EpiC Tajikistan Risk Communication and Community Engagement Specialist for Global Health Security

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources, and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises, and strengthen community resilience. We share data-driven insights and scalable tools that expand access and equity so communities can effectively address complex challenges, respond to shocks, and achieve thriving futures. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of EpiC Tajikistan Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Specialist for Global Health Security (GHS). The position will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), an eight-year global project funded by the United States Government (USG) that provides strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic control among all at-risk populations; strengthen Global Health Security (GHS), including outbreak response; improve Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), address malaria; and nutrition. Currently in Tajikistan, EpiC supports HIV, GHS, MNCH and Nutrition activities.

GHS Project Description:

The GHS Program is a U.S.G-funded project, awarded in 2023 to FHI 360’s implementing EpiC Tajikistan Project. Designed to help the country better respond to any possible future pandemic, this program will assist Tajikistan to detect infectious disease threats early, respond rapidly and effectively to new outbreaks, and prevent those outbreaks that are avoidable.

Job Description

The EpiC Tajikistan RCCE Specialist for GHS will be responsible for leading and coordinating all Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities of the project in Tajikistan. The specialist will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan (MOHSPP), the Republican Healthy Lifestyle Formation Center (RHLFC), and other stakeholders to strengthen community engagement systems for prevention, detection, and response to priority zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The RCCE Specialist will lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and institutionalization of RCCE activities, including development of communication materials, volunteer engagement mechanisms, community-led surveillance approaches, and outbreak communication systems. The specialist will also contribute to annual work planning, technical guidance development, reporting, and coordination with national and international partners.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and technical guidance for implementation of RCCE activities under the project in coordination with other technical areas.
• Support MOHSPP, RHLFC, and other relevant stakeholders in strengthening national RCCE systems for zoonotic disease prevention, outbreak preparedness, and response, including the introduction of innovative community engagement and behavior change approaches.
• Coordinate and provide technical oversight to project subgrantees implementing RCCE activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, workplans, reporting requirements, and national priorities.
• Lead development, adaptation, pre-testing, and dissemination of RCCE awareness-raising packages and communication materials related to priority zoonotic diseases and AMR.
• Support establishment of community-led surveillance and volunteer engagement mechanisms integrated into existing national systems and community structures.
• Coordinate implementation of community outreach, awareness campaigns, and risk communication activities in project districts.
• Support development of SOPs, guidance documents, job aids, and training materials related to RCCE, outbreak communication, and community-based surveillance.
• Conduct and coordinate trainings, mentorship, and supportive supervision for volunteers, healthcare workers, and community focal points on RCCE and outbreak communication approaches.
• Work closely with technical teams to ensure RCCE integration across laboratory systems strengthening, outbreak response, IPC, and health emergency management activities.
• Support implementation of simulation exercises (SIMEX), outbreak preparedness activities, and after-action reviews.
• Coordinate with human and animal health partners to strengthen multisectoral collaboration for RCCE activities.
• Support monitoring, documentation, reporting, work planning, and representation of the project in technical meetings and coordination platforms as required.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Minimum bachelor’s degree or higher in public health, health communication, social sciences, behavioral sciences, journalism, community development, or related field. Master’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of experience working in RCCE, community engagement, health promotion, public health communication, or outbreak preparedness and response programs.
• Demonstrated experience in development of communication materials, training packages, guidelines, and community engagement tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of public health systems and the community health context in Tajikistan.
• Experience working with government institutions, particularly MOHSPP, RHLFC and public health structures, is highly desirable.
• Experience coordinating with local communities, volunteers, civil society organizations, and development partners.
• Strong communication, facilitation, coordination, and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving and organizational skills.
• English and Tajik language fluency required; Russian fluency preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• 40% within Tajikistan.

The position is open to Tajik residents and will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The expected hiring salary range for this role is TJS 210,000 - 270,000 for annual  basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay,  and budget.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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