Communication & Community Engagement

Under the direct supervision of the Team Lead Communication Unit, the incumbent will work closely with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to strengthen support the coordination, management, monitoring and reporting of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) interventions, with a focus on increasing demand generation for routine immunization. 

Duties And Responsibilities:

The incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• 1.     Contribute to the planning and coordination of RCCE actions on immunization campaigns, including the development and placement of evidence based multi-media messages, tools and materials to increase demand generation and promote vaccine uptake.
• 2.     Provide technical support on the implementation, monitoring and reporting of RCCE activities at national and sub-national levels, through engaging implementing partners, focusing on multiple target groups, especially high-risk and vulnerable groups, and working with a range of local stakeholders and partners.
• 3.     Provide technical advice to the National RCCE Coordination Group and ensure adequate information sharing, addressing needs and gaps to maintain a cohesive and harmonized response to health emergencies and routine vaccination programmes.
• 4.     Identify areas of concern and potential barriers to vaccine uptake and review relevant information, education and communication materials for the target population groups and national stakeholders.
• 5.     Strengthen sub-national RCCE mechanisms and activities through continued support and facilitation of the work of the RCCE focal persons at hubs’ level.
• 6.     Analyse, use and share findings from vaccination campaigns, behavioural research, social listening, media monitoring and AAP, as part of ongoing evidence generation for enhanced RCCE programming.
• 7.     Work closely with resources from national levels to train and prepare for national or localized response to health emergencies.
• 8.     Support national authorities to convene stakeholders and review and provide input on national risk communication strategies and plans.
• 9.     Evaluate and monitor rumors and misinformation, providing recommendations to address fears and concerns and propose solutions to counter misinformation on health topics with a focus on vaccines.

Functional Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of public health and international development issues
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure while producing results.
• Ability to “think out of the box” and to make innovative proposals related to risk communication.
• Knowledge of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.
• Knowledge of WHO/United Nations agencies programmes and practices.

Educational Qualifications:

Essential:

• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s level) in social sciences, behavioural sciences, development sciences, communications or public health.

Work Experience:

Essential:

• At least two years of related experience in risk communication. Proven experience in the implementation of risk communications strategies and plans. Proven experience in managing demand generation in vaccination campaigns.
• Experience in emergency management, disease outbreaks, health, or humanitarian emergencies. Prior working experience with WHO, the UN, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or other national or international organizations.

Language Requirements:

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Source:  https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2402463