International consultant: to Support the Development of the National Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Strategy

Purpose of consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide expert guidance in revising and finalizing the national RCCE operational strategy including standard operating procedures and to develop an advocacy note that will be used to mobilize resources for the strategy’s implementation. The consultant will ensure that the strategy is comprehensive, actionable, and aligned with both regional and global RCCE frameworks and standards.

Background

The Ministry of Health in Tunisia has developed a draft Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy to respond effectively to public health emergencies and other national risks. The purpose of this consultancy is to support the revision, update and finalization of the RCCE strategy, ensuring its alignment with the best global and regional practices and its adaptability to the local context and priorities.

Deliverables

Deliverable1: A comprehensive review report of the existing draft RCCE strategy.

Output1: Conduct a thorough review of the existing background documents and revise/update RCCE strategy to identify gaps and areas that require further development and alignment with regional and global standards.

Deliverable 2: A revised all hazards national multisectoral RCCE strategy document that aligns with regional and global standards approved and validated by key stakeholders

Output2.1: Engage with national key stakeholders, including government agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and community representatives, to gather additional inputs to inform the revision/update of the strategy content and structure to reflect a multi-sectoral, community centered all-hazards approach.

Output2.2: Revise and update the existing draft strategy guided by the insights and feedback collected from desk review and consultations ensuring a bottom-up approach to cultivate ownership and endorsement by national authorities and concerned entities.

Output2.3: Facilitate a consultative workshop to share, discuss and validate the revised strategy with relevant stakeholders.

Deliverable 3: An implementation plan with detailed timelines, responsibilities, and resource needs.

Output3: Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines key activities, timelines, responsible parties, and resource requirements.

Deliverable 4: Development of M&E indicators and processes mechanisms to monitor the strategy's effectiveness.

Output4.1: Provide recommendations for monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress and effectiveness of the RCCE strategy and operational plan.

Output4.2: Develop a final version of the RCCE strategy and implementation plan that is ready for government approval and dissemination.

Deliverable 5: An advocacy note designed to mobilize resources for the implementation of the RCCE strategy.

Output5: Develop an advocacy note to promote and advocate for the necessary resources to implement the RCCE strategy, targeting both national and international stakeholders.

Deliverable 6: A detailed list of SOPs required for the implementation of the RCCE strategy.

Output6: Identify Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) necessary to implement the different pillars of the RCCE strategy. This will include:

• Assessing existing SOPs relevant to RCCE activities and determining their adequacy.
• Identifying a list of SOPs covering all operational aspects of the RCCE strategy.

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Bachelor level university degree in social sciences, behavioral sciences, development sciences, communications, public health or related fields from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Master level in any of the above. Training in public health, health education, health communication, or health promotion.

Experience

Essential: At least 8 years of related experience, at the national/international levels, in RCCE, part of which working in disease outbreaks or health emergencies. Proven experience in in the development and implementation of RCCEs strategies and plans.

Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO, the UN, health cluster partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or other international organizations, including at country level.

Skills/Knowledge

• Proven experience in developing/aligning national strategies and operational plans.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English.

Languages and level required

Essential: Advanced written and spoken fluency in French and English.

Desirable: Fluency in Arabic.

Location

The consultant will be home-based with possible travel to Tunisia.

Travel

The consultancy will involve at least one country visit to Tunisia

Medical clearance

The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Hiring Unit

WCO Tunisia

Remuneration and Expected duration of the contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year)

· Remuneration: at Band level “C”

· Expected duration of the contract: 60 days starting from: 1 Dec 2024 till: 1 April 2025

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: Enhanced WHO global competency model

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:

a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated.

b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education, and training are provided.

c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.

Additional information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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