Social Behavior Change Officer

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Funded by the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Program for the Advancement of Malaria Outcomes Plus (PAMO Plus) is a 5-year project that aims to control and prevent malaria morbidity and mortality, and thereby minimize the social effects and economic losses. It also contributes to the reduction of under-five all-cause mortality rate, as a result of reduced malaria mortality. This project which is working in 4 target provinces, namely Eastern, Muchinga, Northern and Luapula, will strengthen the Ministry of Health’s capacity to implement the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (NMESP) at provincial, district, and community levels. The project which is now in its third year of implementation is building strong effective partnerships with communities, civil society, health facilities, provincial and district health offices (PHOs and DHOs), the private sector, and cooperating partners to scale-up and maintain internationally accepted strategies to fight malaria. PATH is the lead partner of the consortium that is implementing this project.

PATH seeks to recruit a Social Behavior Change Officer (SBC Officer) who will be based in Katete. The SBC Officer will form part of a team which will operate in 7 Pre Elimination districts of Chadiza, Chipata, Chipangali, Katete, Kasenengwa, Petauke and Sinda.  The SBC Officer will form part of the “Malaria Pre-Elimination Team” and will report directly to the Malaria Pre-Elimination Coordinator. The SBC Officer will provide district and community level specialized technical guidance on proven approaches for social behavior change with the goal of increasing uptake and utilization of malaria services. S/he will have primary responsibility for oversight district and community SBC activities. S/he will work collaborate with other relevant SBC staff and partners working on malaria elimination efforts for enhanced coordination of SBC activities. S/he will also work with other program officers to provide general support to the PHO and DHO staff to coordinate, supervise and monitor malaria SBC interventions at provincial, district and community levels.

Responsibilities: 

• Support implementation coordination, supervision and monitoring of SBC interventions and activities to support the malaria pre-elimination agenda.
• Support the development and implementation of the SBC approaches such as mass media, interpersonal communication, community engagement and mobilization, information communication technology advocacy and other strategies.
• Support the development of program and activity tools to support district and community level SBC interventions.
• Support PAMO Plus contracted civil society organizations to strengthen their capacities to implement SBC interventions.
• Provide leadership and oversight to PAMO Plus contracted civil society organizations (CSOs) through regular supervision and monitoring.
• Provide support to DHO, CSOs and other partner organizations and existing traditional structures to plan and integrate SBC community interventions and implement community engagement activities.
• Work with community groups and outreach workers to map and monitor community action and increase participation in and uptake of malaria services; provide ongoing mentoring and support.
• Coordinate community capacity strengthening activities and organize program review meetings.
• Document best practices and prepare regular weekly and monthly plans and progress reports.
• Participate in preparation of work plans and other project technical documents as required.
• Provide technical assistance to the DHOs and Health Facility Staff in organizing community meetings/events and orientation of Community Based Volunteers and other community members.
• Conduct other activities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Collaborate with Community Engagement & Mobilization Officers working on the ANC surveillance and ProACT study in Chadiza District.

Required Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in social science or equivalent experience in public health or any other health-related field.
• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience in programs related to social behavior change, community engagement and mobilization is required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite —specific competence in the use of word processing, presentation, and email software required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in planning and facilitating community level activities and training.
• Experience working on the USAID-funded project is an added advantage.
• Must be innovative and a team player.
• Fluency in local languages of Eastern Province
• Ability to travel within the target districts and provinces up to 60% of the time.

Must have legal authorization to work in Zambia.

PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.