FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. EpiC Kyrgyzstan Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) specialist for Global Health Security (GHS) position will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

EpiC Central Asia Region Project Description:

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is an eight-year global project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). EpiC is dedicated to achieving and maintaining HIV epidemic control and the project provides strategic technical assistance (TA) and direct service delivery (DSD) to break through barriers to 95-95-95 and promote self-reliant management of national HIV programs by improving HIV case-finding, prevention, and treatment programming.

From 2023, FHI 360, which is implementing the EpiC project in Central Asia, is also a member of a consortium of organizations implementing the Global Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness program, which aims to protect the health of Kyrgyz people in the context of the country’s preparedness to prevent and respond to public health emergencies.

Job Description

The Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Specialist will be a crucial member of the Global Health Security division of the EpiC-Kyrgyzstan project and closely work with partners such as the Kyrgyz Republic Ministry of Health, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Agriculture, CSOs, community-level authorities and organizations, international organizations, donors and others. The Specialist will report to the Associate Project Director and work closely with RCCE-IM Advisor to develop and implement various program activities aimed at building country capacity in RCCE and promoting awareness of zoonotic and communicable diseases of outbreak or pandemic potential.

Position Responsibilities:

• Organize needs-based design and delivery of RCCE-related capacity building activities for government officials, community leaders, and other key stakeholders, overseeing logistical coordination and content preparation
• Coordinate design, data collection, analysis, and reporting for Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study on zoonotic diseases
• Support partner organizations in developing and implementing social and behavior change communication (SBCC) campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of the risks posed by public health threats, as well as preventive measures and safe behaviors
• Facilitate community engagement and dialog involving key stakeholders at the local level, to ensure local voices and knowledge are integrated into RCCE activities
• Help organize and execute inter-agency exercises to test RCCE-related standard operating procedures, algorithms, toolkits and document lessons learned.
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of RCCE interventions, collect data, and contribute to reporting.
• Provide risk communication support and strategic guidance to key partners during possible disease outbreaks.
• Contribute to effective stakeholder coordination in the RCCE area by serving as a liaison between project, government authorities, community organizations and other partners, ensuring smooth coordination and communication across RCCE activities.
• Oversees the work of consultants and subcontractors, as required.
• Prepare project write-ups, work plans and reports in line with the project schedule/requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in communication, social sciences, public health or related field;
• 6-8 years of experience in implementing risk communication, social and behavior change, community level engagement, mass media and/or health advocacy projects or campaigns focused on zoonotic and communicable diseases of outbreak or pandemic potential
• English, Kyrgyz and Russian languages fluency required.

Specific knowledge requirements:

• Knowledge of risk communication, social and behavior change, community engagement and related models and strategies and their practical application;
• Knowledge of “One Health” concept and zoonotic and communicable diseases of outbreak or pandemic potential is an asset;
• Proven experience in developing and using multimedia and community engagement approaches to drive behavior change and implement risk communication strategies;
• Ability to synthesize and translate technically complex information into plain language communication products;
• Demonstrated ability to work with communities and to communicate with local-level stakeholders of various backgrounds, build rapport, and motivate behavior change;
• Field experience in developing and implementing social and behavior change communication, advocacy, and projects and programs that have demonstrated impact;
• Strong technical, programming, and reporting skills;
• Proven ability to work as an effective team member;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Kyrgyz, English, Russian

The ideal candidate must have demonstrated experience in planning and implementing public health-related strategic media and risk communication campaigns.

Travel Requirements:

• 30%, mostly within the Kyrgyz Republic

The position is open to Kyrgyz residents and will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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