Avis de recrutement : Communications and Information Officer

1.BACKGROUND

Cameroon has among the highest burden of HIV in West and Central Africa (4.3% among average risk reproductive age adults – DHS 2011). High HIV prevalence is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors such as inconsistent use of condoms and lubricants and a high rate of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Stigma and discrimination have further marginalized key populations limiting their access to life-saving services such as anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and reducing the country’s ability to control the HIV epidemic.

The national response is led by the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC), which coordinates implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2011- 2015. This policy aims to reduce HIV and STI-related morbidity and mortality and alleviate its socioeconomic impact on the development of Cameroon. Among strategic approaches, the plan stresses improved access to prevention, care and treatment for key populations.

U.S. Government (USG) commitment for the response is articulated in the 2012 “PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-Free Generation”. Among various USG agencies supporting the response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) focuses on combating the spread of HIV/AIDS through five key activities: HIV prevention in Most-At-Risk Populations (MARP) or key affected populations; care and support to children affected by AIDS; strengthening the national pharmaceutical management system; technical assistance to programs funded by the Global Fund; and operational research in the area of HIV prevention.

The USAID-funded Continuum of Prevention, Care, and Treatment (CoPCT) for HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations (CHAMP-Cameroon) is a five-year program with a total estimated cost of $18.8 million. Initiated in April 2014, CHAMP has the following objectives: (1) technical competence of partners in key populations program design and management using the CoPCT increased, (2) enabling environment for key populations HIV/AIDS programming strengthened, and (3) quality assurance/quality improvement, and monitoring and evaluation systems in the CoPCT strengthened. These efforts will expand service coverage in four focus regions and generate data for evidence-based programing. The program will employ a continuum of care approach, linking clients with community-and facility-based interventions. It will also strengthen the policy environment to support client-friendly services and appropriate social protection and advocacy.

CARE USA through CARE-Cameroon serves as the prime for this cooperative agreement in partnership with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Global Viral (GV). Together, the consortium is collaborating with the NACC, the Ministry of Health (MOH), community-based organizations (CBOs) and other stakeholders (UNAIDS, the Global Fund, the World Bank) to build the capacity of the national, regional and community response.

2.POSITION LOCATION

The Communications and Information Officer will be a member of the CHAMP team based at the CARE Cameroon office in Yaoundé. The Incumbent will report to the MEAL Technical Coordinator.

3.BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Develop a communication strategy for CHAMP and oversee the coordination of all project communication activities.
Document and disseminate the project’s work and messages including fact sheets, publications, press releases, press briefings, op-ed articles, letters to the editor, etc.
Produce regular success stories including lessons learned pieces for USAID.
Manage and prepare for site visits by high-ranking delegations from USAID, World Bank, UNAIDS, CARE, and other national and international delegations. Develop related supporting documents for site visits as required.
In collaboration with CHAMP’s partner Moto Action, develop and maintain an electronic library of all public relations materials, photos, press pieces, and other related documents on HIV/AIDS and key populations for use by the project.
Work with CHAMP’s technical staff and Moto Action to develop and/or adapt evidence-based behavior change materials and strategies for facility-based and community outreach activities.
Prepare communication strategies and activities to support meetings and other special events.
Provide day-to-day management and coordination of communication activities.
Develop content for publication on the CHAMP, CARE Cameroon and other appropriate web sites.
Provide training to stakeholders on media relations and work to increase media coverage and attention for reducing stigma and advocating for an improved policy environment for KP.
Support new innovations and strategies such as PrEP and HIVST, U=U with communications materials.
Work closely with the CHAMP Chief of Party and DCOP-Programs to write, edit and finalize monthly, quarterly, annual and final reports for final submission in English.
Ensure that all CHAMP’s deliverables are correctly branded as per the approved Marking and Branding Strategy with USAID.
Perform other duties as assigned.

4.DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced degree in journalism, public health, communication, public policy or related field.
Experience: Minimum of five years of relevant experience. Previous work with a CBO or international NGO preferred. Experience in international development required. Knowledge of international programs, strategies, donors and organizations strongly preferred. Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing for a variety of mediums including web based platforms and professional reports. Excellent presentation and public communication skills. Experience working on HIV/AIDS programs in Cameroon or in Central/Western Africa required.
Language: Fluent English and French required (speaking and writing).
Knowledge: Good understanding of HIV/AIDS programming and advocacy issues involving key populations including security, prevention, care and treatment, stigma, etc. Knowledge about using digital media a plus.
Skills and abilities: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to network and facilitate strong working relationships between partners. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a dynamic team.

5.POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision received: The IT MANAGER works under the general supervision of the MEAL Technical Coordinator. The latter and the incumbent will review roles and responsibilities together, set goals, objectives, expectations and results to be achieved. The incumbent will be expected to seek advice and assistance as required.
Exercise of judgment: Good judgment is required to analyze, interpret, and adapt prior experience, particularly as guidelines are updated and new activities developed. Within a range determined by the incumbent and superiors, the incumbent exercises independent judgment in planning and follow-up of actions and assignments. The incumbent works with some level of independence.
Nature, level, and purpose of contact: The incumbent will be expected to dialogue with a wide variety of CBO partners.

6.SALARY AND BENEFITS

As per CARE-Cameroon compensation package.

COMMENT POSTULER

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity please submit a cover letter, CV, copy of certificate/diploma and a list of at least three (3) professional references NO LATER THAN January 6, 2020 to recrutement@carecameroun.org with “Position Title" in the subject line.