Public Health Communication Strategy - Consultant

Project Context and Scope

Mozambique is highly exposed to public health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, population displacement, and humanitarian crises. Despite the existence of multiple national institutions and partners involved in emergency response, there is currently no coordinated national strategy for public health emergency communication, particularly for Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).

Under this consultancy, the consultant will support the Ministry of Health, with technical assistance from IOM, to develop a National Public Health Emergency Communication Strategy and an accompanying Operational Plan, aligned with the International Health Regulations (2005) and global best practices. The work will strengthen coordination, consistency of messaging, community engagement, and preparedness for future public health emergencies, including outbreaks and climate-related crises.

Migration Health Division on behalf of Ministry of Health (MISAU) – National Directorate of Public Health (DNSP)

Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (COESP) and Department of Health Promotion (DeProS)

1. First Deliverable – Inception Report

 Workplan, methodology, and stakeholder mapping

 Deliverable by email (20%) 

2. Second Deliverable – Rapid Diagnostic Report

 Situation analysis of existing emergency communication systems, gaps, and opportunities

 Deliverable by email (20%) 

3. Third Deliverable – Draft National Public Health Emergency Communication Strategy and Operational Plan

 Including governance structure, SOPs, toolkit outline, and M&E framework

 Second instalment payment (20%) 

4. Final Deliverable – Validated Final Strategy and Operational Plan

 Incorporating feedback from MISAU and partners, ready for official use

Final instalment payment (40%) 

· Timely submission of all agreed deliverables in accordance with the workplan

· Technical quality and completeness of the National Strategy and Operational Plan

· Alignment with IHR (2005), RCCE best practices, and national priorities

· Level of engagement and validation by MISAU and key stakeholders

· Practical applicability of SOPs, tools, and monitoring framework

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

· Master’s degree or equivalent in Public Health, Communication, Social Sciences, or a related field

Experience

 Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in risk communication, public health emergencies, or humanitarian response

Skills

 Proven experience in developing national or sectoral strategies and operational plans

· Strong knowledge of RCCE approaches and emergency preparedness

Languages

Fluency in Portuguese and working knowledge of English

Required Competencies

Demonstrated understanding of the Mozambican public health and sociocultural context

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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