UNICEF recruits 01 Communication for Development Specialist

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a future

Under the general guidance of the C4D Specialist, polio outbreak response and in collaboration with regional and country teams, the incumbent will be working as a member of the polio rapid response team (RRT) and he/she will be deployed to polio outbreak countries, according to the Global Polio Eradication global outbreak response standard operating procedures (SOPs) and as per the UNICEF Polio outbreak Team workplan and guidance of the direct supervisor. During his/her mission, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the planning process of C4D outbreak response strategies, initial kick off of implementation and guiding the monitoring and evaluation of behavior change and social mobilization activities in support of the outbreak response effort.

How can you make a difference?

The strategic and effective development and implementation of C4D initiatives and products directly impact on the ability of UNICEF to promote social, political and economic action and changes in behaviors, social attitudes, beliefs, harmful social norms and actions by communities, individuals and society on children’s rights, survival and wellbeing. This in turn contributes to enhancing the ability of UNICEF to fulfill its mission to achieve sustainable, locally-owned and concrete results in improving the survival, development and wellbeing of children in the country.

The incumbent:

• Makes decisions on appropriate communication for development methodologies and approaches, technical resources required, quality and appropriateness of communication materials produced, target audiences to be reached, allocation of financial resources, as well as time-frames for various activities, all of which will affect the results of the polio eradication efforts in all countries and regions affected by outbreaks.
• Makes recommendations on operational strategies in the areas of communication for polio eradication; on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences; and on the way in which communication for development should be integrated into country response plans.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support the development of polio outbreak response C4D strategy and activities for affected countries

• Assess/synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, data and evidence to support the design of comprehensive and evidence-based strategies and C4D interventions both for polio outbreak response, maintenance and routine immunization strengthening.
• Participate in outbreak response planning and reviews to contribute to discussions on the underlying and contextual issues which have led to an outbreak and need to be addressed as part of outbreak response activities. (e.g. policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior etc).
• Provide technical recommendations on approaches, strategies and plans of action for C4D outbreak response to promote demand for vaccination.
• Participate in the review and preparation of high quality educational materials and related documentations to support the polio outbreak response C4D strategies and plans and based on the global standards and tools.
• Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of C4D outbreak response activities Develop with Country team, MOH and other partners relevant results matrix and ensure consistent monitoring and reporting of different C4D indicators.
• Support the country team in their planning of C4D Outbreak Response Assessments (OBRAs) and follow up and track implementation of recommendations.
• Follow up on post outbreak activities if any.
• Provide support to the country office to lead the development of the polio outbreak response budget planning aligned with the polio outbreak standard operating procedures  and support the country office to prepare financial plan for C4D initiatives.

2. Support implementation of C4D outbreak response activities

• Support the country office team and partners in the implementation of C4D outbreak response activities during the response phase and follow up on the progress made till closure of the outbreak.
• Verify the technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audiences (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc). Recommend appropriate multiple media formats (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web, community networks, etc.).
• Support the implementation of C4D advocacy activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. Plan and undertake periodic C4D reviews for outbreak response countries and suggest relevant recommendations that would improve the achievement of results.

3. Coordinate and support outbreak response preparedness

• In collaboration with regional and country offices at high risk of polio outbreaks plan and design polio C4D outbreak preparedness activities based on global guidance.
• Lead the design of special capacity building initiatives and other specific targeted trainings as required.
• Organize/implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of (government and non-government) in C4D outbreak response and preparedness planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Coordinate the implementation of C4D outbreak preparedness support mission to strengthen the capacities of countries at high risk of polio outbreaks
• Follow up and track recommendations and implementation of preparedness interventions

4. Support knowledge management and capacity building

• In collaboration with C4D HQ polio data team, finalize special M&E framework for monitoring and reporting of C4D outbreak response and preparedness activities.
• Draft updates of C4D outbreak response and preparedness activities
• Develop and share periodic trend analysis of relevant social data including independent monitoring and Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) data and formulate as part of standard presentations and other HQ updates
• Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks for C4D that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience.
• Develop and share best practices and lessons learned from C4D outbreak response and preparedness with global/local partners and stakeholders.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

1. Education

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or another relevant technical field.

2. Work Experiences

• A minimum of eight years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.
• Experience in working in polio especially outbreak response would be highly desirable
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.

3. Language

Fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered as an asset.

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 competencies required for this post are:

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (II)
• Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies

• Planning and organization (III)
• Formulating strategies/concepts (III)
• Persuading and influencing (II)
• Applying technical expertise (III)
• Analyzing (III)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.