Social Behavior Change Lead

HHWO is a humanitarian and development non-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 2014 with the slogan of “We are here to serve humanity” and operates around Afghanistan.

At HHWO, we envision to build a future in which all Afghans regardless of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, or religion, experience a life of dignity and comfort, free from hunger, poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, violence, and backwardness.

Our overall mission is to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty, provide and promote social civic services (health care, education, WASH…), promote gender equality/equity, provision of women and child empowerment assistance, and promote household and local sustainable economy via livelihoods interventions and design & Implementation of development programs.

Position Summary

The Social Behavior Change Lead will play a critical leadership role in designing, coordinating, and overseeing community engagement and awareness-raising interventions across targeted districts in Takhar and Badakhshan provinces. The incumbent will ensure high-quality implementation of community-based activities aimed at promoting health awareness, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), gender equality, prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and social behavior change.

The position will lead a team of Community Mobilizers and ensure effective delivery of awareness sessions, community dialogues, and mobile-based messaging campaigns. The role also contributes to strengthening women’s access to services, promoting positive social norms, and enhancing economic empowerment through approaches such as the Gender Action Learning System (GALS).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Programme Planning and Implementation

• Lead the development and implementation of community mobilization strategies and action plans across all target districts.
• Ensure integration of health, MHPSS, gender equality, and protection principles in all awareness activities.
• Design and standardize key messages and materials for community awareness sessions and campaigns.
• Facilitate community-based interventions targeting harmful social and gender norms, including those perpetuating VAWG.
• Support implementation of economic empowerment and resilience activities, including GALS methodology.

B. Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to Community Mobilizers across all locations.
• Develop weekly and monthly work plans for mobilization teams and monitor their implementation.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure quality delivery of community sessions and adherence to standards.
• Build the capacity of mobilizers on facilitation skills, safeguarding, gender-sensitive approaches, and community engagement.

C. Community Engagement and Social Behavior Change

• Lead and oversee community dialogues, awareness campaigns, and group discussions on:
  • MHPSS and psychosocial well-being
  • Women’s rights and gender equality
  • Prevention of VAWG and harmful practices
• Promote positive changes in attitudes and behaviors at individual, family, and community levels.
• Strengthen community structures and engage religious leaders, elders, and influencers to support behavior change.
• Ensure inclusive participation of women, men, youth, and vulnerable groups in all activities.

D. Digital and Innovative Approaches

• Oversee the implementation of mobile-based awareness campaigns (bulk SMS system).
• Ensure development and dissemination of culturally appropriate and impactful messaging.
• Monitor outreach and effectiveness of digital communication tools in promoting social behavior change.

E. Service Linkages and Referral Pathways

• Strengthen community awareness of and access to services related to VAWG, health, and MHPSS.
• Ensure community mobilizers effectively disseminate referral information and pathways.
• Coordinate with service providers to enhance accessibility and responsiveness of services.

F. Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning

• Monitor the performance and impact of community mobilization activities.
• Collect, review, and validate field data and reports from community mobilizers.
• Prepare consolidated weekly and monthly reports on progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Contribute to documentation of success stories, best practices, and case studies.

G. Coordination and Representation

• Coordinate closely with provincial teams, program staff, and other stakeholders.
• Represent HHWO in relevant coordination meetings at district and provincial levels when required.
• Ensure alignment with national guidelines and donor requirements.

3. Expected Results / Outputs

• Increased awareness and knowledge among communities on health, MHPSS, and women’s rights.
• Positive shifts in social norms, attitudes, and behaviors toward gender equality and non-violence.
• Increased access of women and girls to VAWG-related services.
• Effective implementation of community dialogues and mobile-based awareness systems.
• Strengthened economic resilience of women through GALS and related approaches.
• High-quality and timely reporting on community mobilization activities.

1. Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 4 to 6 years of relevant experience in community mobilization, gender, protection, or MHPSS programming.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising field teams and working in rural communities.
• Proven knowledge of VAWG prevention, gender equality, and social behavior change approaches.
• Experience with GALS or similar economic empowerment methodologies is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Afghan cultural and social contexts.

2. Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage diverse community stakeholders effectively.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and travel frequently to field locations.
• Proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto; knowledge of English is an asset.

3. Ethical Considerations

• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, protection, and confidentiality principles.
• Promote a survivor-centered approach in all VAWG-related interventions.
• Uphold HHWO’s code of conduct and humanitarian principles.

4. Working Conditions

• Frequent travel to target districts in Takhar (Farkhar, Warsaj, and Namak Ab) and Badakhshan (Jurm, Yumgan, and Baharak).
• Work in challenging and remote environments with diverse communities.
• Work under pressure to meet target and activities deadlines.

• Interested candidates are requested to send their applications along with their Cover letters, and CVs to the attention of the following address hr.hhwo@gmail.com
• Please write the Job title/Vacancy Number in the subject line of your email.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered
• ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED