Gender and Social Behavior Expert

Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled Gender and Social Behavior Expert to join our team in Cameroon for a one-year project focused on assessing the social behavioral factors contributing to communities’ reluctance to immunize their children. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in conducting comprehensive assessments, analyzing data, and implementing targeted strategies to address identified challenges. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

Responsibilities:

1. Assessment Design and Implementation:

• Review protocols and design to ensure the Integration of Gender Equity & Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis into the assessment process, guided by Human Centered Design and System Thinking methodologies.
• Support the execution of a comprehensive SBC Formative Assessment to understand the gender and social behavioral dynamics influencing vaccination uptake within communities.
• Collaborate with local community leaders, health practitioners, and governmental agencies to foster partnerships and gain insights into community dynamics.

1. Data Collection and Analysis:
   • Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis to identify patterns, trends, and barriers related to immunization behavior.
   • Utilize gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate frameworks to interpret findings accurately.
   • Facilitate participatory workshops and meetings to engage stakeholders in the assessment process and gather diverse perspectives.
2. Co-creation & implementation of SBC activities:
   • Participate in translation of assessment findings into actionable strategies aimed at addressing identified barriers to immunization.
   • Lead development of innovative interventions that are sensitive to gender dynamics, cultural norms, and social structures within target communities.
   • Oversee the implementation of pilot interventions based on assessment findings, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
   • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, collecting feedback and adapting strategies as needed to optimize outcomes.
3. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Co-develop comprehensive reports documenting assessment methodologies, findings, and recommendations for future interventions.
   • Participate in dissemination of findings through presentations, publications, and other knowledge-sharing platforms to inform broader public health efforts.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Gender Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience conducting gender-sensitive assessments or research in the context of public health or community development projects.
• Strong understanding of gender dynamics, social behavior theories, and cultural factors influencing health-related practices.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and convey complex concepts in accessible formats.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and adapt interventions to context-specific needs.
• Experience working in low-resource settings or with marginalized communities is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English and French as well as relevant languages spoken within the project area may be an advantage.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including survey design, data collection, and analysis is an added advantage.