Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region works with 37 Member States to combat infectious and noncommunicable diseases, improve maternal and child health, ensure environmental safety, and respond to health emergencies. The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) focuses on building Member States' capacity to manage health risks and coordinating international responses to outbreaks and disasters. The Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) team is integral to emergency preparedness, readiness, and response efforts.

Job Purpose

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist will support the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) in the Western Pacific Region. This role is crucial for implementing activities related to health emergencies, including building Member State capacity to manage risks and coordinating international responses to contain outbreaks and facilitate recovery. The specialist will contribute to strengthening RCCE capabilities before, during, and after crises, potentially deploying to emergency operations and functioning within Incident Management Support Teams (IMST) and Emergency Operating Centres (EOCs). The position aims to enhance the organization's operational and technical capacities in managing health hazards across the risk management cycle.

Responsibilities

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist will manage the planning, implementation, and monitoring of risk communication activities during emergencies such as outbreaks and disasters. This includes supporting social listening to counter misinformation and disinformation, and developing/updating a regional message bank of communication materials using approved testing approaches and clearance processes. The role involves contributing to and co-facilitating capacity-building activities on emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, the specialist will strengthen partnerships by managing BRIDGE networks and supporting the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) Communities of Practice. Responsibilities also include contributing to the measurement and evaluation of RCCE activities, supporting donor reporting, and providing backstopping for emergency activities as needed.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, with a preference for five years. Experience should include emergency response settings (outbreaks, disasters, health emergencies), developing and evaluating communication products for digital platforms, and working at international, regional, or national levels in communications, external relations, community engagement, or infodemic management. Experience in the UN system or with large projects is desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include teamwork, producing results, accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and sound judgment. Essential skills involve excellent oral and written communication, drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the capacity for inclusive and collaborative work are necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, database management, and the ability to work independently under pressure are also important. Expertise in communication, community development, and crisis/emergency response is required.

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