Kampala, Uganda
9 hours ago
Research and Social Behaviour Change Specialist - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Key Responsibilities:

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Support Effective Project Planning and Implementation.

Provide technical support for community and institution-level formative research (e.g., Barrier Analysis) that focuses on identifying barriers and enablers to good WASH practices, utilizing standardized tools.Guide the selection and design of the WASH behaviour change approach and interventions based on assessment and formative research data.Provide appropriate tools to facilitate the implementation of selected behaviour change interventions.Review and offer technical input on detailed project plans for WASH behaviour change initiatives.Analyze lessons learned from prior and ongoing WASH behaviour change interventions, as well as promising practices, to inform the design process for the area program.Ensure that WASH behaviour change principles and strategies are integrated into WASH supply development, operations, and maintenance.- Conduct periodic reviews of local-level WASH behaviour change activities to evaluate implementation quality, ensure alignment with the project plan, and identify process improvements, promising practices, and innovations in collaboration with partners as needed.

Technical Support and Training.

Conduct capacity assessments to identify training needs and develop a comprehensive capacity-building plan and facilitate training for field teams in WASH behavior change and communication, ensuring a focus on GESI transformative principles and approaches.Conduct training sessions for field-level WASH staff and partners to promote understanding and application of best practices in GESI transformative behavior change.Model GESI transformative principles in interactions with staff and participants, promoting inclusion and participation among all stakeholders.Assess staff and partner needs to identify best practices in WASH behavior change and GESI, informing learning and development opportunities.Offer continuous coaching and mentoring to field-level WASH staff and partners to support quality implementation and enhance effective community engagement.

Partnership and Networking.

Identify and mobilize effective networks of like-minded organizations at the regional and national levels to foster dialogue, ensure coordination, and share learnings related to WASH behavior change plans and activities among stakeholder groups. Review, consolidate, and analyze stakeholder assessments at both community and institutional levels to identify potential high-level partners and behavior-change influencers.  Contribute to the planning and execution of national and local WASH behaviour change events and campaigns. Provide input to national office efforts aimed at influencing government policies on WASH behaviour change.Identify potential partners and collaborators at the district, regional, or national levels who can advance gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in transformative WASH programming. Engage strategically with government authorities and stakeholders to promote the application of GESI transformative WASH initiatives. Advocate for GESI transformative WASH programming with key stakeholders in the program area to ensure support and enhance funding opportunities. Develop and mobilize local GESI-inclusive coalitions to sustain the concept of GESI transformative WASH in the program area for the long term. 

Research, Documentation, and Evidence Building.

Provide technical support for the evaluation and research efforts associated with WASH behaviour change projects and programs.Develop WASH behaviour change and communication protocol for different interventionsSupport post-implementation monitoring of behaviour change activities and assess adherence to appropriate WASH practices.Utilize insights gained from project reviews, monitoring, and research to update WASH models and make adjustments to programming at the national level.Conduct barrier analyses to identify obstacles to various WASH behaviours and develop targeted strategies to facilitate behaviour change.Identify key areas for research, conduct investigations, and document significant findings, aiming to develop at least (02) WASH scientific research papers for publication annuallyConduct information needs assessments regarding access to and utilization of WASH services by persons  with disabilities.Project Management, Coordination, and ReportingAdapt standard monitoring guidelines for field-level application to effectively track WASH behaviour activities and outputs, ensuring that milestones are consistently met through regular reviews of scheduled monitoring efforts and prompt resolution of any identified issues.Provide ongoing oversight for tracking and reporting GESI-related indicators and actively contribute to the preparation of required reports for donors and partners.Share insights and best practices from program monitoring and evaluation with stakeholders to foster continuous improvement and innovation, utilizing lessons learned from project reviews, monitoring, and research to update WASH models and adjust programming at the national level.Support the post-implementation monitoring of behavior change initiatives and evaluate adherence to appropriate WASH practices to enhance program effectiveness and impact.

Resource Acquisition

Identify and initiate feasible funding proposals to acquire resources that support WASH program interventions.Participate in resource mobilization by writing concept papers and proposals for fundraising

People Management

Participate in staff recruitment and provide mentorship and coaching to improve performance and retention.Conduct staff performance target setting and facilitate regular reviews.

KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

Required Professional Experience.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in implementing Social Behaviour Change (SBC) programming, particularly in designing and executing WASH programs, along with a demonstrated track record of working with national partner organizations.Proficient in conducting sectoral assessments, mappings, and analyses, and skilled in documenting lessons learned and best practices, with outstanding report writing abilities and experience in strategy, program, and proposal development.Experienced in working with coordination mechanisms, such as Technical Working Groups, and providing training and technical advisory support, demonstrating expertise in capacity-building.Strong research and publication skills, evidenced by at least two publications in peer-reviewed journals related to WASH, Public Health, or Behavioural Science.Technical proficiency in SBC programming and advanced computer skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, and analysis tools such as NVivo and ATLAS.ti.Ability to present complex information clearly and compellingly.

Required Education, training, license, registration, and certification

Master's degree in Public Health, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Social and Behaviour Change Communication, Sanitary Engineering, or any other specialized field related to WASH/Health along with experience in social behaviour change programming..

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

A strong understanding of WASH Behaviour Change Models and approaches, including CLTS, Sanitation Market-Based Approach, PHAST, CHAST, and WASH FIT, is added advantage.Proven ability to influence change at both operational and strategic levels. Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and well-structured assessment and project reports in English.Excellent interpersonal skills and a courteous approach when working with communities.Fluency in English is required.Demonstrated experience in proposal writing and advocacy.

Travel and/or Work Environment Requirement 40% field work and 60% office

Work environment:  60% Office-based with frequent travel to the field;Ready to spend 20-40% time in field.Travel:  5% Domestic/international travel is required.

Advert start date: April 16th, 2025.

Advert end date: April 23rd, 2025.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only
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