Behavior Change & Mental Health Communications Specialist, PHS R&R at Pact

Pact Overview

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant.

Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Position Purpose

Pact seeks an experienced  Behavior Change & Mental Health (BCC&MH) Communications Specialist for the five-year USAID/Ukraine year Public Health System Recovery and Resilience (PHS R&R) Activity (May, 2027 is a closing date of the project).

The primary goal of PHS R&R is to strengthen the Government of Ukraine (GoU)’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, sustain critical public health services during a crisis, and protect the health of all Ukrainians including vulnerable and marginalized groups.

The Behavior Change & Mental Health (BCC&MH) Communications Specialist will support coordination of projects related to communications with a specific focus on BCC&MH communications including, but not limited to communication trainings, BCC&MH communication campaigns development and supervision; wide communication expertise to empower the project efforts.

The Behavior Change & Mental Health (BCC&MH) Communications Specialist is expected to support communications related to all projects of the USAID/Ukraine Public Health System Recovery and Resilience activity, including maintenance of digital tools and platforms and ability to disseminate project results and success stories, in addition to supporting communication and outreach efforts, in adherence to USAID and Pact standards.

This position will report to the Communications Lead. Behavior Change & Mental Health (BCC&MH) Communications Specialist will work collaboratively with the communication team.

Key Responsibilities

• Expand capability of the Behavior Change and Mental Health Communications within PHS R&R project objections.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day projects to respond to the needs of MOH/CPH and rCDCPs in Behavior Change and Mental Health Communications in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop & Supervise the Behavior Change and Mental Health interventions & communication campaigns.
• Supervise development of the Behavior Change and Mental Health communications training plans for public health specialists and representatives of the local communities.
• Mentor and guide the students` audience to contribute and assist in building CDCPs stuff potential and capabilities.
• Develop a strong network of internal and external stakeholders  to establish and empower relations across Behavior Change and Mental Health communications.
• Support the development/adaptation of relevant information, education and communications materials, tools to be used by public health personnel responsible for Behavior Change and Mental Health activities with the public.
• Provide technical inputs into project work planning, tools development, learning reviews, and project reports related to Behavior Change and Mental Health communications.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Basic Requirements

• BA in communications, journalism, psychology, social work, international relations or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience or training.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience with a Master’s or a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s.
• Broad understanding of public health system in Ukraine with a focus on Behavior Change and Mental Health interventions.
• Experience working with national and regional government and community stakeholders in Ukraine.
• High level project management skills and knowledge
• Experience in development of communications strategies and tools, digital media, event management, as well as experience providing support to US government funded projects
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and work with and different stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office.
• Experience using online communication platforms and tools (Zoom, Teams, etc.) to manage virtual events, workshops, etc.
• Highly competent written and oral communication skills with professional level of English and Ukrainian.
• Ability to work with Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop) Publisher, R Project, Inkscape, WordPress, and a variety of website applications will be an advantage.
• Experience providing support to US government funded projects will be an advantage.

To apply please send cover letter and CV no later than September 28, 2023.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.