EVIHDAF is looking for a Policy & Communications Lead GHS

EVIHDAF is looking for a Policy & Communications Lead GHS 
 
Policy & Communications Lead, Global Health Security (GHS)
EVIHDAF (www.evihdaf.com) is a global research and development organization headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, serving West and Central Africa. We maintain an office in Niamey, Niger, and a Data Unit outpost in Parakou, Benin. Leveraging methodical, flexible, innovative, and context-driven approaches, we deliver services in Health Program Implementation and Scale-Up; Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RMEL); Data Systems for Decision-Making; and Capacity Strengthening. Positioned as a Regional Hub, we coordinate key efforts across West and Central Africa. Our expertise spans Health and Health Systems, Nutrition and Food Security, Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience, and Population Migration and Displacements.
Position Overview
EVIHDAF seeks a proven Policy and Communications Lead for an anticipated Global Health Security (GHS) project supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Policy and Communications Lead drives policy advocacy, stakeholder outreach, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) for the CDC GHS initiative. Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, this role shapes the project's communication approach to yield clear U.S. benefits, prioritizing “America First” by tackling worldwide infectious risks head-on. It requires utmost adaptability, high-pressure performance, and cultural savvy to handle intricate government dynamics while pushing for independence.
Specific Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy and Strategic Communication
• Shape and execute the project's policy and communications plan, synced with National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) and America First Global Health Strategy.
• Craft compelling advocacy tools, policy notes, and statements targeting national leaders to lock in local co-funding for health security, holding governments to their sustainability pledges.
• Advocate for the project at national policy platforms.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)
• Lead technical direction for national RCCE strategies backing the 7-1-7 goal.
• Assist Ministries of Health (MoH) in building rumor surveillance and social monitoring to fight false info, ensuring outreach to vulnerable populations.
• Develop and pilot audience-specific risk messages, partnering with faith-based groups and community figures to broaden health campaigns beyond public services.
• Build skills of community influencers and journalists to share reliable health updates shielding people from threats.
Stakeholder Management and Media Relations
• Act as main media liaison, nurturing ties for precise coverage of U.S. aid's life-saving and protective role for Americans.
• Forge alliances with faith-based entities, private players, and civil society to rally resources and spark grassroots health security drives.
• Align with CDC comms teams for uniform messaging, donor branding, and America First themes of responsibility and optimization.
Reporting, Knowledge Management, and Documentation
• Oversee comms/policy inputs for quarterly and annual reports, spotlighting advocacy wins, co-investment progress, and prudent use of U.S. taxpayer funds.
• Capture triumphs, cases, and best practices showing smooth handover to national control and U.S. influence in global health.
• Oversee online channels with premium content emphasizing self-sufficiency focus.
Capacity Building and Workforce Development
• Embed risk comms into Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP).
• Design and run targeted training/mentoring for government PR staff to foster lasting institutional strength.
Key Experience and Qualifications
• Educational Background: Master’s or above in Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Health, or related field.
• Professional Experience: 10+ years directing large-scale comms or advocacy programs, with 5+ years in public health or global development.
• Donor Expertise: Strong U.S. Government (USG) project background required; CDC experience preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Expert grasp of RCCE, IHR (2005), and 7-1-7; skill turning health data into persuasive policy cases for local funding.
• Soft Skills: Superior pressure handling and priority management in critical scenarios; proven agility amid outbreaks.
• Communication Skills: Top-tier English verbal/written abilities, with strong portfolio of policy/advocacy work; French fluency mandatory.
• Cultural Competence: Proven navigation of government structures, earning trust from officials, faith leaders, and media.
• Travel: Ready for up to 10% international/subnational trips, including remote sites for community work and on-site reporting.
How to Apply
Send application package to Recruitment@evihdaf.com, subject: “Policy & Communications Lead – GHS”.
Required package: 
• Cover Letter (max 3 pages) detailing experience and fit.
• CV (max 7 pages) including 3 referees' names, phones, emails.
All applications must be submitted ONLINE at: https://www.evihdaf.com/job-openings/
Deadline: Position open until filled.