– Beni / RDC
Job Description :
The Ministry of Public Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has declared the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in North Kivu Province, eastern DRC on August 1, 2018. C is the first time that Ebola virus disease has been reported This part of the country is one of the most recent outbreaks in the DRC, with the most recent eruption in the Equator Province being delayed until July 26, 2018.
The Province of North Kivu is among the most populated provinces of the DRC with a population of 8 million, and is characterized by intense and chronic insecurity, which has resulted in an intermittent interruption of the main activities of response. The overall humanitarian situation in the DRC, and particularly in North Kivu Province, has deteriorated significantly since mid-2017, causing approximately one million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The health and protection sectors are experiencing the highest numbers of people in need.
The epidemic of Ebola continues to spread in North Kivu. As of March 24, 2019, the epidemic has reached more than 1,000 cases, making it the second largest epidemic in history, second only to West Africa in 2014-2016. Cases have been reported in 18 health zones in the two neighboring provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
IRC is assisting in the containment of the Ebola outbreak in the North Kivu region of the DRC. The main intervention of the IRC will be to provide assistance to the existing health infrastructure of the Ministry of Public Health to ensure secure continuity of services. IRC’s assistance will include strengthening of infection control and isolation. Providing secure access to lifesaving services for women and children and promoting community resistance and participation in finding solutions.
Extent to work :
Working closely with the Field Director and the Ebola Response Team in the DRC, you will develop IRC’s advocacy strategy on the Ebola response crisis on key issues including, but not limited to; health policy and public health issues around technical issues within the response;humanitarian protection, and allow medical access to Ebola patients, and the protection of women and girls in this context.
Using IRC data, proof of Ebola response operations in the DRC, external sources, and working with advocates at the highest level (New York, Geneva, DC, London, Brussels), you will have to produce evidence, couriers and positions to contribute policy change. DRC, particularly in North Kivu, in the context of IRC programming, policy messaging, and affected communities.
IRC in external discussions and working groups to contribute to the development of inter-agency positions; Work with IRC’s communication teams locally and at HQ to ensure that public messaging is aligned with the country’s program advocacy priorities and objectives. You will report to the Field Director.
Responsabilities :
- Draft advocacy strategy that promotes the protection of the population of Ebola virus disease in North Kivu and measures to alleviate the impact of the crisis ;
- Working in collaboration with IRC’s advocacy colleagues in the US, Europe and IRC’s think-tank partners, local and international decision-makers, while ensuring that the priorities of the field and the perspectives are integrated and prioritized ;
- Write analysis papers, briefing notes, key messages, articles, presentations and other documents for internal and external use, locally and globally ;
- IRC headquarters and external partners, the DRC, to provide written and verbal updates to management and external partners ;
- Represent IRC at external meetings in DRC related to Ebola response ;
- Build and maintain good relationships with various organizations of the same nature, with groups and individuals to develop networks and increase collective impact ;
- Lead efforts to create a shared organizational understanding of IRC’s advocacy objectives and define the roles that different staff members can play to achieve them ;
- Work with colleagues in communication with IRC in line with the advocacy strategy ;
- Contribute to the development of IRC’s overall advocacy strategy for the Ebola crisis to ensure that IRC staff at the national level can effectively influence national policy.
Challenges / major difficulties of this role :
- Coordinates effectively with partners with the Ministry of Public Health, NGOs and UN Agencies, particularly WHO.
Deliverables / KPI :
- IRC’s Advocacy Strategy for the Ebola Response Crisis ;
- Evidence and data to inform the advocacy strategy and decision making ;
- Coordinates closely with the general policy and advocacy, communications and media teams ;
- Policy messages, briefing / research papers.
Key Work Relationships :
- The position reports to the Field Director ;
- The position directly supervises: N / A
- Technical Supervision : World Media, Communication and Advocacy Team
Profile :
Key Qualifications : A strong understanding of programming approaches for an epidemic response, and a strong understanding of health and public health policy; a good understanding of international humanitarian law; excellent writing, communication, critical thinking and analysis skills, combined with previous experience in developing advocacy strategies. Field experience in a humanitarian context, including a high level of coordination and representation with governments, UN agencies, donors, embassies and NGOs is desirable.
Experience (including sector and domain) :
- 5 – 7 years of relative work experience in the context of Ebola ;
- Previous experience in developing, implementing and monitoring advocacy strategies and the ability to critically assess and apply different influential approaches.
Specific educational qualification :
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Health Policy, Public Health, Law, Social Sciences, Human Rights or any other similar field.
Knowledge, Capabilities & Skills :
- Proven ability to critically think and communicate effectively and build consensus with a range of internal and external partners ;
- A deep understanding of international humanitarian coordination and response architecture ;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French ;
- Previous knowledge or experience working in the DRC is desired ;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to lead and work effectively in team situations. Ability to work well under pressure, strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively in an intercultural environment is essential ;
- Experience and ability to live and work in stressful and highly insecure environments with a good knowledge of basic safety policies.
Standards of Professional Conduct : IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service and Accountability. In keeping with these values, IRC operates and implements policies on protection against exploitation and abuse, child protection, anti-harassment workplace, tax integrity, and anti-revenge.
Gender Equality : IRC is committed to reducing the gender gap in command posts. We provide benefits in the form of parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other benefits and support premiums.
Employer of Equal Opportunity : IRC is an Employer of Equal Opportunity. IRC considers all candidates on the basis of race, gender, color, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.