Risk Communications and Community Engagement Expert At Crown Agents

About the role

Background:

Suriname detected its first case of the Covid-19 on March 13th, 2020. Currently, the country is experiencing the third wave of the disease, and the increasing cases and deaths are of concern to the country especially with the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant. It is estimated that approximately one in every 86 people in the country are currently sick with Covid-19.

The country has developed a comprehensive National Vaccine Deployment Plan (NVDP) which details out the prioritisation for vaccinating the population using a two-dose regime. Suriname aims to reach the majority of priority groups by the end of 2021 with the healthy population being reached between 2022 and 2023, however that might change as the epidemiology of the disease changes over time.

There have been a number of challenges with the vaccine roll out including last mile delivery of vaccine to remote communities, the number of available vaccinators to immunise the population, and high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

To support the COVID19 vaccine roll out by the Ministry of Health, in partnership our client, Crown Agents will implement a rapid needs assessment to assess and determine challenges within the service delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine approach and then provide the MoH with recommendations and an implementation plan to overcome those identified challenges. Following on from the assessment will immediately follow a costed implementation plan lasting approximately 8 months.

Objective of the Consultancy

The Risk Communications and Community Engagement Expert will work closely with a team of technical experts to develop and implement a thorough assessment of Covid-19 activities to date in Suriname. He/she will take lead on the risk communications and community engagement assessment, including rapidly designing an assessment methodology, implement, analyse and document key successes and areas for improvement against the NVDP, resulting in a prioritised set of costed actionable items to take forward in phase two of the programme.

Description of Tasks

Review and assess Suriname’s current risk communication approach and strategies for the Covid-19 vaccination campaign (including rumour tracking and misinformation) and identify gaps, challenges and shortfalls.

Conduct a survey in targeted locations to identify barriers for the priority groups from participating in the COVID-19 vaccination program and provide recommendations for improving their access and participation.

In consultation with relevant stakeholders, identify specific communication outreach activities for priority groups and people from diverse backgrounds, including alternative communication channels and potential community engagement activities.

Work with the Project Team Lead to finalise assessment report and operational plan to strengthen the Covid-19 vaccine communication strategy and roll out in Suriname

Conduct a debrief meeting with all key stakeholders on assessment findings

About you

A Master’s degree in public health, communication, social science, or related discipline and/or combined relevant experience
A minimum of 8 years relevant experience in risk communication, health promotion, emergency management, part of which working in expanded programmes on immunisation (EPI), disease outbreaks or health emergencies in developing countries. Preferred direct experience working on Covid-19 vaccination efforts.
Proven experience in the development and implementation of risk communications strategies and plans.
Experience working with the Ministry of Health in implementing similar programs would be an advantage.
Sound understanding of the National COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Programs
Experience working in Suriname and/or the South American Region.
Excellent communications skills, including writing and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior-level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Strong professional oral communication and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents.
Ability to work in English and Dutch (preferable)

SEND CV’S ASAP

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.