Behavioral Scientist at African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)

Duration of Contract: Nine (9) Months

Scope of work

• This is a full-time position to be stationed at the national office in Abuja with travel to implementing states.
• A Behavioral Scientist will coordinate activities in three (3) states.
• They will work closely with the Team Lead and project managers to achieve project objectives and follow up with their respective states to achieve project deliverables.
• S/he should have optimal knowledge of PHC operations in Nigeria, analytical skills, and knowledge of behavioral science approaches to health interventions.
• In addition, S/he should have the ability to facilitate training and work in diverse settings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and the implementation of the behavioral component of a multifaceted formative study aimed at exploring in-depth, root causes, enablers, and opportunities in data quality in PHC in Nigeria
• Develop a robust learning agenda around various interventions aimed at changing the behaviour of front-line health workers in order to improve PHC data quality and use
• Based on Fogg's model, implement interventions utilizing triggers versus peer-led orientation and feedback in changing behaviours of health facility workers and LGA health teams
• Design metrics to monitor and measure behaviour change of health care workers throughout the life of the project
• Coordinate activities at the local government and ward. Interface with all level actors to ascertain the status of activities with respect to the chronogram and timelines.
• Support the development of behaviour change training modules addressing accurate reporting, review, and data use. Review training materials and support training at state and lower levels.
• Develop training modules and materials for the training of all categories of personnel involved in this project
• Provide oversight and supervision for a behavioral component of project implementation in 3 states
• Work with the project managers, monitoring, evaluation, and learning officer to ensure tracking of all project indicators and timely reporting of project activities
• Prepare reports/presentations to be shared with stakeholders, and professional groups and for publication in professional journals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the project lead.

Required Qualifications / Experience

• A Degree in Behavioral / Social Science or related disciplines appropriate to the position
• Or a combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field
• Or four (4) years of appropriate experience in behavioral or social sciences field that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired requisite
• A postgraduate degree in behavioral or social science or public health
• Experience in developing and training in behavior change projects will be an advantage
• Two (2) years of specialized experience in implementing behavioral change projects with evidence of practical experience
• Two (2) years of experience in the conduct and analysis of research on the various aspects of behavioral, social, and cultural influences on public health
• Two years' experience working with Primary Health Care bodies/Systems
• Two years of working experience with frontline healthcare workers and health systems at all levels-community, health facility, LGA, state and national
• Experience in developing and implementing a learning agenda.

Knowledge Requirements / Skills:

• Language proficiency in English
• A good understanding the primary health care is a requirement
• Strong knowledge in the conduct of qualitative study including qualitative data analysis
• Skills in Microsoft Office, and qualitative data analysis software
• Ability to communicate clearly in the English language orally and in writing
• Ability to engage in successful interaction, and extensive contact with members of government agencies and partners at national, state, and local government levels.