Role objectives:

• Work with a cluster of LGA / ward teams to ensure deeper ward analysis, planning & implementation of strategic communications interventions & be responsible for basic monitoring. The specific communication interventions to be implemented in each area will be informed by local knowledge & the unique characteristics of the wards / settlements.
• Support the development of LGA social mobilization action plans for polio & non polio SIAs targeting high risk wards in the high risk LGAs within the state.
• Facilitate, in coordination with our clients field offices, the effective use of social mobilization funds channeled through the government departments at the state, LGA & ward levels for SIA.
• Support training of state / LGA / ward staff & vaccination personnel in social mobilization activities, including interpersonal communications.
• Advocate with LGA / ward policy makers & religious & traditional leadership for support for implementing polio & non polio campaigns / routine immunization.
• Participate in planning & implementing media & communication activities & work with media groups & networks for coordinating our client supported programs during SIPDs.
• Work directly & collaborate with traditional district & ward leaders to increase community participation & OPV acceptance to reduce missed children during campaigns.
• Design & implement group specific strategies to reach hard to reach, nomadic & minority groups at LGA, district & ward levels.
• Participate in state / LGA / Ward IPD management team activities geared towards successfully implementing SIAs.
• Supervise data collection at the state, LGA, district & ward levels. Analyse data for specific trends / patterns of non compliance, poor coverage, dropouts, left outs, etc. & undertake coordinated actions to facilitate the process of reaching such communities / households.
• Coordinate stakeholders such as NGOs, CBOs, religious groups, women’s groups & Youth groups for their involvement & participation in polio eradication activities. Work closely with other partners like WHO, Rotary, Red Cross, N TLC / SPHCDA & other relevant government partners.
• Ensure strong supervision of LGA Facilitators & other polio communication team members in their cluster of LGAs within the accountability framework.
• Support all required activities in respective clusters of LGAs to increase coverage for routine immunization.
• Support any emergency non polio SIAs such as COVID-19, as required by the organization & any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Expected output:

• Based on the major tasks outlined above, a work plan should be submitted for approval by supervising Facilitator / SBC Specialist / Health Specialist 2 weeks after joining with clear monthly deliverables for each month of the contract period.
• A detailed work plan at the beginning & monthly work plans thereafter (1st week of each month).
• Monthly report of activities, outcomes, mission reports & Notes for the Record (NFR) on meetings, etc. (monthly).
• Accountability dashboard indicators submitted monthly & strict adherence to the accountability framework in the state.
• One report after each IPD by using a supplied template on intervention & other social data tools / social mobilization indicators (as per IPD conducted).
• One end of contract report.

Expected results:

• Data driven & evidence based high risk operational plans with strong communication components in place across all LGA’s within the assigned cluster of LGA’s contributing to a reduction in missed children & quality campaigns (every campaign).
• Immunization barriers identified, analyzed & overcome by social mobilization groups & key influencers (updated monthly in all LGA’s).
• The number of missed children & non compliance is reduced through intensified social mobilization activities.
• Full implementation of the accountability framework across all LGAs within the cluster leading to high quality immunization activities (monthly dashboard updated & quarterly review of Facilitators).
• Polio & routine immunization, M&E reports from LGA are available at state, field office & Abuja levels (weekly & monthly report submitted).
• Functioning social mobilization committee & polio task.forces are in place across all LGAs within the assigned cluster of LGA’s.
• Volunteer Community Mobilizer (VCM) network is highly operational, delivering results as reported through accurate & timely reporting (weekly reports submitted).

The primary outcomes will be:

• Quality implementation of all polio & non polio IPDs / supplemental immunization activities reduces (to almost zero) missed children (non compliant & / or absent) & zero dose children.
• Increased commitment from LGA officials, traditional leaders & religious leaders through frequent LGA Facilitator feedback & engagement on all SBC activities for our clients programs.
• Social mobilization working groups and committees at LGAs hold regular meetings & use social mobilization data to plan, monitor & implement SBC interventions in polio, routine immunization, health, nutrition, education, WASH & child protection.
• Improved use of social & Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) data in communication strategy development & planning by the LGA team, including social mobilization working group members through technical inputs

Project reporting:

• This role reports to the line manager.

Key competencies:

• University Degree in Social Sciences, Communication, Public Health, Community Nutrition, Community Development or related technical field.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of the local language of the duty station is an asset.
• At least 3 – 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the state / LGA level in program planning, management, monitoring & evaluation in immunization programs.
• Experience in social mobilization, advocacy & communication in health related programs, polio eradication campaign, IEC materials development, training / capacity building, team building.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies as well as programming policies & procedures in international development cooperation.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan & execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge & tech skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi cultural environmentand establish harmonious & effective working relationships both within & outside the organization.

Team management:

• This role has no team management responsibility.

Further information:

• Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.