Risk Communication and Community Engagement Officer

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO), a UN agency founded in 1948, promotes health, global safety, and serves vulnerable populations. Its mandate includes advocating for universal health coverage, monitoring public health risks, coordinating emergency responses, and providing technical assistance. In Uganda, the WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNV, is strengthening preparedness and response capacities for the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD) outbreak, addressing vulnerabilities like porous borders and knowledge gaps.

Job Purpose

This role supports the national and district-level implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies to combat the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BEVD) outbreak in Uganda. The objective is to deliver timely, accurate public health information, promote protective behaviors, counter misinformation, and foster community-led response actions. The specialist will ensure effective coordination, community mobilization, and real-time information sharing throughout the preparedness, outbreak, and recovery phases, contributing to Uganda's resilience against further spread of the disease.

Responsibilities

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist will support the development and updating of district RCCE preparedness and response plans and budgets for BEVD. This includes providing technical assistance to national task forces and district health teams. The role involves strengthening community coordination structures at various administrative levels and facilitating collaboration between RCCE, surveillance, infection prevention, and case management teams. Key duties include mapping and engaging community influencers, supporting capacity building for schools and security agencies, and mobilizing leaders for sensitization efforts. The specialist will identify and utilize appropriate communication channels for disseminating accurate, culturally sensitive messages and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. Additionally, the role requires mapping high-risk groups and populations for targeted outreach, establishing community feedback mechanisms to address rumors and concerns, and working closely with surveillance teams for early detection. Regular supportive supervision, monitoring of activities, participation in coordination meetings, and timely reporting are also essential components of this role.

Work Experience

Requires 7 years of relevant experience in Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), community mobilization, health promotion, or public health emergency response. Experience working with district health systems and communities is essential. Prior experience in outbreak response (e.g., Ebola, COVID-19, cholera) is considered an asset.

Skills

The role requires professionalism, integrity, accountability, results orientation, teamwork, and collaboration. Strong respect for diversity and cultural sensitivity, along with a commitment to humanitarian principles, are essential. Expertise in crisis and emergency response, health, and communication is necessary.

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