UNICEF Consultant: Risk Communication & Community Engagement Jobs in South Africa

UNICEF Consultant: Risk Communication & Community Engagement Jobs in South Africa

South Africa continues to respond to the measles outbreak since early 2023, as well as cases of diphtheria that have been reported in the country. In May 2023, the cholera outbreak worsened considerably in parts of Gauteng and has since spread to other provinces.

The UN in South Africa, including UNICEF, was asked to respond by the National Department of Health both in the areas of WASH and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE).

This work builds of the extensive COVID-19 response through which UNICEF SA was a significant partner to the National and Provincial Departments of Health, working with civil society, academia, and the private sector to respond to the pandemic.

UNICEF SA continues to engage with children and youth, build strategic partnerships, and work with technical experts to be a trusted source of information, promote community action, and influence behaviour to save lives.

This work contributes to UNICEF SA’s emergency public health response according to the UNICEF Cholera Outbreak Response and ongoing routine immunization promotion related engagement.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication and Partnerships, while other relevant positions are recruited in UNICEF SA, the ‘Risk Communication and Community Engagement Consultant’ will further strengthen UNICEF SA’s cholera and measles outbreak response.

Working in close coordination with the National Department of Health and relevant provincial and district authorities, the consultant will provide strategic inputs and support the management of partners and contractors supporting on the response.

This work contributes to UNICEF SA’s ‘Cholera Outbreak Response Plan’ and measles routine immunization related work. This work will also align with UNICEF SA’s work as a ’trail blazer’ country working on the UNICEF global advocacy related to mental health, with a focus on parenting advocacy.

The Consultant will work closely with internal staff and external partners. This includes, UNICEF SA communication, health, and social and behaviour change teams, as well as the National and Provincial Departments of Health.

In addition, the consultant will be expected to provide guidance on emergency response with partners, developing relevant surveys and data gathering to better understand the evolving situation and on communication content produced in-house.

This work will play a vital role in the emergency response to current public health emergencies, including the cholera and measles outbreaks. The consultant will bring significant expertise to continue and contribute to UNICEF SA’s strategic response in support of NDoH and UN in South Africa work to slow the spread of and prevent further deaths related to disease outbreaks.

Outputs/Deliverables:

Engage with National and Provincial Departments of Health at relevant meetings related to cholera and measles outbreaks and response

Support on the guidance and engagement with partners, including civil society, academia and contractors working on the public health emergency response.

Input into and finalize social and behaviour change related survey to better understand the needs and gaps related to the measles and cholera outbreaks.

Input and guidance on UNICEF SA social media campaign promoting routine immunization, including use of Meta credits.

Guidance to UNICEF SA staff on how best to evolve the response in relation to the situation on the ground.

This is a 4-month consultancy that is expected to follow a set timeline.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Behaviour Change, Development, Humanities, or Public Health

A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience

Skills and experience in social behaviour change approaches

Skills and experience in substantial risk communication and

Advanced skills in community engagement work on heath emergencies

Solid experience in working with government, particularly the Department of Health; and in coordinating with partners, including civil society and contractors

Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset

Fluency in English is required

Knowledge of at least one local language is an asset

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; UNICEF Consultant: Risk Communication & Community Engagement Jobs in South Africa

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