Social Behavior Change Strategy Advisor

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Mercy Corps

Social Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy Advisor – Remote (Short-Term Assignment)

Organization: Mercy Corps
Location: Remote and Tshikapa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Contract Type: Temporary (Until September 30, 2025)
Application Mode: Online

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian and development organization operating in over 40 countries. We support communities to overcome adversity, build resilience, and create transformative change. Our mission is rooted in partnership, innovation, and bold action.

Program Overview

Mercy Corps leads the GAINS Program (Graduating to Sustainable Agriculture, Income, Nutrition, and Food Security), a five-year USAID/BHA-funded Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The program, known locally as Tuya Kumpala (“Let’s advance together” in Tshiluba), works in Kamonia and Luebo territories in Kasai Province to strengthen food security, nutrition, and economic resilience.

GAINS is implemented by a consortium including World Vision, AVSI Foundation, International Potato Center, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, VIAMO, and others.

Role Summary

Mercy Corps is recruiting a Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy Advisor for a short-term assignment. The Advisor will finalize the GAINS SBC strategy and lead its implementation plan. This cross-cutting strategy aims to shift community behaviors in savings, agriculture, nutrition, sanitation, and water management. The role involves integrating SBC activities into GAINS program components and strengthening capacity among program staff and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

  • Finalize an evidence-based SBC strategy based on prior assessments including a Behavioral Barrier Analysis (BBA)

  • Design an implementation work plan for project years 3 to 5

  • Identify entry points for SBC across sectors and stakeholders

Capacity Building and Onboarding

  • Support onboarding of a national SBC Specialist

  • Deliver training to staff using the “Make Me A Change Agent” course

  • Provide ongoing mentorship and learning agenda recommendations

Program Management and Coordination

  • Coordinate with consortium partners and USAID stakeholders

  • Support SBC-related communications and documentation

  • Assist in donor reporting and compliance

Monitoring and Learning

  • Collaborate with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) teams

  • Ensure alignment of SBC indicators with project outcomes

  • Participate in strategic reviews and adaptive learning processes

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, behavioral/social sciences, communications, or related field

  • Proven experience in designing and implementing SBC strategies in complex programs

  • Familiarity with applying SBC beyond communication to agriculture, nutrition, or WASH sectors

  • Strong research and analytical skills with a systems-thinking approach

  • Experience with capacity building and participatory facilitation methods

  • Fluency in English; proficiency in French preferred

  • Prior experience in the DRC or similar contexts is an asset

  • Ability to travel to rural areas if needed

Success Profile

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

  • Strategic thinking and ability to design multi-sector SBC approaches

  • Cultural humility and participatory engagement

  • Excellent communication, diplomacy, and collaboration skills

  • Emotional intelligence and adaptability in diverse contexts

Living and Work Conditions

Tshikapa is a remote duty station in Kasai Province. Mercy Corps provides accommodation, health coverage, and transport support. Internet and medical services are available, and the area includes restaurants, banks, and NGOs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff, irrespective of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

Safeguarding

Mercy Corps adheres to strict safeguarding principles. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct training and uphold our commitment to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the Mercy Corps careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To apply for this job please visit jobs.jobvite.com.

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