in the program area.
• Build the technical capacity of Plan International staff and government partners

Dealing with Problems:

The post holder understands Healthy Village project strategies and contributes to its fulfilment by supporting the program consortium and team to play their roles and implement the project in accordance with overall goals and requirements. Demonstrates problem solving ability, strategic thinking and promotes innovative ideas.

Working at the woreda/field level to lead HVP program, the position influences PA & woreda level colleagues to adhere to required implementation standards in an integrated manner to support the sustainability of the country program.

Communications and Working Relationships:

To maximize impact through the optimized contributions of others, the post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships, including with government counterparts, project partners and other development organizations.

Effective working relationships within Plan International are also essential. The job holder will have frequent communication with CO and PA HVP teams, Program Area Manager, Plan staff and various internal staff networks, and the HVP partners.

Understand the role and responsibility of each partners, provide expertise support and ensure the lead on the Social behavioural change and demand creation component of the program. Maintain good partnership and working relationship with the partners with keeping plan international values and principles through coordination, mutual understanding and respecting each other and focusing to the goal and the benefit of the people we are working for. 

 Job Requirements

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

 Essential

Educational Qualification and Experience

• Master’s degree in communications, public health, behavior change communications, social marketing, human development; secondarily in public health and nutrition, nursing sciences and/or related development studies; or equivalent combination of education and work experience in the context of SBCC or Related Field
• A minimum of 12 years of relevant SBCC technical, demand creation, program/project leadership experience primarily in the context of an SBCC project or program focusing on WASH and Nutrition projects
• Demonstrated experience and acceptability in working with government, NGOs, and donors. Experience.
• Proven leadership, mentoring, teamwork, partnering skills (facilitating dialogue and communications across diverse sectors, institutions, and geographic administrative levels)
• Preferably including experience with the use of mass media and social networks to influence and gain public support, the negotiation and formation of alliances across interest groups
• Previous experience of managing and developing a multi-disciplinary team. Focus on WASH, Nutrition and Social Product Marketing

 Desirable

Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience working with community groups to change behaviour
• Or small businesses to improve business practices and messaging,
• Knowledge of the water, sanitation, hygiene & nutrition sector.
• Highest level knowledge of SBCC and its application to programs.
• Specific experience in CLTS, sanitation and Nutrition marketing highly desired
• In-depth knowledge of project cycle management and child centred community development programming.
• Knowledge of development issues, trends, challenges and opportunities and implications to community development.
• Knowledge of effective participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and lesson learning systems and the process of project cycle management.
• Working experience with WASH and Nutrition projects advantageous 

Skills Specific to the Post

• Ability to initiate and implement activities with minimal oversight and supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues
• Ability to assess priorities and competently complete a variety of activities with a high level of accuracy and timeliness and attention to detail
• Strong negotiation, influencing and problem solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation
• Numeracy and the ability to interpret financial data, in order to understand budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting
• Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications

Competencies

• Extremely flexible, able to work independently, and has the ability to cope with stressful situations and frustrations.
• Ability to relate to and motivate local staff effectively
• Interest in and ability to train staff
• Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work in remote and challenging environments

 Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

• Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
• Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
• Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
• Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
• Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

•  Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is February 2, 2022. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the below link.

CLICK HERE

Note: This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. Applications and CVs written in English will be accepted and we are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated link. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.