Policy & Communications Lead GHS

Policy & Communications Lead, Global Health Security (GHS)
About EVIHDAF
EVIHDAF (www.evihdaf.com) is an international research and development organization headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which serves the West and Central Africa region. We have an office in Niamey, Niger, and a Data Unit satellite office in Parakou, Benin. Utilizing a diverse array of approaches rooted in rigorous design, adaptive, cutting-edge, and locally relevant methods, we provide services in Health Program Implementation and Scale-Up; Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (RMEL); Data Systems for Decision-Making; and Capacity Strengthening. We are positioned to serve as a Regional Hub for the coordination of various initiatives in West & Central Africa. Our practice areas include Health and Health Systems, Nutrition and Food Security, Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience, and Population Migration and Displacements.
Position Overview
EVIHDAF is looking for an experienced Policy and Communications Lead in anticipation of a Global Health Security (GHS) project funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Policy and Communications Lead provides leadership for policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) under the CDC GHS project. Reporting to the Deputy Project Director, the Lead manages the project’s communication strategy to ensure that U.S. assistance delivers measurable results for the American people while putting “America First” by directly countering global infectious disease threats. This position requires a high degree of flexibility, the ability to work effectively under pressure, and the cultural competence to navigate complex governmental landscapes while advocating for self-reliance.
Specific Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy and Strategic Communication
Lead the design and implementation of the project’s policy advocacy and communications strategy, ensuring alignment with National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS) and the America First Global Health Strategy.
Develop high-impact advocacy materials, policy briefs, and position papers aimed at national decision-makers to secure domestic co-investment in health security, ensuring partner governments meet their financial commitments to sustain health systems.
Represent the project in national policy forums.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)
Provide senior-level technical leadership for the development and rollout of national RCCE strategies that support the 7-1-7 target.
Support Ministries of Health (MoH) in establishing rumor-tracking systems and social listening mechanisms to counter misinformation, ensuring messages reach high-risk groups effectively.
Support the development and testing of risk communication messages tailored to diverse audiences, specifically engaging faith-based organizations and community leaders to expand the reach of health messaging beyond public sector facilities.
Strengthen the capacity of community leaders and media professionals to deliver accurate health information that protects populations from infectious threats.
Stakeholder Management and Media Relations
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, managing relationships to ensure accurate reporting on how U.S. assistance is saving lives and protecting the American people.
Facilitate partnerships with faith-based organizations, private sector actors, and civil society to mobilize additional resources and drive comm