The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with 190 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is an approach to Red Cross and Red Crescent programming and operations. It is supported by a set of activities that help put communities at the centre of what we do, by integrating communication and participation throughout the programme cycle or operation. CEA is the process of and commitment to providing timely, relevant and actionable life-saving and life-enhancing information to communities. It is about using the most appropriate communication approaches to listen to communities’ needs, feedback and complaints, ensuring they can actively participate and guide Red Cross Red Crescent actions. CEA supports those involved in programmes and operations to adopt innovative approaches to better understand and engage with people and communities and help them address unhealthy and unsafe practices. It maximizes the Red Cross Red Crescent’s unique relationship with the community to help them speak out about the issues that affect them and influence decision and policy-makers to implement positive changes. Within the IFRC, there is global leadership for CEA at the Geneva level, with a Senior Advisor present in the Africa Regional Office.
The CEA delegate will support Mozambique Red Cross and the IFRC to enhance the accountability, impact and efficiency of the Cyclone Idai response operation through the integration of CEA activities and approaches. This includes establishing systems for transparent communication, community participation, and feedback and complaints, as well as supporting health and WASH sectors to engage communities with key health and hygiene information to limit the outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria.