Regional Risk Communications and Community Engagement Advisor, TDDAP2 at Palladium International

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and stewardship of design and implementation of Palladium’s strategy for the Community Component of the TDDAP2 National and Community TA programme, including accountability for quality delivery of activities and results under Output 4.
• Develop tools and processes for identifying, engaging community groups and civil society organisations in TDDAP2 countries and building their capacity to implement best practice strategies in outbreak and health emergency prevention, detection, and response
• Provide regular support and quality assurance to Country Leads and national RCCE experts in the design, implementation and monitoring of RCCE activities.
• Organise and lead the related Output 4 strategic direction, project work plan development and implementation focusing on evidence-based community-based surveillance, risk communication, community engagement and other innovative approaches to enhance community engagement and participation
• Bring technical expertise in the following technical areas: 
  •  Risk Communication: Providing technical leadership in developing and delivering timely, accurate, and actionable health messages during outbreaks, ensuring alignment with needs of marginalised populations
  •  Community Engagement: Leading the implementation of inclusive, participatory approaches that empower communities to co-create solutions, provide actionable feedback loops and strengthen trust in health systems
  •  Infodemic Management: Leading the monitoring and analysis of rumours, misinformation, and public sentiment across media and community channels to inform response strategy
  •  Health Advocacy: Leading health advocacy efforts to influence policy and sustain long-term domestic health investments, especially in under-resourced settings
  •  Community-Based Surveillance: Leading community-based surveillance to enable early detection of health threats and timely linkage between communities and formal health systems
  •  Capacity Strengthening: Designing and delivering adult learning programmes that build RCCE competencies, leveraging digital tools and innovative methodologies to ensure sustainable local capacity
• Provide mentoring and technical support to national RCCE consultants to ensure harmonised and high-quality implementation across the portfolio
• Provide thought leadership on RCCE by guiding country teams, synthesising lessons learned, documenting success stories and innovations, and promoting cross-country learning through regional forums, conferences, and strategic dissemination effort

Essential Criteria:

• Advanced degree in public health, communication, social/behavioural sciences, international development, or a related field
• At least 8–10 years of relevant experience in risk communication and community engagement, preferably in outbreak preparedness and response settings in Africa
• Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating RCCE strategies in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Proven experience with RCCE frameworks, including at least one of the following: WHO RCCE Competency Framework, UNICEF People-Centred Approaches, IFRC CEA Framework, CDC CERC Framework, Africa CDC RCCE tools
• Excellent mentoring and coaching skills, with a demonstrated ability to support staff in a matrixed supervision structure across different countries
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in documenting success stories, contributing to technical reports, and presenting at regional or global forums
• Cultural competence and sensitivity, with experience working across diverse linguistic, ethnic, and socio-political contexts in Africa
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, while ensuring high-quality, harmonised technical support across countries
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French is a strong asset