Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity, aiming to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Strategic Communication and Community Engagement Strategy for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), HIV, and related infectious diseases. This position involves translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, designing and executing targeted communication campaigns aimed at key populations, young people, and the general public. The RCCE Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), UN partners, and civil society organizations, to ensure effective communication and community engagement. The role requires a proactive approach to developing communication toolkits, managing media relations, and addressing misinformation related to HIV, while ensuring that all communications adhere to ethical standards and confidentiality requirements. The incumbent will also be responsible for establishing community feedback mechanisms to inform adaptive communication strategies and contribute to the overall monitoring and evaluation of communication activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RCCE Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the implementation of the Strategic Communication and Community Engagement Strategy for SRH and HIV by developing annual action plans and targeted communication campaigns.
• Leading the development of communication toolkits and evidence-based messaging across various channels, ensuring consistency and alignment with global and national guidelines.
• Serving as the focal point for communication and community engagement activities related to SRH, BBV, TB, HIV, and STIs, coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.
• Managing media relations and public information to promote ethical reporting and address misinformation regarding HIV.
• Coordinating the HIV Communication Technical Working Group, organizing meetings, consolidating inputs, and tracking actions to strengthen collaboration among members.
• Establishing community feedback mechanisms to gather insights and inform communication strategies, including developing feedback collection tools and reporting on community listening activities.
• Contributing to program reports, donor updates, and knowledge products by ensuring regular reporting of communication and community engagement activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in communications, public health, social sciences, or a related field. Postgraduate qualifications in these disciplines are desirable. Essential qualifications include at least 2 years of experience in risk communication, community engagement, or health promotion, particularly within sexual health or HIV programs. Experience with national or donor-funded programs is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate proven knowledge in message development, media relations, and stakeholder coordination, as well as familiarity with graphic design software such as Adobe Suite and/or Canva. A strong understanding of behavior change communication and culturally responsive community outreach is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent in communications, public health, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates with postgraduate qualifications in these areas will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in risk communication, community engagement, or health promotion, specifically in the context of sexual health or HIV programs. Experience working with national or donor-funded programs is desirable and will enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication. Additionally, fluency in the iTaukei language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The salary for this role will range from FJD 32,999.24 to FJD 53,034.50, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The initial duration of the contract is 12 months, with the possibility of extension. This position is subject to local recruitment and is intended for Fiji nationals residing in the local commuting area of the duty station. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for further assessment, which may include a written test or interview. Applicants must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications as part of the recruitment process. WHO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.