Helen Keller International (HKI) is an international agency whose mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. HKI’s work in Tanzania is focused in the areas of Nutrition and in Eye Care. In the area of nutrition, HKI works to strengthen micronutrient programs including the national vitamin A supplementation (VAS) program. In addition, we work to promote the consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato in the Lake Zone. In eye care HKI works on programs to alleviate the burden of neglected tropical diseases such as trachoma and cataract.
With support from Irish Aid, HKI is launching its Homestead Food Production Program in Tanzania. The program aims to improve food security and nutrition, particularly micronutrients, among vulnerable households in Tanzania. By working with and through women farmers in Tanzania, HKI will be promoting and facilitating improved nutrition through home gardening, livestock production and intensive nutrition education. Over a three-year project period, HKI will increase access to nutrient-rich foods, connect farmers to income-generating markets and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations through the promotion of key behaviors needed for optimum nutrition.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Technical Advisor for Behavior Change Communication (BCC) in Nutrition (TA-BCCN) reports to the Project Coordinator - Homestead Food Production in Mwanza who in turn reports to the Senior Nutrition Coordinator in Dar es Salaam. The TA-BCCN will work closely with the Project Coordinator to ensure effective program implementation of all health education related activities of the project, specifically leading the training, ongoing messaging and monitoring of the Essential Nutrition Actions BCC framework. As such, the TA will work with work closely with implementing partners, the district medical officers and the health facility workers on program activities to ensure high quality work, routine and continuous trainings, monitoring, and supervision of implementing partner activities.
MAJOR TASKS AND ACTIVITIES:
· Work closely with Project Coordinator to effectively initiate the new HFP program
· Daily management of the HFP program, ensuring effective program implementation of all nutrition activities
· Oversee the adaptation of ENA/BCC training modules to the Tanzanian context including incorporating formative research findings into the training program.
· Oversee the day to day work of the HFP Implementing Partners
· Develop and implement plans for the execution of training and behavior change communication activities on issues relating to ENA and maternal and child health.
· Develop and produce tools and materials for the implementation of ENA/BCC activities, and train project partners at the district level in their use.
· Provide technical assistance to district officers and staff of local NGOs when they conduct ENA/BCC training sessions for beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
· Conduct TOT sessions on ENA/BCC for district health and agriculture officers and the staff of local NGOs in Mwanza
· Oversee and help build BCC capacity with the local implementing partner(s) to ensure work is being conducted in a high quality manner and to HKI standards
· Develop monthly work plans and detailed budgets with implementing partners for their subcontracted nutrition and health components of the program
· Closely monitor all nutrition and BCC components of the HFP program including critical health indicators
· Work with Implementing Partners to develop close ties with communities and beneficiaries of the project
· Represent HKI on matters related to BCC as it pertains to the HFP program
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:
· Master’s degree in communication, marketing, nutrition, nursing, public health or community development with at least 5 years work experience in a relevant position.
· Documented experience in behavior change communication, social marketing or the design of materials and communications for various media.
· Technical knowledge of health behaviors needed, nutrition behaviours an asset.
· Experience working directly with communities and establishing good rapport with project beneficiaries.
· Private sector experience will be an advantage
· Experience working with district councils or health facilities in Tanzania
· Excellent oral and written communication skills in both Kiswahili and English.
· Ability to work effectively with multiple partners including communities, government and NGO partners.
· Ability to develop work plans and monitor program activities in a timely manner
· General PC proficiency and strong skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
· Able to work methodically, accurately and independently
· A team player, friendly, supportive, adaptable and flexible.
Terms of Employment: One year contract renewal upon mutual agreement.
Salary: Helen Keller International offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Please send letter of application, including curriculum vitae, name and contacts of three references by email to Helen Keller International: hki.hrconsult@gmail.com (subject of email: Technical Advisor – Behavior Change Communication for Nutrition application)
Closing Date: 21st October, 2011
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
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