Population Council seeks applications from qualified candidates to serve as a Lead Social Mobilizer for its Shang Ring Research project in Homabay, Kenya.
REPORTING TO: Program Officer II – Shang Ring Project
LOCATION: Homa Bay
ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: 1 year, renewable by mutual consent and availability of funding
JOB SUMMARY
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through a contract with Weill Cornell Medical College, the Population Council will carry out a two-phase study that shall enroll infants whose parents are seeking early infant male circumcision (EIMC). The study will be conducted at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital, in Homa Bay County and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu We are seeking a Lead Social Mobilizer who will be stationed in Homa Bay to oversee mobilization activities in both locations, although more emphasis will be on mobilizing at the Homa Bay site since there is a mobilizer already active in Kisumu.
She/he will implement activities in the Maternity and MCH (e.g. antenatal care, well check-up visits, etc.) of the study sites and facilities nearby that should result in parents bringing their infants for EIMC. The Lead Social Mobilizer will collaborate with Homa Bay County-based partners to implement county-based study recruitment strategy and communication activities. The LSM will implement a social process in communities in Homa Bay for analysis of male circumcision community problems and collective action leading to solutions of those problems, and to make that process self-sustaining and self-managing. She/he will support the mobilizer at JOOTRH to do the same. She/he will also assist with project implementation to ensure the successful and timely implementation of study recruitment activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with the Homa Bay study site management team and community health workers, county health team and county communication coordination partners to implement ShangRing study recruitment strategy.
Identify potential leaders, champions, and/or organizers who can assist with study recruitment activities;
Work with the Maternity and MCH departments of the study site and surrounding facilities to educate parents about EIMC
Carry out general sensitization to community and community leaders, DMOH, CBO’s, the press and other community organizations (e.g. women support groups).
Explore issues with community and begin setting priorities for enhancing study recruitment through an action plan based on the study recruitment strategy.
Provide technical assistance to county and sub-county communication partners to implement, monitor, and report on study recruitment activities.
Collaborate with community-based organizations to recruit, train, and supervise community mobilizers as needed to undertake interpersonal communication activities to promote healthy behaviors and use of MC services at the study sites.
Adapt/translate existing MC-BCC materials as needed and disseminate materials at the community and facility level.
Conduct follow-up meetings, as needed, with CMOH and community leaders to discuss progress and community reaction; and to work through any challenges.
Prepare monthly reports of activities to submit to supervisor.
Work with the EIMC mobilizer based at JOOTRH to ensure adequate mobilization at that study site.
KNOWLEDGE; QAULIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
First degree in community development, social work or its equivalent;
Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in community development, peer education or advocacy for health and development, preferably in and around Homa Bay;
Experience with communication and/or program activities related to male circumcision programming;
Experience in training and networking;
Experience working with community health workers and youth;
Ability to read and write well in local languages and English; and
Residing in Homa Bay or nearby.
