Social and Behavior Change Communication Lead

By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 49 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference, playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future.

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

THE ROLE

The purpose of this role is to provide senior level social and behaviour change expertise to CABI’s development activities within the agricultural space, particularly focusing on the implementation of the PlantwisePlus programme in Africa and Asia.

The PlantwisePlus programme seeks to facilitate changes at the individual, stakeholder and societal level in order to ensure that larger quantities of higher quality, safer food is grown and benefited from by populations in programme countries which currently include Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Pakistan and Uganda. In order to address challenges such as gender inequities within agricultural extension, and reduce the risks of pesticides to growers, consumers and the environment, in depth understanding of the structural and behavioural factors which can limit or enable change is required. This knowledge coupled with the application of social and behaviour change methodologies can help to empower the individuals and communities we work with and lower the structural barriers that may prevent positive change.

CABI has extensive expertise in the biological, social, data and communication sciences and is looking to strengthen its capacity to drive change through social and behaviour change (SBC) approaches, in the recruitment of this position.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Develop and implement SBC strategies which support project outcomes for PlantwisePlus and other CABI projects and programs, initially around gender and pesticide risk reduction, but on other issues as they are identified. This will include:
• Data gathering, formative research and analysis
• Modelling of issues
• Stakeholder engagement
• Participatory strategy development
• Iterative development and testing of communication approaches and materials
• Monitoring and evaluation of activities
• Advise and support development communication (and other) staff across CABI to develop and implement SBC approaches within their countries across programmes
• Design, plan and implement development communication campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, encouraging uptake and scaling up of new technologies, in countries across Africa as projects dictate
• Conceptualise, source and develop high quality development communications products (e.g. video, radio, print) which
• engage and educate audiences across Africa including farmers, researchers, development partners, policy makers and the general public
• Champion SBC methodologies within CABI with the goal of integrating approaches and principles across CABI’s work as appropriate
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including partners, technical experts and services providers
• Support the Global Development Communication Manager and Global Director, Development, Communication and Extension in developing SBC strategies for the organisation
• Drive research, evaluation, and innovation projects in SBC within agriculture, to expand the knowledge base, promote a learning culture and identify new / enhanced approaches to amplify impact.
• Maintain and develop high-level knowledge and expertise in your specific area

ABOUT YOU:

• Excellent knowledge of the theory and application of SBC methodologies and approaches gained from the public/development sector
• 10 years’ demonstrable experience working on social and behaviour change issues
• At least an MSc in development communication, behaviour change science, social science or similar
• Interest in agricultural issues
• Excellent networking and communication skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English. knowledge of French will be an added advantage
• Excellent written communication skills and track record in reports and publications
• Willingness to travel.

Personal attributes

• Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multicultural environment;
• Ability to work collaboratively with others;
• Deliver quality results that are action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes;
• Respect for diversity;
• Ability to build Strategic relationships;
• Continuously seek to learn, share knowledge and innovate;
• Ability to manage Ambiguity and Complexity.

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 6

Reporting to: Deputy Director, Development and Outreach- Africa

Contract Duration: The position is offered based on a contract for a term of 3 years, renewable.

Peers: Scientists, project managers, Development Communication Specialists.

Direct reports: Tbd

WHAT WE OFFER:

We aim to recruit and retain passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money and safeguard our well-being. They include:

• Competitive salary
• Defined contribution pension scheme with employee contribution that CABI will double-match up to 10% of gross salary
• 30 days of annual leave (including public holidays)
• An Employee Assistance Programme, with a full calendar of health and well-being initiatives
• Life assurance and long service awards
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies
• Career development opportunities including internal promotions, mentoring and Development Bursary to visit another CABI centre
• A culture committed to being a fully inclusive, enjoyable and fulfilling place to work.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation attracting a diverse range of talented people from around the world. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities and as an equal opportunity’s employer we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified and selection will be based on merit.