Job Description

Posted on January 10, 2022

The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is a Humanitarian Organization established in 1966 by an Act of Parliament CAP 307 of the laws of Zambia as an auxiliary institution that augments government efforts in developmental works and humanitarian assistance. ZRCS is part of the International Red Cross movement known as International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC/RC). In line with its mandate, ZRCS partners with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in responding to both man-made and natural disasters, including epidemics.Project SummaryCurrently, ZRCS is part of a consortium of actors that has joined hands with the Ministry of Health (MOH) through a multi-sectoral approach in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key thematic areas that the NS is actively supporting is RCCE with the objective of contributing to the reduction of COVID-19 transmission through social mobilization activities to encourage uptake of the measures put by the MOH and also prepare the community to accept the uptake of the vaccine. The National Society therefore, invites applications from dynamic, qualified and experienced individuals to take up the position of Community Engagement and Accountability OfficerReporting to: Health and Care ManagerWorkplace: Headquarters-Lusaka with frequent travel to the fieldStarting Date / Initial Contract Details: As soon as possible/18 monthsThe Community engagement and accountability conceptCommunity engagement and accountability (CEA) is an approach to Red Cross and Red Crescent programming and operations. It is supported by a set of activities that help put communities at the centre of what we do, by integrating communication and participation throughout the programme cycle or operation. CEA is the process of and commitment to providing timely, relevant and actionable life-saving and life-enhancing information to communities. It is about using the most appropriate communication approaches to listen to communities’ needs, feedback and complaints, ensuring they can actively participate and guide Red Cross Red Crescent actions. CEA supports those involved in programmes and operations to adopt innovative approaches to better understand and engage with people and communities and help them address unhealthy and unsafe practices. It maximizes the Red Cross Red Crescent’s unique relationship with the community to help them speak out about the issues that affect them and influence decision and policy-makers to implement positive changesKey responsibility:Ensure that the operation is implemented in accordance with the ZRCS set of standards, policies and guidelines relevant to CEA.Supports the planning, rolling out and adaptation of risk communications and CEA tools, methodologies, trainings and activities based on needs assessment and are suitable to the local context and cultural practices.Ensures quality, consistency and relevancy of community engagement activities and materials in relation to target audiences with focus on the most vulnerableSupports and ensures use across operations teams of the most relevant social sciences research, impact surveys a and perception data (including social-cultural data, sources of vulnerabilities, community structures and power dynamics) to assess and monitor communities’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to targeted behaviours and inform evidence-based risk communication and community engagement action.Supports the setting up/strengthening of appropriate feedback methods and systems to gain a deeper understanding of the community feedback, including perceptions, beliefs, rumours and complainsEnsures feedback, community perceptions and insights are regularly analysed and shared with key operation teams and decision makers to inform course correction in the operation and bring about positive changes in communities.Work with operation teams to ensure the most vulnerable groups have equal access to information channels and feedback mechanisms and participate in decision making processesDesigns and facilitates the training of staff and volunteers on essential CEA aspects, with focus on risk communications and community engagement in epidemic preparedness and response and feedback systems.Guides teams to create opportunities for community’s voices to influence local and at the national level decision making processes.Raises awareness on the importance of risk communications and CEA with senior management, staff and volunteers through presentations trainings and briefing sessionsParticipates in relevant inter-agency coordination groups and supports National Society’s engagement to ensure Red Cross Red Crescent community engagement efforts are coordinated and recognized.Education:A university degree in social sciences/behavioural/communication sciences or equivalent experienceWork Experience:3 years of experience in a risk communication, social and behaviour change communication and CEA related role2 years of experience in the public health, including in epidemics preparedness and response settingsExperience in setting up and managing community feedback approaches and systemsExperience in delivering risk communication and community engagement capacity building, coaching, behaviour change communication training and developing local organizations’ staff and volunteersExperience in setting up and managing community engagement tools (including technological solutions) such as social media, radio, TV, SMS, cinema/drama and rolling out risk communication approachesExperience within the Red Cross and Red Crescent MovementExperience in an international organization or NGOKnowledge & Skills:Good understanding of – or training in – current developments in the field of communication with communities, behavioural and social sciences, community engagement processes, strategic communication, research approachesBasic understanding of CEA issues in emergencies contextsSensitivity to challenging political contexts and understanding of risk management processesGood analytical skills and knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and participatory research methodologies and analysisGood planning skills, with the ability to identify areas for improvements in programmes, operations and ZRCS ways of working through the integration of CEA approaches and activitiesGood knowledge of gender and diversity issues in humanitarian programmingFacilitation and training skillsZambia Red Cross Volunteers who meet the above qualifications are encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Method of ApplicationOnly short-listed candidates will be contacted.To apply click this link or the apply button below.Zambia Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer. ZRCS has not engaged any agent for this recruitment and NO APPLICATION FEE IS CHARGED.