International Consultant for Risk Communication and Community Engagement

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Position Title: International Consultant for Risk Communication and Community Engagement
Location: Phnom Penh
Country: Cambodia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Cambodia office is dedicated to strengthening country capacities in public health, particularly through the Ministry of Health. Established to enhance health systems and prepare for public health emergencies, WHO operates in various countries across the Western Pacific Region, focusing on communicable and non-communicable diseases. The organization collaborates with member states and partners to implement the International Health Regulations (IHR) and has a mission to leverage communication as a powerful tool for health, as outlined in the Communication for Health Western Pacific Regional Action Framework endorsed in 2023.

Job Overview:
The international consultant will play a crucial role in providing technical support to WHO Cambodia and the Ministry of Health in strengthening risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) systems. This position is integral to updating the country's pandemic preparedness and response strategies as part of the National Action Plan for Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security 2025-202

• The consultant will work closely with the Health Emergencies Team Lead and other colleagues to develop a multi-sectoral, multi-hazard RCCE framework, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and support the re-establishment of the RCCE Technical Working Group. The consultant will also be responsible for reviewing and finalizing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for managing health-related misinformation and providing technical inputs for evidence generation and capacity building in RCCE initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include preparing a draft for Cambodia's first multi-sectoral, multi-hazard RCCE framework, conducting a desk review of existing frameworks, updating stakeholder mapping, facilitating multisectoral consultations, and finalizing the framework for endorsement. Additionally, the consultant will support the re-establishment of the RCCE Technical Working Group by drafting terms of reference and a workplan. The consultant will also review and finalize SOPs for managing health-related misinformation, facilitate consultations for strategic inputs, and prepare a learning plan for the Ministry of Health. Furthermore, the consultant will provide technical inputs for RCCE evidence generation, capacity building, and seasonal preparedness activities, ensuring alignment with the draft framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Communications, Sociology, Public Health, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, particularly in outbreak or health emergency communications, is essential. Experience working within the UN system or with UN partners is required, with direct experience with WHO being highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate skills in managing communications in emergency situations, excellent research and analytical abilities, and experience developing engagement strategies and community feedback mechanisms. Proficiency in using social media platforms for communication and engagement is also necessary, along with experience in conducting RCCE training and managing health-related misinformation.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Sociology, Public Health, Political Science, or International Relations is required for this consultancy position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the objectives of the consultancy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, particularly in the context of health emergencies and outbreaks. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within the UN system or with UN partners, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of international health communication. Experience with WHO and knowledge of the RCCE core competencies of the International Health Regulations (2005) are highly desirable, as they will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the complexities of health communication in Cambodia.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for this position. This requirement ensures that the consultant can effectively communicate with various stakeholders, prepare reports, and engage in consultations. While English is mandatory, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it facilitates communication with local communities or stakeholders in Cambodia.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 6 months, from January to June 202

• The consultant will work on-site at the WHO Cambodia Office in Phnom Penh and may be required to travel within Cambodia. Remuneration details are to be determined. Candidates should be aware that this vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications upon being shortlisted. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.