Company Profile

Institute of Social Research and Development (ISRAD) is a non-profit local development organization that has been providing development services in Ghana. It was founded to undertake integrated development research, design and manage development programmes to improve the lives of people. Since its inception, ISRAD has implemented various projects in the northern part of Ghana.

ISRAD is currently seeking a Regional Coordinator for an anticipated project focused on Behavior Change Communication (BCC) initiative for the promotion of the use of microscopes and/or RDTS for malaria diagnosis.

Position Summary

The ISRAD Regional Coordinator will work closely with primary health care facilities and community-based stakeholder groups to build greater awareness and increase in malaria confirmed cases by either microscopes or RDTs before treatment. Stakeholder groups include community leaders, churches, NGO/CBOs, schools, government agencies, public and private health facilities, and vendors. The Regional Coordinator must have a broad understanding of malaria prevention and control, and must be able to effectively communicate with members of the communities served, as well as respected officials and leaders. S/He must also be able to develop effective written and visual communications materials and facilitate malaria-health discussions within group and one-on-one settings.

Specific Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Program Manager, the Regional Coordinator for will carry out the following responsibilities:

•   Foster individual and community mobilization through both proven and innovative implementation of key campaign messages, to galvanize community support for the proper diagnosis of malaria using microscopes or RDTs.
•   Develop and disseminate IEC messages to change the attitudes and behaviours of health care seekers to demand to be tested using microscopes or RDTs before being treated for malaria
•   Coordinate with the other ISRAD staff, Ghana Health to develop educational materials as well as ensure continuity in communications.
•   Conduct focus groups and interviews in order to establish communication messaging and platforms.
•   Conduct IEC/BCC activities at the health facility and community level to ensure maximum local impact and education.
•   Collaborate closely with the Program Manager and ISRAD staff to ensure the documentation of communications effects on target audiences by designing all messages to track specific, measurable behaviors.
•   Contribute to work plans, budgets, pipelines, technical reports, and deliverables.
•   Facilitate and participate in reflective learning forums (meetings, workshops, etc) internally and externally with program initiative stakeholders.
•   Implement forward accountability mechanisms to monitor and assess our program quality with those we work with.
•   In consultation with other program staff contribute to the development project M&E tools and ensure M&E system is in place;
•   Facilitate the documentation and communication of success stories that can be used as evidence for profitable business models in women entrepreneurship.
•   Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Social Sciences, Mass Communications, Management, Marketing, Humanities or equivalent
•   At least 3 years’ experience in developing, implementing and reporting for community programs focused on health, including malaria and other services to women and children
•   Strong familiarity with communities and community health systems in Ghana
•   Demonstrated ability to work with the private sector, small business owners, community groups, government agencies, civil society groups, health institutions and trade unions
•   Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills with proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and comprehension) in English
•   Demonstrated leadership and team management qualities including crises and conflict management and mediation
•   Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and experience with donor funded program accounting regulations and reporting requirements and knowledge of internal accounting controls.
•   High level of diplomacy skills with a strong focus on relationship building with other organizations. Commitment to building best practice, ability to replicate and transfer knowledge
•   Proficiency in computer application; word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation packages and internet applications highly desirable
•   Ability to carry out independent work with initiative, creativity and good judgment without close supervision
•   Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, consultants and project beneficiaries
•   Ability to work in rural areas

Contract Duration:
Initially 1 year, subject to performance review by Director of Programmes
Desired start date: 1st June, 2014

Location: Upper East Region

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their applications in English in the form of a one page letter and a current CV describing their experience, qualifications and three reference contacts by email.

Emails should be sent to the Programme Director at hnyari@isradghana.org with copy to contact@isradghana.org

Closing Date: 20 May, 2014

•   Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews scheduled in Accra
•   Applicants should indicate in the subject line of the email: Regional Coordinator-Upper West Region Position.