The purpose of this position is to consider key shifts in the way we engage with families and communities, create and sustain demand for immunization, address barriers posed by social norms and build social accountability that challenges and works in tandem with the system. WCARO technical support to COs should also be intensified in order to strengthen country capacities to meet the new challenges, build partner networks and support community level implementing partners, develop innovative strategies engaging fathers, young parents and adolescents.

Because of the catalytic role of routine immunization in national public health systems, UNICEF considers C4D for immunization as a top focus area and upholds the regional lead in this critical area. As a result, the WCARO C4D section has seen its immunization responsibilities and accountabilities significantly grow in the past 2 years, requiring additional human resources in order to maintain this strategic leadership. These additional responsibilities include imminent expectations to:

Develop regional initiatives of convergence with education, nutrition, birth registration and health.
Assist countries develop preparedness and response plans.
Conduct appropriate formative research on urbanization and drop-out rates.
Provide support to countries in assuring that C4D is better integrated in all planning strategies, proposals and reviews.
Provide input in the design and conducting of equity assessments.
Strengthen regional coordination with WHO, GAVI and global partners.
Initiate new partnerships in the region
Assure appropriate monitoring, evaluation and documentation is realized.

The specific objectives of this technical assistance is to:

Strengthen evidence-based C4D planning for immunization so it is better integrated and funded in key health events and strategic immunization documents at regional and country level.
Assure that results are strengthened through convergence and collaboration with other UNICEF sectors including innovations and support to COs in implementation.
Contribute to stronger preparedness for outbreaks and timely response.

Major responsibilities:

Participate and provide technical support to COs so C4D staff is optimally engaged in national EPI planning processes and strategies including the strengthening, positioning and budgeting of C4D for immunization in CMYP strategy, HSS proposals and EPI reviews.

Contribute and participate in the design of and position C4D in equity assessments. Develop a regional module to support COs to integrate C4D strategies and tools into equity assessments to be conducted in participating countries.

Provide support to strengthen COs in the development of inter-sectoral C4D strategies for routine immunization and new vaccines introductions (HPV, Ebola, RV, PCV, MENA, MR, YF).

Contribute to Health System Strengthening through; a) Development of an M&E framework for communications for immunization in the region; b) Support initiatives to build capacities of front line workers through review of inter-personal communication modules and support to training programmes of health ministries. C) Support documentation and knowledge management of social accountability initiatives.

Contribute to the regional emergency preparedness and response plan through stronger integration of the C4D component in preparation to epidemics/outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This includes the development and management of rosters of institutional and individual consultants and support the recruitment plans and processes in COs. Provide support to COs in developing quality and timely preparedness and response plans for epidemics/outbreaks in high-risk countries.
CONDITIONS OF WORK

Position is based in WCARO Communication for development Section. When deployed in support of response in Country Offices, the incumbent will also report to the Country Representative or Head of Immunization/Health Section as appropriate.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Master’s degree in the social/behavioral sciences with emphasis on advocacy, behavior and social change communication, participatory communication and communication tools and material development

A minimum of eight (08) years of relevant work experience in social development /communication for development, including work experience in developing countries, with practical experience in the application of communication planning processes to specific programs.
Strong technical knowledge and previous experience in implementation of behavior and social change communication, including participatory approaches
Proven skills in communication, data-driven communication planning, and monitoring of behavior and social change processes and results.

Fluency in French and English is required with strong communication and public speaking skills
For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are:

Leading and Supervising II
Formulating Strategies and Concepts
Analyzing II
Applying Technical Expertise II
Planning and Organizing III
View our competency framework at