Democratic Republic of the Congo: Community Engagement Manager - Beni

Role & Responsibilities

Support the Medair emergency response team to manage and support the community engagement activities part of Medair’s interventions in Nord Kivu in the response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak. The Community Engagement Manager will work with the health and hygiene promoters to effectively engage with all layers of the community about the Ebola virus disease.

Project Overview

On August 1st, 2018, an Ebola outbreak was declared in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By mid-December more than 500 cases had been recorded. Before the outbreak was declared, Medair was working in 47 health facilities in Eastern DRC, with Health, Nutrition, and WASH related interventions. Beginning with areas where the risk is most elevated, Medair is ensuring that supported health centres are equipped to triage patients at the entrance to the health centre before isolating suspected Ebola cases in a temporary isolation area, while arranging for referral. Health centre staff are being trained on how to consistently implement screening, isolation and referral without exposing themselves or other patients to the risk of being infected with Ebola Virus Disease. At each health facility, a package of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support is being provided, both in the health facilities themselves, and in selected communities. A key aspect of combatting EVD outbreaks is community behaviour change; to achieve this, effective community engagement is critical. Take a look at Medair’sHealth & Nutritionwork.

Workplace& Conditions

Field based position in Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo with potential travel to other field sites affected by the Ebola outbreak. Beni is the territory that is centre to the current Ebola outbreak. Interventions may be in remote and difficult to access areas for which the environment is physically challenging accessible on foot). The security context is complex and also requires constant monitoring. Visits to emergency locations will be expected. Take a look at Medair’s work inDR Congo.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 6 months.

Key Activity Areas

Coordination

· Represent Medair at the Community Engagement Commission meetings and with local authorities, partners, and other NGOs as part of the community engagement activities.

· Represent Medair at in Ebola Task Force meetings as well as other Commission meetings, if required by the Ebola Coordinator.

Behavior Change Communication

· Support the health and hygiene promoters in organizing community engagement activities with different layers of the community such youth, women, motorbike drivers, traditional practitioners, and ensure activities are being implemented based on the needs of the communities.

· Seek to provide MHPSS inputs as feasible to promote community resilience after the outbreak

· Implement tools to monitor knowledge retention of the targeted population.

Management

· Develop work and monitoring plans and monitor the progress of health promoters' activities according to the needs of the project.

· Propose lines of intervention and new activities for health promotion intervention to the Ebola Coordinator according the evolution of the outbreak and the needs on the ground.

· Train and supervise the health promoters in their activities on the ground.

· Ensure high communication and coordination with the Ebola Coordinator, Health Project Manager and Wash Project Manager in order to implement coordinated interventions on the ground and to ensure health and hygiene promoters are prioritizing their activities where the needs are highest.

Quality and Compliance

· Develop and update activity tracking tools in collaboration with the M&E Assistant.

· Ensure all health and hygiene promoters are compliant with Medair guidelines, policies, and procedures, and adherent to any applicable donor guidelines.

· Ensure all relevant staff receive training, advice, and coaching regarding community engagement to be applied to their sector as needed.

Team Spiritual Life

· Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.

· Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.

· Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

· Post-graduate degree in the humanitarian sector or other relevant field. Health, social work, or psychology background or education (community health, social worker, nurse, midwife or doctor), or Public Health degree desirable.

· Strong working knowledge of English and French (spoken and written). Swahili desirable.

Experience

· 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience.

· At least 1 year humanitarian experience where you worked with or observed health programming.

· Strong written and verbal skills in French.

· Able to take initiatives and speak confidently.

· Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and HAP Standard.

Before you apply

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

a) Medair organisational values.

b) Profiles and benefits package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).

c) Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).

Application Process

To apply, go to the "Current Vacancies" page then:

a) apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

b) apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed.