Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Officer

Job description

Job Description Title: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Officer Location: Cotabato City, Philippines Travel: 60-70% of Travel Job Family and Level: T3 - Technical Pre hire checks: This role is classified as requiring standard pre-employment checks 1. Scope Responsibility: Project level Department: Programs Reporting to: Humanitarian Manager Direct reports: None Budget responsibility: None Relationship management: Communications and Programs team, Health Officer, MEAL, BARMM ministries and LGUs, and implementing partner 2. Context Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need. Relief International is an alliance of four organizations with one shared mission, comprised of Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK and Relief International-Europe, which operate under a one-team concept under a single senior leadership team. 3. Job Profile The SBCC Officer will support the implementation of Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), social mobilization, and demand generation, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) activities under the DG ECHO-funded Life-saving Health Support with Integrated Psychological Support in Crisis-affected Communities in the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Action. The position will support improved health-seeking behaviors, increased utilization of health services, strengthened community participation, and enhanced accountability to affected populations through evidence-based communication and engagement approaches. Working closely with the Medical Coordinator, Health Officer, MEAL team, government counterparts, community structures, and implementing partners, the post holder will develop and implement communication campaigns, facilitate community engagement activities, strengthen feedback mechanisms, document project outcomes, and contribute to behavior change strategies informed by project monitoring data, community feedback, and learning. The SBCC Officer will serve as the project's focal person for community engagement, social mobilization, accountability mechanisms, health promotion campaigns, and communication activities that support the achievement of project outcomes. The postholder will implement SBCC activities in accordance with national policies and guidelines, donor requirements, RI policies, and relevant good practices in health promotion and behavior change programming. Key Responsibilities Social Mobilization and Demand Generation Organize and coordinate community mobilization activities that promote participation in health interventions and services. Engage community leaders, faith leaders, traditional leaders, volunteers, and local influencers to support project implementation. Support demand generation initiatives for routine immunization, maternal and child health services, disease prevention, mental health and psychosocial support, and other project priorities. Identify barriers affecting service uptake and recommend community-based approaches to improve access and utilization. Coordinate closely with the Health Officer to ensure communication and mobilization efforts support health service delivery activities. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Support the implementation and strengthening of community feedback and complaint mechanisms. Facilitate collection, documentation, referral, and follow-up of community feedback and concerns. Work closely with the MEAL team to analyze community feedback trends and support adaptive programming. Promote transparency, information sharing, and community participation throughout project implementation. Support closing the feedback loop by ensuring communities receive responses and updates on the concerns they raise. Capacity Building and Community Support Support orientation, mentoring, and coaching of community volunteers, health workers, and community-based structures on communication and community engagement approaches. Facilitate learning and reflection sessions with community stakeholders and project partners. Support the establishment and strengthening of community engagement platforms and volunteer networks. Contribute to strengthening local capacities for community preparedness, risk communication, and emergency response. Documentation, Visibility and Knowledge Management Coordinate documentation of project achievements, lessons learned, beneficiary testimonies, and success stories. Develop human-interest stories, case studies, field stories, and communication content highlighting project impact. Support the collection of photos, videos, beneficiary consent forms, and visibility materials in accordance with organizational policies. Maintain organized documentation and archives of communication products and community engagement activities. Contribute communication content and qualitative information for donor reports, presentations, and learning products. Develop and adapt IEC, visibility, and communication materials, including print and digital content, in coordination with the Communications Coordinator and in accordance with RI and donor branding and visibility requirements. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Work closely with the MEAL officer in monitoring behavior change indicators, community engagement indicators, and communication campaign performance. Participate in assessments, surveys, KAP studies, learning reviews, and other evidence-generation activities. Support the collection of qualitative information and community perspectives that contribute to project learning and adaptive management. Utilize monitoring findings and evidence to improve communication strategies and community engagement approaches. Coordination and Representation Maintain effective coordination with the Ministry of Health-BARMM, SGA Health Offices, LGUs, community leaders, civil society organizations, and implementing partners. Participate in coordination meetings, technical discussions, and community engagement forums as assigned. Support the harmonization of project communication activities with government health promotion initiatives and public health campaigns. Represent Relief International in community engagement and communication-related activities when delegated. Safeguarding and Conduct Promote and uphold Relief International's Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Protection Principles, and Accountability Commitments. Ensure communication and community engagement activities are inclusive, conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, and respectful of community diversity. Report safeguarding concerns, misconduct, security incidents, and operational risks through established organizational procedures. 4. Person Specification Essential criteria Education Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Promotion, Development Communication, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Community Development, Social Work, or a related field. Experience At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in social and behavior change communication, health promotion, public health, nutrition, community development, or related programming. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing behavior change interventions in health and/or nutrition projects. Experience developing communication strategies, campaigns, and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. Experience in audience analysis, community engagement, social mobilization, or demand generation activities. Experience facilitating trainings and capacity-building initiatives for staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Experience working with local government units, health facilities, and community-based structures. Strong report-writing, documentation, and communication skills in English. Knowledge and Skills Strong understanding of social and behavior change theories, frameworks, and methodologies. Knowledge of participatory community engagement approaches and adult learning principles. Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data and translate findings into practical program recommendations. Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Strong organizational, coordination, and activity management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication platforms. Personal Attributes Commitment to humanitarian values and accountability to affected populations. Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in diverse environments. High level of integrity, professionalism, and adaptability. RI Values Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values: Integrity Adaptability Collaboration Inclusivity Sustainability