Behavior Change Communication Project Of

Behavior Change Communication Project Officer

Work Location: Savannakhet or Thakhek, Khammouane

(This position is available to LAO nationals only)

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

Empowering to Act for Circular Transition in Plastics in Lao PDR (EMP-ACT) is a four-year project (2025-2028) funded by the EU and CRS, that will support Lao PDR’s efforts to reduce single-use plastic consumption and prevent plastic pollution, in line with national strategies like the National Plastic Action Plan 2024-2030.

The project will be implemented in Savannakhet and Khammuane provinces. It seeks to enhance awareness and participation of consumers in reducing single-use plastic use, increase availability of sustainable plastic alternatives, and strengthen public sector support for plastic transition through policy dialogue.

The Behavior Change Communication Project Officer will coordinate the design, implementation, and monitoring of the project’s communication and social behavior change interventions. The position will develop and oversee awareness-raising campaigns and outreach activities targeting consumers, schools, communities, and private and public stakeholders. The BCC Coordinator will work closely with local authorities, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to promote sustainable plastic use behaviors and support national plastic transition goals.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the design and implementation of the project’s Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Strategy aligned with the project’s objectives and target audiences.
• Develop key messages, slogans, and visual identities for campaigns, ensuring coherence with project branding and EU/CRS visibility standards.
• Identify key behaviors to change and segment audiences to tailor messages effectively.
• Develop annual communication and outreach plans, including timelines, channels, and target groups.
• Design and coordinate multimedia and community-level campaigns promoting reduced use of single-use plastics and adoption of sustainable alternatives.
• Collaborate with media outlets, artists, schools, and youth groups to deliver engaging and culturally appropriate content.
• Support production of campaign materials (print, digital, radio, and social media) and ensure consistency with project branding and messaging guidelines.
• Facilitate training sessions for local partners, teachers, and community leaders on behavior change and communication techniques.
• Collaborate with the MEAL Officer to design and track indicators measuring communication reach, message recall, and behavioral changes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, Journalism, Environmental Studies, Development Studies, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum five (3) years of relevant experience in behavior change communication, awareness-raising, or community mobilization.
• Strong skills in content development, message design, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and spoken Lao and English communication skills.
• Strong coordination and facilitation skills; ability to engage diverse stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society).

Required Languages – Fluency in written and spoken Lao is required. Excellent proficiency in reading and writing English is required.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with field staff and local government partners

• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Knowledge of circular economy and environmental sustainability concepts.
• Experience in multimedia storytelling, community-based participatory communication, or behavior change campaign design.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities.

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Project Manager, Program Manager II Program Quality, MEAL Manager, Marketing & Communications team

External: Government partners, NGO partners, medium and small business, waste management facilities, education institutions (including schools and universities)

APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply for this position, please submit an application letter stating your expression of interest along with your most current CV by emails to: LA_HR@crs.org.

Closing date for applications: December 05, 2025, Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.