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 community-led health security initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with CDC communication teams to ensure that all project messaging is consistent with donor branding, marking, and the America First narrative of accountability and efficiency.

Reporting, Knowledge Management, and Documentation

• Lead the preparation of the communication and policy sections of quarterly and annual reports, highlighting key advocacy milestones, co-investment achievements, and the efficient use of U.S. taxpayer dollars.
• Document success stories, case studies, and best practices that demonstrate the successful transition of health functions to national ownership and the impact of American leadership in global health.
• Manage the project’s digital presence, ensuring high-quality content that underscores the partnership’s focus on self-reliance.

Capacity Building and Workforce Development

• Support the integration of risk communication modules into Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP).
• Support the design and delivery of specialized training and mentorship for government public relations officers to build long-term institutional capacity.

Key Experience and Qualifications

• Educational Background: Master’s Degree or higher in Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Health, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in managing or implementing large-scale communications or policy advocacy programs, with at least 5 years focused on public health or international development.
• Donor Expertise: Prior strong experience on U.S. Government (USG) funding projects is essential. Familiarity with CDC-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) principles, the IHR (2005) framework, and the 7-1-7 target. Ability to translate complex health data into compelling policy arguments that support domestic resource mobilization.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive communication priorities in high-stakes environments; demonstrated flexibility during active public health threats.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, with a proven track record of producing high-quality policy and advocacy documents; fluency in French is mandatory.
• Cultural Competence: Proven experience navigating complex governmental hierarchies and the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, faith-based leaders, and the media.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel internationally and sub-nationally as required (up to 10%), including to remote areas for community engagement and field reporting.

How to apply?

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application package via email to , with subject line “Policy & Communications Lead – GHS”. The application package must include:

1. A Cover Letter (maximum three pages) detailing the candidate’s relevant experience and suitability for the position.
2. A Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum of seven (7) pages), including the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional referees.

The position will remain open until it is filled.

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HOW TO APPLY ? 

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at : https://www.evihdaf.com/job-openings/

Deadline:  The position will remain open until it is filled.