Social & Behavior Change Communication Training in Nairobi

Programme Overview

Strategic Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) can create stronger communities and maximize the value of social development interventions. Projects succeed if and when they cause changes in target communities. However, achieving a change that is large enough in scale is easier said than done. SBCC refers to the coordination of messages and activities across a variety of channels aiming to reach a number of societal levels be it the individual, the community, services, or policy. SBCC is a functional tool for effecting change on a major level. Thus, it has been at the center of the attention of many development donors and governmental programmes. This training course has been designed to empower development professionals and help them define, implement, monitor, and evaluate SBCC projects. The programme aims to develop delegate capabilities in communicating critical messages to key audiences while considering relevant behavioral theories before deciding on project activities.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Nairobi, Kenya, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability In

• Introduction to Social and Behavior Change Communication
• Dynamics of Health and Human Behavior
• Understanding the Situation: Cause and Effect, People, and Context Analysis
• Essentials of community-based development communication
• Audience Segments, Priorities, and Profiles
• Communication Objectives, Strategic Approach, and Positioning
• Conducting a comprehensive and cost-effective communication needs assessment
• Steps in developing a comprehensive communication strategy
• Strategic thinking and direction setting
• Leading and developing teams
• Decision making and problem solving
• Communication and influence

It is designed for perform communication needs assessment for Health and Social Development Initiatives, ensure SBCC interventions prove effective across different target groups, comprehend challenges to effective communication and assess the prevalence of risk and others who want practical, current skills in leadership, management and communication.

The Growing Importance of Social & Behavior Change Communication

Institutions change faster than ever: new policies, technologies and expectations from citizens and partners. Leaders and managers who can set direction, build teams and manage change make the difference between plans and results.

Strong leadership is a set of practical skills: deciding, communicating, negotiating, developing people and leading change. These skills can be learnt and improved with practice and feedback.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Set clear direction and priorities
• Lead and motivate teams through change
• Communicate and negotiate effectively
• Manage performance fairly
• Make sound decisions under pressure

Strong leadership, management and communication systems help organisations:

• Turn strategies into results
• Build motivated, capable teams
• Manage change with less resistance
• Improve relations with partners and stakeholders

This Social & Behavior Change Communication programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Social & Behavior Change Communication Training?

This programme is designed for:

• Perform communication needs assessment for Health and Social Development Initiatives
• Ensure SBCC interventions prove effective across different target groups
• Comprehend challenges to effective communication and assess the prevalence of risk
• Hone interpersonal communication skills and Promote Positive Behaviors
• Mobilize Communities to work with behavior change communication
• Process and Analyze applicable statistical data and identify associated risks
• Directors and senior managers
• Heads of department and unit
• Middle managers and team leaders
• Project and programme managers
• HR and organisational development staff
• Staff preparing for leadership roles

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Social & Behavior Change Communication Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Social & Behavior Change Communication Training, participants will be able to:

• Explain current approaches to leadership in public and private institutions
• Set direction and priorities for their team
• Lead, motivate and develop people
• Make decisions using structured methods
• Communicate clearly and influence others
• Negotiate and manage conflict
• Plan and lead change
• Manage performance fairly
• Prepare a personal leadership development plan

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Social & Behavior Change Communication Training Methodology

This is a 5 Days’ intensive training programme that is designed to be highly interactive and places particular emphasis on the practical application of the material covered. The instructor employs a blended-learning approach where presentation is complemented by case studies, group assignments, exercises, game-based simulations, and video demonstrations. On the last day of the programme, the participants will have the possibility to meet professionals from local governmental and non-governmental organizations and share their experience in creating successful SBCC strategies.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group. Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Social & Behavior Change Communication Training, participants will be able to:

• Set clear direction and priorities
• Lead and develop teams
• Make sound decisions
• Communicate and negotiate effectively
• Lead change with less resistance
• Plan their own development as leaders

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Social & Behavior Change Communication Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Leadership and management
• Team development
• Change management
• Communication
• Performance management

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Team plans
• Coaching
• Change plans
• Stakeholder communication
• Performance reviews

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply leadership, management and communication within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in leadership, management and communication increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on leadership, management and communication. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to leadership, management and communication that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Nairobi, Kenya brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how leadership, management and communication is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Kenya

Programmes, Workshops, Exposures, Training Courses in Nairobi, Kenya by Risalat Consultants International

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

The programme takes place at The King Post.

Social & Behavior Change Communication Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Social & Behavior Change Communication Readiness Assessment
• Social & Behavior Change Communication Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory
• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner

During the Programme

• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Social & Behavior Change Communication Training Manual
• Leadership Self-Assessment
• Team Development Plan Template
• Change Plan Template
• Negotiation Preparation Sheet
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Personal Development Plan Template
• Coaching Conversation Guide
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Social & Behavior Change Communication, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions set clear direction and priorities?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Introduction to Social and Behavior Change Communication, Dynamics of…), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions lead and motivate teams through change?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Steps in developing a comprehensive communication strategy…), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions communicate and negotiate effectively?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (Inclusive Media Communications), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions manage performance fairly?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (& Fifth Day), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions make sound decisions under pressure?

The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Leading change and action planning), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Social & Behavior Change Communication programme take place?

It runs from 22 Feb 2027 to 26 Feb 2027, in Nairobi, Kenya (The King Post). The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for perform communication needs assessment for Health and Social Development Initiatives, ensure SBCC interventions prove effective across different target groups, comprehend challenges to effective communication and assess the prevalence of risk, hone interpersonal communication skills and Promote Positive Behaviors, and others who want practical skills in leadership, management and communication.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in leadership, management and communication?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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