Senior Community Engagement Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing research, resources, and relationships to ensure that people everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. Established with a mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities, FHI 360 employs over 2,000 experts who work across more than 50 countries globally. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, education, and economic development, and aims to create sustainable solutions to complex global challenges.

Job Overview:
The Senior Community Engagement Specialist is a pivotal role within the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, which is a global health initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State. This project, running from 2019 to 2027, has a dual focus in the Philippines: achieving HIV epidemic control and strengthening global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security (GHS). The specialist will be responsible for enhancing community-level readiness and response to public health threats, particularly infectious disease outbreaks. This role emphasizes building trust and strong relationships with communities, local leaders, civil society groups, and at-risk populations. The specialist will co-lead the development and implementation of community-focused strategies aimed at improving early detection, reporting, and response to health threats, ensuring that community perspectives are integral to project design and execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Community Engagement Specialist will undertake a variety of key responsibilities, including:

• Community Outreach and Mobilization: Design and implement strategies for community engagement that promote inclusive participation, particularly from vulnerable groups. Lead community activities such as consultations and participatory sessions to gauge local perceptions regarding infectious diseases. Strengthen community-based surveillance networks and initiatives.
• Risk Communication and Behavior Change: Co-develop culturally appropriate risk communication materials and facilitate awareness sessions to promote preventive behaviors. Collect community feedback to refine communication strategies and address misinformation.
• Outbreak Preparedness and Response Support: Guide local entities in mobilizing communities for preparedness activities and support rapid information dissemination during outbreaks.
• Capacity Building and Stakeholder Coordination: Train local health workers and community leaders on engagement strategies and strengthen community capacity for early detection and response.
• Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting: Collaborate with the Strategic Information team to develop tools for data collection and analysis, contributing to project documentation and adaptive learning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and possess a strong understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding public health in the Philippines. Familiarity with risk communication and community-based surveillance approaches is essential. The ideal candidate will have strong facilitation, community mobilization, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to engage diverse populations. Proven experience in coordinating with various stakeholders, including government and civil society, is required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, community development, communication, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding public health principles and community engagement strategies.

Experience:
At least 5 years of professional experience in community engagement, public health programming, social mobilization, or related fields is required. Experience in health security and outbreak response is preferred, along with a history of collaboration with government health systems and local NGOs. Candidates should have experience working with diverse communities on infectious disease prevention initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Filipino is mandatory, while proficiency in local languages is considered an advantage. Strong communication skills in these languages will facilitate effective engagement with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may require domestic travel of at least 30%. The working conditions are typical of an office environment, but flexibility in hours may be necessary during emergency responses. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance.