Health Communication Officer

Project Overview Focus on new country programme start up, following Medair’s emergency response to Syrian refugees,  on addressing health/nutrition needs in complex context with a focus on new forming projects  Capacity building in selected local partner health facilities and communities. Major Duties and Responsibilities Project Management Under the guidance of the Health Manager, develops an SDC-based community outreach programme with the following intended outcomes: -Increased demand for SDC PHC services. -Increased knowledge and awareness among beneficiary communities of priority health issues. -Improved beneficiary attitudes and practices regarding priority health issues. -Improved health care seeking behaviours among beneficiary communities. -Dispelled myths and misconceptions related to health and illness. Develops and adapts key health messages and materials supporting the community outreach programme. Provides technical guidance and training SDC Focal Points and Community Outreach Volunteers. In collaboration with the Medair Clinical Services Officer, develops referral systems to improve continuity of care for beneficiaries— this includes development of protocols, forms and a register to monitor referrals.  Assists in planning and implementation of assessments and surveys as required. Community Mobilization Builds and maintains effective working relationships with municipalities, leaders of informal settlements, civic organisations (e.g. Scouts), schools and host communities in the project area. Ensures beneficiary participation in all stages of programme development and implementation. Staff Management Leads, organises and supervises SDC Focal Points and Community Outreach Volunteers. Participates in their recruitment and training. Builds a team spirit, a sense of local ownership and accountability among them. Financial Management Manages the Health Communication budget Ensures all expenses are according to the budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, accountability and good governance. Communication and Coordination Reflects the vision of Medair when interacting with team members and beneficiaries. In close coordination with the Health Manager, develops and maintains appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned community volunteer team, SDC staff and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local municipalities) with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships. Coordinates and collaborates with other institutions working on social mobilization, WASH and health promotion in the project area. Participates in interagency coordination meetings pertinent to health communication and community mobilization as required by the Health Manager. Submits timely reports and assigned core indicator data to the Health Manager. Logistics Support the logistics activities as required and delegated by the Health Manager. Person Specification Relevant degree or diploma (nurse, health educator) or Community development degree Degree in Community promotion/Community development, experience working in humanitarian emergency context, experience of behaviour change programming Knowledge and experience of primary health care principles and community mobilization Familiar with Microsoft Office programs, in particular Word, Excel, Outlook. Team-player with good inter-personal skills Willingness to support others and to share workload, aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building Experience in training / mentoring / coaching staff, capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels. Ability to manage project implementation Good numerical, report writing and administration skills, problem solving ability Skills in behaviour change communication programming Able to prioritise clearly and oversee multiple tasks, able to take the initiative in project decisions Able to set clear objectives for staff and to delegate, able to consult and lead by example Experience in community based health programmes.