Plan International is a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities and range from clean water and healthcare programs to education projects, economic empowerment, child protection initiatives and youth civic engagement. Across program areas, Plan’s activities are guided by a Child-Centered Community Development (CCCD) approach, which is rights-based, holistic, gender-sensitive, and inclusive.
Plan is seeking personnel to fill the positions of Gender Specialist and Cultural Communications Advisor on the USAID – funded Zambia Community HIV Prevention Project.
Cultural Communications Advisor
The Cultural Communications Officer is a full time position on the USAID funded Zambian Community HIV Prevention Project (ZCHPP). He/she will represent Plan on this consortium; reporting directly to the Plan SBCC Specialist. The Cultural Communications Officer will play a cross-cutting role, working in tandem with the SBCC Specialist to adapt HIV and other health campaign issues into culturally-sensitive and appropriate communications messages.
Responsibilities
- Support the SBCC Specialist in adapting existing and developing new HIV materials into culturally-sensitive and appropriate communication messages
- Contribute to designing the campaign and broadcasted messages to reach targeted audiences
- Play a key role in community entry processes for the ZCHPP
- Address norms, misperceptions and stigma to increase health services acceptability
- Provide technical guidance for engagement with traditional and religious leaders
- Ensure Plan’s CCCD and child protection principles are fulfilled during project implementing, monitoring and evaluating, and reporting.
- Contribute to the documentation of achievements and best practices in the area of cultural communications on the project for internal and external circulation
- Keep track of the developments and continued review of ZCHPP and national policies in the area of on cultural communications
- Support and build the capacity of local partners to deliver culturally sensitive and appropriate messages
- Identify, train and support “HIV prevention champions” in carrying out SBCC messaging
- Contribute to trainings around gender inequality, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), gender norms and cultural practices that lead to SGBV.
- Support male champions to serve as positive role models, working through community and traditional structures to identify men that can reach out to their male peers, become mentors and set a positive example for young men and boys
Key Qualifications and Skills
- Degree in Education, Communication , anthropology, development studies and other social sciences
- A Master’s Degree or higher will be an added advantage
- 5-10 years working experience in the above fields
- Experience in message development and ability to adapt/tailor behavioral change materials into culturally sensitive messages
- Extensive experience in the implementing community mobilization activities such as the community dialogues, participatory theater education, and other community outreach initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of effective social behavior change communication and health promotion strategies
- Extensive experience in behavior change communications
- Communicates clearly and effectively
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment
Plan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Further, Qualified Zambian nationals, including those living in the diaspora, are additionally highly encouraged to apply.
To apply please send a cover letter, USAID 1420 biodata form, and resume in English through the email address to jobszambia@plan-international.org.
The deadline for applications is Saturday 13th February, 2016.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
