1. What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with?
I am a social person with a passion for intellectual debates so by default I find myself hanging out with individuals who are capable of sustaining an intellectual discussion. I also appreciate individuals with a good sense of humor.
2. What do you do?
I am P.O. Advocacy at Planned Parenthood Global – Uganda Country Office. I lead country advocacy initiatives, provide technical support to a host of Civil Society Organization partners in advocacy, Behaviour Change Communication, media, campaigns, and policy analysis.
3. Why do you do what you do?
I am passionate about transforming communities through communication. I find it interesting when what I do enables individuals and communities to realize how best they can address social and behavioral barriers to a better life.
4. Is this where you thought you would end up?
I have always been passionate about communication. Initially I envisioned being an international journalist. I am very happy that I did transition to Social and Behaviour Change Communication, I love what I do.
5. What values are you committed to?
Continuous learning, team work and respect.
6. How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I am supposed to work for 30 hours a week but this field knows no official work hours. I some times work 40 hours a week.
7. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
Attention to detail, ability to learn new things within shortest time possible and first-class decision making and judgment capabilities.
8. Are there any negatives to your job?
Jobs do not have negatives but opportunities for improvements or what needs modification…….. laugh-out-loud if you may! We do not talk of negatives in the development sector.
9. What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
Communication, social sciences and public health.
10. What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: Entry-level SBCC practitioners)
It takes time to grow in this field, what you know now is sufficient. Just keep the passion burning and stay FOCUSED.
11. What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
“Moses, Focus, Focus and Focus” and that was it.
12. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would work on the low hanging fruits.
13. What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
Developing that message that will resonate with the target audience ----- it sometimes takes months!
14. What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU). I am a member of these associations.
15. What mistakes have you made?
Are there mistakes in communications? Let’s call it what I did not get right. I once ended one of the campaigns half-way when M&E data showed we were 100% off-track. We got feedback that made me rescind the decision and it turned out to be a success.
16. What one thing do you still struggle with?
Even with years of experience it’s still a challenge to develop a budget that is fit-for-purpose especially with limits on unforeseen lines.
17. What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
Respect and ability and willingness to learn.
18. What are the top 7 technical skills that entry-level SBCC enthusiasts should strive to horn?
I think one just needs to be focused and be willing to learn. A know-it-all attitude has no room in SBCC.
19. Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Ability to continuously learn new things.
20. What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Know what you want and stay focused.
21. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
Lives of newborns and mothers saved through EVERYONE Campaign -- I played an instrumental role in its implementation in Uganda. EVERYONE is Save the Children’s biggest global campaign.
22. What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
Technology – it changes how everything happens and affects every field.
23. Can you recommend a "must-read" book that will help us broaden our skills as working professionals or inspire us to reach our highest potential?
Theory at a Glance - A Guide for Health Promotion and Practice, authored by National Cancer Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and NIH.
24. As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
The power of engaging communities -- I have seen communities get empowered and utilizing the knowledge to address issues they are faced with.
25. Which other SBCC maven would you recommend for this interview?
Dr. Espilidion Tumukurate - Uganda Health Marketing Group
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