Job Summary
The Social Mobilization Officer will be responsible for designing, planning and providing technical guidance on social mobilization activities in the polio eradication project in both Borno and Kano states.
He/She will work closely with the local implementing partners, social mobilization working for groups both at the states and also CGPP secretariat, to ensure efficient and effective social mobilization in the implementation of the PEI activities in the two states.
Main Responsibilities
- Support implementation of social and community mobilization activities in collaboration with the local implementing partners’ staff (LGACs, VWS, VCMs), state social mobilization working groups
- Support advocacy with religious and community leaders to create an enabling environment to improve awareness on the benefits of polio and routine immunization and promote uptake of these services during immunization plus days campaigns and at the health facilities.
- Organize meetings with religious, traditional and community leaders, village heads, community groups and other relevant community stakeholders to improve awareness on polio, routine immunization, AFP surveillance.
- Support training and supervision of Voluntary Community Mobilizers and other social and or community mobilization agents working under the polio project.
- Support the M&E Officers and State Project Managers to effectively collect, collate and report social and community mobilization data as required.
- Collaborate with State Project Managers and State M&E Officers to ensure documentation of all community mobilization activities.
- Prepare and submit timely and quality activity reports, including field notes and success stories, to effectively capture lessons learned on the ground from the projects
- Provide administrative support as needed.
- Carry out other tasks to support the polio project activities as assigned.
Qualifications
- First degree or its equivalent in social/ Behavioral Sciences (Development Studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Health Education) or any other relevant discipline of study
- Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
- Proven experience in strategic communication planning for behavior development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research.
- Minimum of Three (3) years post-NYSC or discharge certificate “Hands On” work experience in advocacy, social and or community mobilization in polio projects or any health programs.
- Excellent communication, and organizational skills; – and- ability to influence and facilitate advocacy agendas at LGA and State level.
- Understanding of local communities and cultures in the relevant states of operations and ability to communicate fluently in Hausa.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to travel and work in difficult settings, including remote rural areas of Nigeria.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, or similar software.
- Well-organized, with an ability to track multiple activities and deadlines.
- Experience in providing administrative support to work teams.
- Ability to work successfully in cross-cultural, team-based environment.