UNICEUNICEF F recruits 01 Programme Manager (Social Research), P-4
DRC Ebola Response: Programme Manager (Social Research), P-4, Fixed Term- 1 Year, Goma, DRC
Job Number: 523465 | Vacancy Link
Locations: Africa: Congo, Dem. Rep
Work Type : Fixed Term Appointment
For every child, make a difference
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in its programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why UNICEF’s focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.
For every child, save lives
Democratic Republic of Congo
In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.
DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the World where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.
Background
Following the August 1 announcement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu, UNICEF has mobilized its teams to help contain the spread of the disease and protect children. This is the tenth epidemic in DRC since 1976 and comes just a few days after the declaration of the end of the Ebola epidemic in the western Province of Equateur that began in mid-May. At this stage, there is no indication that the outbreaks in Equateur and North Kivu are linked. The Congolese Government has activated its response plan and called in its partners, including UNICEF, to participate in the response.
How can you make a difference to UNICEF in DRC?
Purpose of the job
The Programme Manager (Social Research) reports to the Senior Ebola Coordinator (Level 5) for guidance and general supervision. The manager is responsible for the development, preparation, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Formative Research agenda and contributes to the impact and use formative, social sciences research within the global Ministry of Health Ebola response.
The aim of the formative social sciences research team is to work, in coordination and under the Social Sciences Research Group (MoH, UNICEF, WHO and partners) and together with the MoH Epi cell to conduct research which results in clearly identified opportunities for improving quality and accountability of the response (short and long term) to populations. The Manager is responsible for consistent use and application of recommendations in a practical manner.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Manage formative social sciences research team in UNICEF
Develop, oversee and manage the Formative, Social Sciences Research Agenda; identifying key research themes and questions based on context
Lead Social Sciences Research Group on behalf of UNICEF and act as focal point with MoH Epi Cell for integrated data sharing, research strategies and agendas
Coordinate with UNICEF programme teams in two-way information sharing and bi-directionality for research areas & facilitate strategic discussions on with programme leads on the use of data and application of recommendations from research
Review and provide technical guidance to research team in the development of research methodologies and data analysis
Together with MoH and the SSRG, lead and ensure space for presentation, appropriation, application and monitoring or research recommendations
Oversee to the technical report writing (internal, external and academic)
Supervise knowledge management and capacity building
Key tasks include:
Manage Formative Social Sciences Research Team within UNICEF
Directly manage and provide technical guidance and support to national and international team members
Oversee individual development of field research plans; ensuring linked to research agenda
Work with field research officers on capacity building
2. Oversee technical skills and provide coaching and guidance as required
Together with MoH, WHO and partners, review and develop research agenda based on context (epi, programme, situation analysis etc.)
Participate in coordination meetings on a regular basis and work with key partners to ensure their inclusion and appropriation of research agenda
Work with program managers, colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies for the formative research agenda
Support field research team in their development of context bsaed proposals toward agenda; identifying and area-specific needs
Coordinate with external research bodies (universities, social sciences research groups) for data sharing and use in research agenda development and implementation.
3. Lead Social Sciences Research Group on behalf of UNICEF and act as focal point with MoH Epi Cell for integrated data sharing, research strategies and agendas
Ensure the application of the SSRG ToR and coordination with key actors
Represent UNICEF SSRG to the Strategic Committee (MoH) in key meetings to ensure the use of research in public health and Ebola response plans
Organize and ensure regular meetings and two-way information sharing with Epi-cell to influence data analysis (two-way) and research agenda(s)
Oversee and ensure the inclusion and participation of key actors within SSR (universities, NGOs, global partners) as needed and appropriate
4. Coordinate with UNICEF programme teams in two-way information sharing and bi-directionality for research areas
At coordination level, ensure two-way sharing of formative research is both being led by and contributing to the direction of programmes
Participate in technical meetings of UNICEF managers to provide research results on regular basis
Ensure formative research contribution to programme approaches at field level (via field research team)
Create spaces for internal UNICEF reflection and adaptation for programme approaches at coordination level
Lead strategic discussions with programme leads on the use of data and application of recommendations from research
5. Review and provide technical guidance to research team in the development of research methodologies and data analysis
Provide support to deputy and field officers in their development of tools (review and technical guidance as needed)
Provide technical guidance as needed in the development of appropriate programme recommendations
Provide technical support teams in identifying gaps in results, and opportunities to compliment with additional data (external sources)
6. Together with MoH and the SSRG, lead and ensure space for presentation, appropriation, application and monitoring or research recommendations
Set up coordination level regular presentations of formative, social sciences results and follow up of research recommendations
Ensure coordinated efforts to monitor the application of key research recommendations and their impact
Ensure all research is conducted via MoH and in coordination with partners (at all levels) to facilitate ownership and application
Ensure research remains accountable to population (results reach communities).
7. Oversee to the technical report writing (internal, external and academic)
Manage report and technical writing specialists to develop appropriate presentation materials (briefing notes, reports, presentations) for various audiences.
8. Supervise knowledge management and capacity building
Manage field research officers to ensure all research tools and data are stored and gathered and available for access to key partners and held by the Ministry of Health
Supervise field research team capacity building plans for local community researchers (social scientists)
Coordinate with key stakeholders from research groups including national and international universities and global research bodies (ex. CDC, Anthrologica, SSHAP etc)
Ensure capitalization and dissemination of researches and conclusions
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
A Master’s Degree in public health, social sciences, behavior change communication, sanitary engineering or other specialist field related to WASH is required.
Background/familiarity with Emergency (preparedness and response) and the IASC Cluster approach.
A minimum of eight years of professional work experience in WASH-related programs for developing countries, including one two deployment in a developing country.
Fluency in both oral and written French and English is required.
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….
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.
Remarks:
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date Sun Jul 07 2019 23:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)