1. What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with?
They should be good listeners and open to other peoples' opinions, ready to express themselves, and should have a good command of the language in use.
2. What do you do?
I am a social worker (humanitarian worker).
3. Why do you do what you do?
To earn an income.
4. Is this where you thought you would end up?
Yes, I studied to specialize in this field.
5. What values are you committed to?
Self-discipline, Social interaction, Diligence, Flexibility, Commitment, Team work, and Ready to learn.
6. How many hours do you work in a typical week?
40 hours -- in exceptional cases I do 60 hours.
7. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
Basic computer operational skills, Ability to read and understand, Creativity/ability to initiate a project to a feasible output.
8. Are there any negatives to your job?
Yes – security risks, language barriers, harsh weather conditions.
9. What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
Most hold master's degrees.
10. What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: entry-level SBCC practitioners)
I wish I knew about SBCC appraisals as they relate to community effective preference in terms of mode of communication.
11. What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
Conceptualization and implemention of SBCC initiatives.
12. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would seek more training in SBCC. In particular, I would focus on targets-perceived weaknesses in SBCC that can be strengthened.
13. What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
Intent to SBCC.
14. What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
All humanitarian actors implementing SBCC in Somalia.
15. What used to be your biggest weakness?
Language barrier and monotony of specific messages.
16. What mistakes have you made?
Impatience with the SBCC set-up.
17. What one thing do you still struggle with?
Ensuring successful SBCC in terms of hygiene practices in Somalia.
18. What are the top 7 technical skills that entry-level SBCC enthusiasts should strive to horn?
- Conceptualization
- Flexibility
- Persistence
- Understanding
- Innovativeness
- Adaptability
- Cohesion
19. Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Understanding/conceptualization of the subject of SBCC and articulation/presentation of SBCC messages.
20. What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Good background/training of SBCC as opposed to on-job training by many SBCC actors.
21. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
Successful implementation of SBCCC campaigns and impact-oriented programs.
22. What factors do you consider most often when planning for the future?
Feasibility, Dynamic social context, or Best-worst scenario.
23. What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
Changing contexts, rigid mindset of locals hence delayed conceptualization of the SBCC subjects in Somalia.
24. As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
Improving of SBCC materials, modes of communication and evaluation of SBCC initiatives.
25. What's the most valuable question we should ask the next SBCC maven who is interviewed on this blog?
How do you improve SBCC in a culturally rigid environment?
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