Behavior Change Communication Advisor

Title:	Behavior Change Communication Advisor
Location:	Washington, DC
Number:	GHFP II-P1-033
Status:	Open
Close Date:	4/17/2012
All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the closing date.
Global Health Fellows Program II Technical Advisor Level II: Behavior Change Communication Advisor Policy, Evaluation and Communication Division, Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development Location: Washington, DC Assignment: Two year fellowship GHFP II-P1-033 The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). GHFP-II's goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and performance management and professional development activities aimed to enhance the technical and leadership skills of fellows. INTRODUCTION: The Behavior Change Communication Advisor (BCC Advisor) will be based in the Policy, Evaluation, and Communication (PEC) Division, one of four divisions in the Office of Population and Reproductive Health (PRH) in USAID’s Bureau for Global Health. The Division supports improved collection, analysis, and use of data in policymaking and program planning and promotes policies, behavior change, and community norms that result in improved family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) outcomes. The BCC Advisor will work with the Senior BCC Advisor who serves as the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR)/Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) to manage GH/PRH/PEC’s behavior change communication project(s); will provide technical assistance to USAID Missions on BCC questions and field implementation; and will collaborate with the Senior BCC Advisor to represent the Office of PRH on questions and issues concerning behavior change communication. The BCC Advisor will receive day to day guidance and technical direction from the Senior BCC Advisor. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The primary responsibilities of the BCC Advisor include: Assist in BCC project management In collaboration with the AOR/COR, provide technical backstopping and management oversight on family planning/reproductive health issues to the Global Health Bureau’s BCC project(s); participate on design teams for new projects; provide technical guidance in implementation and evaluation of programs; oversee development and review of partner work plans and products; and assist in monitoring the project(s)’ technical and financial performance Travel (as time and budget permit) to monitor the BCC field activities of centrally-managed projects. The BCC Advisor should expect to travel internationally 2-4 times per year on average for approximately 2 weeks at a time Provide BCC assistance to Missions As requested, assist Missions in developing and evaluating initiatives to build in-country capacity to address BCC issues Facilitate sharing of BCC materials and best practices across US Government FP/RH programs in different countries Provide BCC expertise to PRH and GH Bureau Participate in developing recommendations for new areas of BCC research and programming, and promote innovation in behavioral interventions and communication, e.g., new ways of engaging the private sector and media and use of information and communication technology Provide USAID country health teams and implementing partners with informed input and ongoing technical support to ensure best practices in behavioral interventions and communication campaigns Maintain knowledge of current literature in all areas of FP/RH behavioral research with particular attention to determinants of individual behavior change and broader transformation of social norms, effectiveness of diverse behavioral approaches, including individual, small group, community and mass media interventions; and the state-of-the-art in design and evaluation of BCC activities Collaborate with BCC AOR/COR to contribute to PRH and the Global Health Bureau’s strategic approach to BCC Collaborate with BCC AOR/COR to plan, participate, facilitate, and present at international and domestic meetings, workshops and conferences dealing with behavioral aspects of FP/RH, and publish in peer-reviewed journals Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational programming need and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interests REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree or higher in public health, social psychology, health communication or other relevant behavioral /social science field Minimum 5 years’ experience working in areas of behavior change, communication or outreach, with at least 2 years’ experience working on sexual and reproductive health, including FP/RH and HIV/AIDS in an international or resource challenged setting Demonstrated understanding of theories and frameworks relating to individual behavior change and broader social responses, the evidence base for behavioral/communications interventions and best practices, and familiarity with the current BCC literature Hands-on experience designing, planning, implementing and evaluating behavioral interventions/communication campaigns is highly desirable Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, including cross-cultural teams Experience with USAID programming, budgeting, and evaluation functions and procedures both in USAID/Washington and in USAID missions desirable Overseas experience in developing countries desirable US citizenship or US permanent residency required SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs http://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf TO APPLY: All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on April 17, 2012. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.