LonAdd HR Consultancy Plc (www.lonadd.com) is a Recruitment & Outsourcing Company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with branch offices in Dukem, Hawassa and Bahir Dar. We are looking to recruit a qualified candidate on behalf of our client.

Location   Addis Ababa  

No. Required – 1 (One)

Start date – as soon as possible 

BACKGROUND

In response to the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Health has requested urgent technical support to strengthen Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Social and Behavior's Change (SBC) interventions. RCCE/SBC plays a critical role to ensure timely dissemination of accurate information and messages, promote preventive behavior's, counter misinformation, and foster community trust and participation in the public health response. The Senior SBC/RCCE Advisor will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and MOH in designing, coordinating, and implementing evidence-based communication strategies tailored to the evolving dynamics of the Mpox outbreak.

Under the technical guidance of the SBC Specialist (health) at Client Ethiopia, the advisor will be seconded in EPHI, will coordinate the national RCCE technical working group and provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of community-centered interventions. This includes supporting the integration of social listening, community feedback mechanisms, media engagement, and behaviorally informed messaging into the national response plan. The advisor will also ensure alignment with global and regional RCCE standards, facilitate capacity building for local partners, and contribute to real-time monitoring and evaluation of communication efforts to enhance the effectiveness and reach of the mpox outbreak response.

Justification

The current outbreak of mpox presents an urgent and complex public health challenge that requires specialized expertise in emergency risk communication and behavioral change. The advisor will directly support the MOH/EPHI in strengthening outbreak preparedness and response, thereby contributing to enhancing national capacity for public health emergency response and community resilience.

OBJECTIVES, PURPOSE & EXPECTED RESULTS

Objectives

1. Strengthen national capacity to design and implement evidence-based SBC and RCCE strategies during mpox outbreak and other public health emergencies.
2. Promote behavior change and community engagement to reduce health risks and improve emergency response outcomes.
3. Enhance coordination among government, International agencies, and civil society organizations for effective RCCE interventions.

Purpose

The main purpose of the consultancy is to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise in the development and implementation of SBC and RCCE interventions in mpox outbreak and other emergency settings, ensuring that RCCE strategies are grounded in behavioral insights, community feedback, and real-time data, while building sustainable systems and local capacities for risk communication and social mobilization in future emergencies.

Expected Results

1. Comprehensive, context-specific SBC/RCCE strategies developed and implemented at national and sub-national levels for mpox outbreak responses.
2. Increased public awareness, trust, and adoption of protective health behaviors related to mpox.
3. Strengthened partnerships and coordination mechanisms among key stakeholders.
4. Enhanced capacity of local actors through training, mentorship, and resource development.
5. Improved monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of SBC/RCCE strategies based on behavioral data and community feedback.
6. Reduced the spread of misinformation and improved public access to accurate, timely health information and messages.

Description of the assignment

With technical support and guidance of the SBC Specialist, Health Section of Client Ethiopia, the consultant will be responsible for the coordination of national RCCE technical working group to accelerate RCCE approaches and strategies for preparedness and response to mpox outbreak and other public health emergencies. He/she is also responsible to support EPHI team on application of evidence based RCCE/SBC interventions including advocacy, community engagement, community empowerment, social listening, misinformation management, mass media, media engagement, monitoring and evaluation in Ethiopia.

The consultant is expected to provide technical support to the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership in the design, planning, and implementation of SBC/RCCE activities to strengthen national preparedness and response to the mpox outbreak and other health emergencies.
• Lead the development and execution of SBC/RCCE strategies and implementation plans that address risk behaviors and contributing factors related to mpox and similar public health threats.
• Oversee the design and delivery of comprehensive, multi-layered SBC/RCCE interventions that are evidence-based, community-driven, and aligned with national emergency response strategies.
• Guide the development of SBC/RCCE tools and materials in local languages tailored to the evolving phases of mpox and other health emergencies.
• Monitor the progress of SBC/RCCE activities to ensure timely implementation and achievement of response targets.
• Coordinate interagency collaboration and integration of SBC/RCCE efforts across sectors responding to health emergencies.
• Engage with external stakeholders—including regional health bureaus, government sectors, international NGOs, International agencies, multilateral organizations, and the private sector—to ensure harmonized SBC/RCCE efforts.
• Provide technical support to national PHEOC RCCE units, consultants, and other actors involved in emergency communication.
• Strengthen the capacity of local organizations through assessments, training, and the use of SBC/RCCE materials and tools tailored to emergency contexts.
• Offer technical guidance to relevant units, directorates, and regional teams to enhance the effectiveness of SBC/RCCE interventions.
• Deliver supportive supervision and onsite training to national and sub-national SBC/RCCE teams engaged in mpox and other emergency responses.
• Design, coordinate, and conduct rapid assessments, data analysis, and evidence synthesis to inform response strategies and planning.
• Support media engagement—including social and mainstream platforms—through outreach campaigns, briefings, and risk communication.
• Facilitate SBC/RCCE trainings, review meetings, workshops, and other key events to strengthen emergency response capacity.
• Provide targeted technical support to ministerial offices, DGD offices, directorates, and operational teams involved in emergency communication.
• Lead the development and implementation of a national RCCE/SBC strategy for the mpox outbreak, in coordination with MOH, EPHI, and partners.
• Support the design of culturally appropriate RCCE materials and community engagement approaches for mpox and other health emergencies.
• Coordinate the national RCCE technical working group and facilitate regular meetings, planning sessions, and joint reviews.
• Integrate social listening, rumor tracking, and community feedback mechanisms into the emergency response framework.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of RCCE/SBC interventions and provide timely recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure all communication efforts are aligned with national policies and international standards, including those of international agencies.

Deliverables / Reporting Requirements

Major Tasks 

• Conduct situational analysis and stakeholder consultations on RCCE for mpox outbreak response.
• Develop RCCE strategic objectives, approaches, and activity timelines which align with MOH, EPHI, WHO, and Client guidelines.
• Facilitate validation workshops and finalize the RCCE strategy document. Disseminate the strategy to national and sub-national stakeholders
• Design culturally appropriate RCCE materials (posters, flyers, radio scripts, social media content, etc.).
• Develop toolkits for community engagement and interpersonal communication on mpox including targeted approaches for high-risk populations.
• Translate materials into local languages and adapt for accessibility for those with disabilities and low literacy level.
• Pre-test RCCE materials and revise based on feedback by community.
• Ensure effective distribution of RCCE materials to regional and local teams.
• Develop training modules and facilitator guides.
• Organize and deliver training sessions for national and sub-national teams.
• Provide mentorship and supportive supervision post-training.
• Evaluate training outcomes and adjust content as needed.
• Design and implement rumour tracking and social listening mechanisms on mpox and other health emergencies.
• Facilitate and coordinate feedback channels (MOH’s hotlines, community forums, digital platforms, etc.).
• Analyse community insights to inform SBC/RCCE strategies and approaches.
• Coordinate with media and partners to address misinformation.
• Report findings regularly to RCCE technical working group, MOH and Client.
• Develop indicators and tools for tracking SBC/RCCE activities related to mpox and other health emergencies.
• Conduct baseline and follow-up assessments as necessary.
• Analyse data to assess effectiveness and reach or RCCE activities.
• Produce periodic progress reports and recommendations on RCCE interventions.
• Integrate learning into ongoing RCCE strategy refinement.
• Organize and lead regular coordination meetings on RCCE.
• Develop joint work plans and harmonize partner activities.
• Document meeting outcomes and follow-up actions.
• Support interagency collaboration and resource sharing on RCCE interventions.
• Maintain active communication with all stakeholders on outbreak response.
• Develop media briefs and talking points for spokespersons on mpox in close consultation with EPHI.
• Coordinate media outreach across social and mainstream media.
• Engage journalists and influencers in risk communication efforts.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment in close collaboration with EPHI and MOH’s media teams.
• Adjust RCCE messaging based on real- time feedback and outbreak developments

Project Management

• The consultant will not be provided lodging and/or meals.
• The consultant will not work from Client office, rather work from EPHI/MOH, Addis Ababa.
• The consultant should use his/her own materials, i.e. computer, mobile phone, internet, printer, etc.
• The consultant will be paid monthly upon completion of deliverables as indicated on this TOR and approved by the supervisor on monthly basis through the third-party HR firm.

General Conditions: Procedures And Logistics

• Third-party HR firm will manage all the administrative issues and aspects based on the HR’ policiesand procedures.
• All remuneration must be within the contract agreement through the third-party HR firm.
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both third-party HR firm and the consultant.
• Travel will be facilitated after travel request approved by the consultant’s supervisor and managed by the third-party HR firm.
• Consultants will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on Client budget or contracts

Key Qualification, Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in public health, communication for development, social/behavioral sciences, health promotion, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating SBC and RCCE strategies in public health emergency contexts at the national level.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of SBC/RCCE approaches in public health emergencies, addressing social norms, policies, services, and structures to influence behaviors at the household, community, and institutional levels.
• Familiarity with niche SBC/RCCE approaches such as Human-Centered Design and Behavioral Insights, as well as social media monitoring and misinformation management, is highly desirable.
• In-depth understanding of local cultural practices and other social determinants of health, such as social networks, gender, and disability, is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with government counterparts, UN agencies, and civil society organizations in complex emergency settings.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate evidence into actionable RCCE plans.
• Familiarity with WHO, Client, and Ministry of Health guidelines on RCCE and SBC in emergency settings is highly desirable.
• Mentoring, capacity-building, and facilitation skills are preferred.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and managing high-volume workflows under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an asset.

How To Apply

Interested applicants with the appropriate qualifications and experience should submit their most recent and detailed CV only, via email to recruitment@lonadd.com , by putting Application for ‘’Risk Communication & Community Engagement Advisor

 ‘’ in the subject box.

Only Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted

Application Deadline: July 8, 2025