RISK COMMUNICATION - SOCIO-ANTHROPOLOGIST

Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc) available guidelines and degree of independence in decision-making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization.Purpose of the Post\:

The mission of WHO’s health Emergency 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 health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. WHO African Regional Health Emergencies Programme, supports the 47 Member States of the WHO African Region in the prevention and control of high threat diseases of pandemic & epidemic potential through forecasting, characterization of diseases/infectious risks and development of evidence-base strategies to manage infectious hazards. It builds on a set of technical assets to ensure access to knowledge and life-saving interventions to address any emerging threats.

The purpose of this post is to provide technical guidance on communication, social and behavioral aspects of health emergencies, coordinate rapid sociological and community engagement to improve prevention and management of health emergencies. The post would also coordinate documentation and dissemination of lessons learnt on response and management of health emergencies and response in Africa for future use.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate unit or field activity

(Overview of the programme)

• To support the 47 Member States in managing health emergency risk using proven high quality interventions ,

• Managing expert networks to rapidly characterize the threats and define mitigation measures,

• Facilitating the production of high quality, evidence-based guidance, its dissemination to affected countries, and the transfer of knowledge/capacity building of implementers, and

• Ensuring the availability of life-saving interventions (vaccine, treatments and diagnostics) reach the target populations during emergencies due to infectious hazards

Summary of Assigned Duties (Describe what the incumbent has to do to achieve main objectives)

The incumbent will act as the hub focal point responsible for providing technical guidance and evidence on community engagement, risk communication, social and behavioral aspects of health emergencies and infectious hazards management in the Region.  Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties\:

1. Lead the development of a network of communication experts, social scientists and partners to facilitate the integration of the cultural/societal components in outbreak prevention, investigation, preparedness and response strategies,
   

2. Coordinate and guide the development/dissemination/use of regional guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for frontline responders and community to address the social dimensions of risk and improve cultural relevance, thereby improving acceptability and efficacy of outbreak investigations, and preparedness and response interventions,
   

3. Coordinate the building of the capacities of frontline responders on application of standard guidelines and SOPs of prevention, preparedness and response to outbreaks,
   

4. Coordinate the work of social science team with other teams to ensure that the work is technically, effectively and efficiently implemented with high standards,
   

5. Lead the documentation and dissemination of experiences and lessons learnt in managing outbreaks of health emergencies in the African Region,
   

6. Support the development of partnerships with various communication/media groups, religious groups, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to solicit their involvement in the prevention and response to public health emergencies,
   

7. Manage an interactive regional social scientists network that communicates and disseminates to improve epidemic policy/strategy development as well as risk communication,
   

8. In close collaboration with partners, articulate and facilitate the development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery and behavior change,
   

9. Link with other groups within and beyond WHO to promote communication and cultural adaptation of response strategies and interventions,
   

10. Ensure the highest level of technical accuracy and evidence-base of technical emergency guidance,
    

11. Plan, manage and monitor the social science in health emergency activities to reflect the administrative and budgetary standards, guidelines, priorities and directions.

12. Any other duties assigned by the supervisor

Organizational Context (Describe the work environment, the role of the individual within the team – team member, specialist, adviser, facilitator, coordinator/manager, representative, expert, authority in the field, etc) available guidelines and degree of independence in decision-making, and nature and purpose of contact within and outside the Organization.

Under the technical guidance and overall direction of the Programme Area Manager for Infectious Hazards and the Hub lead, the incumbent develops and leads the work of the Organization in the area of communication, social and behavioural aspects related to health emergency prevention, response and management activities.  He/she formulates and recommends budgeted regional communication/documentation, social and behavioral strategies and plans.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Competencies\: Generic (Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required -  See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones)

1. Produces results

2. Promotes partnership across the organization and beyond.

3. Communicates in a credible and effective way

4. Fosters integration and teamwork

5. Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences

Competencies\: Functional (Describe the competencies specific to the post)

• Must have a clear understanding and knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, interaction with media, community organization and participation;

• Must have training in strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication, social and cultural interventions;

• Must be able to transfer his/her knowledge to others;

• Must be an effective team player at both national and international levels.

Education (Qualifications)\:

Essential\: Advanced university degree, Masters or PhD from a recognized university in sociology and/or anthropology.

Desirable\: Specialized training in behavioural sciences.

Experience\:

Essential\: At least 7 years of national and international experience at country and/or regional level in social science in the public health domain,

Extensive experience in convening and organizing regional meetings with tangible outcomes,

Extensive experience of having worked in developing countries,

Proven experience in capacity building and mentoring for at least 7 years.

Desirable\: High level experience in training and mentoring in social and health field research in the African setting would be a distinct advantage. Experience working on health programme(s) at regional level in Africa.

Skills\:

• Excellent writing and publishing skills

• Ability to convey and transfer knowledge

• Ability to design, coordinate and implement social science research

• Demonstrated effectiveness in building sustained partnerships and working with others in multi-cultural settings

Languages\: Essential\:  Fluent in English or French.

                  Desirable\:  A working Knowledge of either French or English 

                                            in addition to expert level of one of them.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)\: Proficiency in the use of publishing, presentation and data statistical software.