PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multi-sector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

PATH is a partner to the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) in the effort to control and eliminate malaria in Zambia. PATH is partnering with the NMEC to implement a Phase III large-scale trial of a promising new tool for malaria vector control, the attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB). The trial is operating in Western Province in the districts of Kaoma, Nkeyema, and Luampa from 2021-2023. The trial design is an open-label two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with multiple endpoints including epidemiologic, entomologic, economic, and social/behavioral outcomes.

PATH seeks to recruit a Community Engagement Officer for the ATSB study. The Community Engagement Officer will implement strategies and activities to strengthen the engagement of community leaders, residents, and health facility staff in trial activities. This includes community engagement for the intervention promoted through activities that listen to and address community questions and concerns about the ATSB. This also includes community engagement in research components, including a cohort study, household survey, and mosquito collections. The Community Engagement Officer will manage approximately 75 community engagement CHWs that have been recruited to support project activities and implement community engagement at the local level.

Responsibilities:

• Promote understanding and awareness of the ATSB product and ATSB trial components for key stakeholders including the community members, chiefs, local and traditional leaders (indunas and headmen), school headteachers, religious leaders, neighborhood health committees and Ministry of Health through the health facility staff and the District Health Directors office.
• Assist in managing a network of CHWs dedicated to community engagement activities on the ATSB project. This will include frequent communication with the CHWs to provide training, guidance, feedback, share key messaging updates, and answer arising questions that may impact the ATSB project.
• Provide a timely and targeted response to acute community/ATSB project concerns that may negatively impact ATSB activities. These may be concerns raised by the technical teams, community concerns expressed during routine activities, and/or reports of adverse events.
• Participate in field activities with CHWs to identify community concerns and common questions Alert supervisor to any study resistance, misconceptions, or other potential threats at the local level.
• Provide cross-cutting community engagement support to all workstreams, including epidemiological studies, entomological studies, and ATSB monitoring.
• Participate in the development of training material for CHWs. Facilitate trainings for CHWs and train newly recruited CHWs.
• Engage health facility staff, eliciting their role supporting community acceptance and monitoring possible adverse effects. Work closely with district health promotion officers in Kaoma, Luampa and Nkeyema districts to implement study activities.
• Participate in the design and development of program tools and strategies for community engagement at the community level. This may include developing job aides and FAQ sheet, radio jingles and key messaging for local media dissemination on radio spots, live talk shows, and public address systems.
• Contribute to the development of visual aids including posters, pamphlets, and infographics to be used by CHWs to facilitate conversations with community members on common concerns and reinforce key ATSB study and product messaging.
• Actively participate in weekly community engagement check-in calls and submit weekly progress reports. Contribute towards workplans and workstream presentations.
• Conduct other activities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in a related field or equivalent experience in community engagement, public health and behavior change communication.
• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with community leaders, health facility staff, and district staff.
• Advanced computer skills including use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Lozi (required). Fluency in other languages spoken in Western Province is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to conduct daily fieldwork within the designated districts (approximately 80% of time).

Desired Experience

• Experience in planning and facilitating trainings.
• Experience in participatory approaches for community mobilization.
• Experience on the ATSB study (cohort study, entomology, or community engagement) or other malaria research project.

Must have legal authorization to work in Zambia.

PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.

PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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