Purpose of the Post:

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the country level, the incumbent will provide technical, operational and coordination support on all aspects related to community engagement; ensure that community engagement is considered and planned throughout all phases of the incident management cycle and integrated within the risk management and risk mitigation procedures.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity (Overview of the programme):

The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

Duty stations: Addis Ababa

Expected duration: 12 months

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives; include main achievements expected):

• Act as Risk Communication and Community Engagement focal point within the Emergency program

• Provide technical and operational support to overall Health Education/Health Promotion activities instrengthening and mainstreaming community engagement and social mobilization strategies from the service delivery side; aligning with technical and operational priorities and objectives; and delivering through existing national and local structures.

• Ensure community engagement and social mobilization strategies and implementation plans are evidence-based, coordinated, and well executed, drawing upon anthropology and related behavioural and social sciences so that community concerns, sociocultural beliefs and practices impacting public health interventions are addressed.

• Develop or support the establishment of community listening systems to better understand risk and support health emergency response strategies that are in line with community needs, priorities, capacities, and expectation

• Develop and update relevant information, education and communication materials in languages and formats easily used by national stakeholders and the public

• Translate scientific information such as technical guidance, into actionable content (messages, tools and products) and engagement interventions for affected populations and specific communities for readiness and emergency response activities and manage clearance and publication process of the mentioned materials.

• Work closely with health emergency technical teams to ensure broader response guidelines and guidance incorporates RCCE principles and best practice.

• Monitor and proactively counter false rumors and misinformation, and address fears and concerns.

Education (Qualifications):

• Essential: University degree in health promotion/health education, development, sociology, medical Anthropology, Public Health or in other Health related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

• Desirable: Training in public health, risk communication, health education, health communication, health promotion, strategic communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, training and impact evaluation of community engagement/social mobilization interventions.

Experience:

• Essential: At least five years’ of relevant experience, at the national level, in applying multidisciplinary approaches in risk communication, health promotion, community engagement and social mobilization programmes, emergency management part of which should include working in disease outbreak or health emergency context. Proven experience in the application of participatory models of engagement in the health context and the ability to adapt and innovate in emergency situations will be an advantage

• Desirable: Prior humanitarian working experience at field level, with WHO/UN, health cluster partners, government recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Languages:

• Essential: Excellent knowledge of English.

• Desirable: Knowledge of the local language(s)

How to Apply:

• Register using the following link CLICK HERE