Communication Block Officer

The purpose of a Communication Block Officer is to build and maintain positive relationships between an organization and the community he/she serves through communication, collaboration, and partnerships at the UCs block level. Their role is to provide support to communication component at UC levels towards achieving Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and strengthening of Routine Immunization. They will support the communication component of micro-planning through the Union Council Polio Eradication Committees (UPECs) of the assigned UCs within a block and oversee and support UC level social mobilization plans, the strengthening of local partnerships, and inclusion of and access to mobile and migrant populations in polio eradication activities. They will also provide support and training to Community Mobilizers and other partners especially focusing on interpersonal communication skills

1. Build strong relationships with communities in assigned areas/UCs and ensure that their needs and perspectives are considered in programme planning and implementation.
2. Develop and maintain an effective communication network with community leaders, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
3. Facilitate the formation of community groups and networks to support and propagate the PEI program objectives.
4. Develop and maintain challenge mapping and social profiling of Missed Children (Recorded Refusals, Still NA, and Persistently Missed Children) of the previous Polio SIA round to inform the design and implementation of community engagement (CE) activities prior to the subsequent campaign.
5. Collaborate with other team members and partners to develop and implement SBCC strategies to raise and sustain community awareness and trust for Polio and other EPI vaccines and to re-gain community trust for Polio vaccines.
6. Ensure that programme activities are sensitive to the cultural and social norms of the community.
7. Develop and maintain a database (social profiling) of Community Influencers, Community groups, networks, and key stakeholders including Community Based Organizations (CBOs).
8. Facilitate and participate in engagement activities (meetings, dialogue etc)
9. Monitor and supervise of the COMNet (SBCC) staff (CMs) in the area ensuring that SBC resources are put to best use towards advancing the PEI agenda and strengthening of EPI.
10. Conduct monitoring and supervision of routine immunization activities and ISD.
11. Any other task assigned by the direct supervisor.

• Male or female with minimum age of 30 years having bachelor’s degree in social sciences or in a relevant field, such as public health, social work, or community development.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in community mobilization & engagement activities, preferably in immunization or public health programmes.
• Experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of cultural sensitivity and humility.
• Proven experience of leading and motivating diverse team
• Ability to travel within the assigned block or other areas as needed.
• Knowledge of local languages and customs, as well as the cultural and political dynamics that impact immunization programmes, is an advantage.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and relationships with diverse groups of people.
• Knowledge and understanding of community dynamics and cultural norms to navigate potential barriers.
• Strong data collection, analysis and organizational skills to plan and execute effective community engagement activities including timely feedback for improvement.

• Progressive reduction of Still Missed Children (SMC) by 20% in every campaign as compared to the previous campaign until benchmark of 5% or less of still missed children (SMC) against recorded is achieved in assigned area of work.
• Percentage of PMC covered in last SIA (Benchmark at least 10%) in assigned area.
• Proportion of EPI monitoring and supervisory visits held (planned vs conducted) and shared in line with PEI-EPI synergy plan.
• Monitor and provide technical support for >/= 60% of budgeted and 20% non-budgeted community engagement activities by CMs.
• Regular review and update the social profiles on agreed tools.
• Percentage of community Influencers engaged in Polio and other health programmes and activities.
• Timeliness, completeness and quality of plans and reports (monthly) and other mission/field visits reports and sharing with supervisor.