Community Mobilization Officer, Malaria Prevention in MPN-Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project

<P>Community Mobilization Officer, Malaria Prevention in MPN-Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project</P><P>Africare, a US-based NGO established in 1970, has been working in Nigeria since 1978 and is currently operating National level and community-based development projects in 21 African countries. Africare has long standing experience in the design and delivery of technical, training, material and financial assistance to self-help efforts in the fields of health/HIV-AIDS, food security, natural resource management, water resource development, micro-enterprise, civil society strengthening and good governance. Health programs are important to Africare's work in virtually all countries where it operates and constitute about one-quarter of Africare’s overall development assistance effort. In Nigeria, Africare has its main offices in Abuja and Lagos and field offices in Port Harcourt and Asaba and Uyo, with smaller satellite offices in Bayelsa and Cross Rivers State.</P><P>Africare’s newest project in Nigeria addresses malaria, prevention, treatment and support in two Niger Delta states – Akwa Ibom and Rivers State. Funded by the ExxonMobil Foundation, the Malaria Prevention in MPN Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project has a goal of reducing the prevalence and mortality related to malaria in select communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. The specific targets related to use of LLITNs, ACTs, and confirmed diagnosis are in line with those of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) targets from the NMCP National Strategic (2009-2013). In year one of the three year project, Africare will focus on two LGAs in Akwa Ibom State – Eket and Ibeno and will expand to two LGAs in Rivers state. The project commenced field activities in September 2011, but the grant was issued in January and the project end date is December 2013.</P><P>OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES</P><P>The MAPS-C Project Officer for Social Mobilisation will work closely with primary health care facilities and community-based stakeholder groups to build greater awareness and adherence to prevention, control, and treatment approaches. Stakeholder groups include community leaders, churches, NGO/CBOs, schools, government agencies, public and private health facilities, and vendors. The Project Officer must have a broad understanding of malaria prevention and control, and must be able to effectively communicate with members of the communities served, as well as respected officials and leaders. S/He must also be able to develop effective written and visual communications materials and facilitate malaria-health discussions within group and one-on-one settings.</P><P>SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES</P><P>Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Project Officer for Social Mobilisation will carry out the following responsibilities:</P><P>Foster individual and community mobilization through both proven and innovative implementation of key campaign messages, including proper and consistent LLIN use and maintenance; comprehension and use of ACTs; and increased use of ANC services.</P><P>Develop and disseminate IEC messages to improve mothers' awareness of the risk of malaria during pregnancy and promote the use of IPTp during various phases of pregnancy.</P><P>Coordinate with the other MAPS-C staff, state and local government health and RBM staff to develop educational materials as well as ensure continuity in communications.</P><P>Conduct focus groups and interviews in order to establish communication messaging and platforms.</P><P>Conduct IEC/BCC activities at the health facility and community level to ensure maximum local impact and education.</P><P>Collaborate closely with the Project Coordinator and other Africare staff to ensure the documentation of communications effects on target audiences by designing all messages to track specific, measurable behaviors.</P><P>Contribute to work plans, budgets, pipelines, technical reports, and deliverables.</P><P>Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.</P><P>QUALIFICATIONS</P><P>A Bachelors degree in Public Health Social Sciences, Mass Communications, Management, Marketing, Humanities or equivalent</P><P>At least 2 years experience in developing, implementing and reporting for community programs focused on health, including malaria and other services to women and children</P><P>Strong familiarity with communities and community health systems in Rivers state</P><P>Demonstrated ability to work with the private sector, small business owners, community groups, government agencies, civil society groups, health institutions and trade unions</P><P>Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English</P><P>Demonstrated leadership and team management qualities including crises and conflict management and mediation</P><P>Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and experience with donor funded program accounting regulations and reporting requirements and knowledge of internal accounting controls.</P><P>High level of diplomacy skills with a strong focus on relationship building with other organizations. Commitment to building best practice, ability to replicate and transfer knowledge</P><P>Proficiency in computer application; word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation packages and internet applications highly desirable</P><P>Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision</P><P>Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, consultants and project beneficiaries</P>

Community Mobilization Officer, Malaria Prevention in MPN-Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project

Community Mobilization Officer, Malaria Prevention in MPN-Supplier Communities (MAPS-C) Project Africare, a US-based NGO established in 197...

Read more »