PROJECT SUMMARY:

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded a corporative agreement to Opportunity International (Opportunity) as the lead Implementing Partner (IP) for the USAID/Ghana Low-Cost Private Schools (LCPS) Activity with five partners including FHI 360. The goal of the Activity is to enable schools, communities, financial organizations, professional networks, and the Government of Ghana (GoG) to improve student learning outcomes and financing options for LCPS over five years (2023 – 2028). The Activity targets 213 select LCPS in 17 USAID Zone of Influence districts of northern Ghana. The three intermediate results (IR) of the Activity are to improve the quality of education offered by LCPS; to increase investment in and business performance of LCPS; and, to strengthen the capacity of Ministry of Education (MoE) and professional networks to support LCPS.

JOB SUMMARY:

The SBC Specialist will be an upper mid-level member of the project team and will work with the government, regional and local partners, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, others to support the design, implementation, and monitoring of SBC activities to facilitate capacity building and educational curriculum development and other goals of the project.

The SBC Specialist will work under the oversight of the project chief of party to provide specialized technical assistance to design, implement, monitor, and coordinate SBC and demand generation interventions.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides technical assistance and support related to the development and implementation of social and behavior change communication/demand generation/marketing strategies for improvements in private school primary level education curriculum development, acceptance and promotion among school and community-based stakeholders in all phases from formative research through design, media and material production, community mobilization, and evaluation.
• Supports the design and implementation of formative research in SBC and the development of related strategies.
• Responds to the specified deliverables and goals of contracts and grant agreements, ensuring achievements in a timely manner and in full support and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Leads the implementation of SBC work plans, formative research, and other assigned activities. Contribute to and draft quarterly and annual reports, and all other reporting requirements as needed.
• Liaises with and manages partner organizations involved in country program activities and assists in the implementation of project activities.
• Other assigned tasks that support the Chief of Party to successfully complete FHI 360 workplan activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

5-7 years of experience in researching, designing, implementing, and managing demand generation, marketing, social and behavior change programs and projects in developing countries and experience working in Ghana.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required in public health, health communications, marketing, communications or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Specific Knowledge Requirements:

• Strong knowledge social and behavior change communication models and strategies and their practical application to improving the uptake of key behaviors and community engagement in primary education and instruction. Strong understanding of schools, teaching curriculum and education systems in Ghana.
• Knowledge of evidence-based, innovative, and practical solutions to communication challenges in developing countries.
• Field experience in developing and implementing SBC projects and programs in Ghana and/or other African countries that have demonstrated impact, at scale.
• Understanding of widely accepted formative research, pretesting, and monitoring and evaluation methodologies for effective demand generation and SBC interventions.
• Understanding of capacity strengthening strategies and approaches to develop and strengthen SBC knowledge, ability, and skills among a wide array of technical staff.
• Demonstrated strong technical, programming, and management skills.
• Proven ability to work as an effective team member.
• Proven ability to work independently by setting own milestones and completed assigned tasks.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills in English and one or more local languages. Demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills, and experience working in collaboration with the private sector, government, partners, donors, and NGOs.
• Ability to set priorities while multi-tasking, and meet deadlines.

Language requirements: English and one or more local languages.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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