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,
Following the release on 31 December 2019, WHO was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. On 30 January 2020, the Director-General of WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005). The disease has spread rapidly across the globe with 2,840,830 cases of COVID – 19 reported globally, and 203,043 deaths reported according to the WHO as of 26 April 2020.
Cameroon is the 5th country most affected by COVID-19 on the African continent with 1,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 50 death and 9 regions out of 10 affected by the epidemic. This includes the North-West and South-West regions which respectively report 9 and 31 cases on April 28th, 2020. For these two regions, the COVID-19 outbreak occurs in a context exacerbated by a socio-political crisis started in 2016 and still on-going. This crisis had a negative impact on the civilian population in all nine divisions of the Southwest and Northwest regions. The majority of IDPs are women and children who are presently deprived from essential basic services, they lack shelter and food, live in unhygienic condition and are not protected from malaria with high level of sexual promiscuity and high risk of transmission of HIV and other Sexual Transmitted Diseases. In addition, children are not going to school, they are no more regularly vaccinated, and are living in depression and tension. The most vulnerable people are children under 5, pregnant women and those affected by diseases with epidemic potential.
In this context and based on the transmission mode of the COVID-19 virus, a successful response will need a clear and integrated Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy to prevent and control the spread of disease with an active engagement with key gatekeepers and stakeholders including governments, community influencers, health care workers, media and local communities (including women, adolescents and young people and persons with disabilities).
How can you make a difference?
Under guidance and supervision of the Chief of UNICEF Buea field office and in close coordination with the Chief C4D section, the C4D/ COVID response Specialist is responsible for the coordinated design and implementation of a UNICEF supported C4D/RCCE strategy for prevention and response to COVID outbreak for North-West and South-West regions. The C4D Specialist provides technical and operational support in the development of a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for Risk communication and community engagement as an integral part of program development, planning and implementation and monitoring for communicating effectively with the public, engaging with communities, local partners and other stakeholders to help prepare and protect individuals, families and communities during response to COVID-19 :
- Provide technical leadership, representation, coordination ;
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- Provide technical guidance and support for UNICEF’s response in the N/W and S/W COVID response RCCE pillar in the field as per agreed standards and benchmarks. Assist the local government in running the RCCE Pillar meetings and provide technical expertise in C4D ;
- Under the framework of N/W and S/W C4D/RCCE COVID response coordination platform, and in conjunction with other partners and on behalf of UNICEF, lead and provide direction to the regional C4D/RCCE/COVID taskforce and working committees ;
- Contribute to UNICEF’s engagement in cross-sectorial needs assessments, prioritization, analyses and evaluations of the emergency response. Specifically contribute to the development of regional/ inter-agency crisis prevention, response and recovery plans to ensure effective integration of C4D strategies and methodologies ;
- Promote and influence the development of communications strategies and standards that promote the adoption of safe practices in accordance with national and international humanitarian standards ;
- Coordinate with C4D Chief and Chief of UNICEF Buea field office to provide data and feedback to monitor progresses of C4D/COVID response weekly. The report must include rumors/response(s), challenges/solutions, gaps, recent activities and requests for support.
- Develop and scale up implementation of evidence based and inclusive C4D/RCCE strategies :
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- Initiate the development and/or refining and strengthening of the N/W and S/W C4D/RCCE COVID Response Plan in line with the overall national and regional COVID Response plans and international standards and benchmarks ;
- Operationalize strategies in the areas of participatory communication, RCCE and behaviour change and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences. Specifically, and based on the identified needs, and in coordination with other UNICEF’s relevant sections and implementing partners, guide the development and implementation of strategies and plans to: (1) Reach target population with culturally appropriate and gender sensitive messages to reduce health risks with reference to both physical and behavioural aspects, (2) Develop capacities for RCCE, behavioural change/promotion and community outreach mobilization among local partners and stakeholders to address issues of fear/stigma associated with COVID, (3) Develop, pre-test, edit, and produce culturally relevant communication materials meeting requirements and quality standards ;
- Incorporate Early Recovery and Disaster Risk informed approaches as integrated component of UNICEF’s response in the COVID response activities related to behaviour change and communication ;
- Manage with actors at community level to identify rumors, to assess information needs, coordinate and map out priority gaps and identify key C4D RCCE/COVID interventions involving groups at risk, social mobilizers and creation of resources and platforms.
- Strengthen partnerships :
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- Work with UNICEF sectoral partners at local level to incorporate and integrate their normative guidance and activities into the RCCE efforts, as well as with other sectors ;
- Provide directions for strategies to engage and involve political, local, traditional, religious and opinion leaders and ‘change agents’ at all levels in the process of RCCE and community-based strategies, as well as involve them in the mass media approaches ;
- Guide the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, community and civil society groups, leaders, private sector and other key partners for participation in social and behavioural changes activities related to COVID response/mobilization.
- Build Capacity :
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- Initiate and guide the evaluation of capacity gaps and needs of trainers and social mobilisers and other key actors/influencers ;
- Oversee and provide quality assurance for planning and implementation of training of trainers and social mobilizers including development of training materials.
- Research, Monitor and Evaluate :
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- In collaboration with sectoral teams, local partners and government programme officers, oversee and guide the design and implementation of Rapid Communication Assessments, including the analysis of: profile of the high risk or affected communities, high risk practices/ behavioural assessment, community and social network mapping and capacity assessment, and channels of communication and resources ;
- Provide sources, leads and references to the national teams for sourcing high quality expertise to evaluate the customs, culture and behaviors of local populations ;
- Assess and establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems to scientifically and objectively determine if the communication approaches and messages are having the desired effects ;
- Based on results of Monitoring and Evaluation efforts, guide the revisions of the communication strategy and messages through participatory micro-planning with government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners ;
- Analyze and evaluate data to ensure compliance and achievement of objectives and recommend corrective action, when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives.
- Plan and manage allocated programme funds and budgets :
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- Participate in and contribute to the budget and programme review and planning. Review work plans and allocation of resources ;
- Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds and developed funding proposals ;
- Develop system for assessing programme efficiency, quality and delivery.
- Document experiences and lessons learned :
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- Review and establish a system for documentation of the C4D activities in COVID emergency response and dissemination of reports, ensuring exchange of information, experience and good practices used, to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners and the UNICEF country office.
Key Expected Results, Deliverables and Fees Payment :
|
Results / Résultats |
Deliverables / Livrables |
Date |
Payment
Paiement |
| 1. |
– Technical leadership, representation, coordination Provided
– Implementation of evidence based and inclusive C4D/RCCE strategies are Developed and scaled up
– Partnerships Strengthened
– Capacity of keys C4D /RCCE actors are built
– Research, Monitor and Evaluate
– Experiences and lessons learned documented
|
Monthly report endorsed by Chief of Field Office
|
|
33.33% |
| 2. |
– Technical leadership, representation, coordination Provided
– Implementation of evidence based and inclusive C4D/RCCE strategies are Developed and scaled up
– Partnerships Strengthened
– Capacity of keys C4D /RCCE actors are built
– Research, Monitor and Evaluate
– Experiences and lessons learned documented
|
Monthly report endorsed by Chief of Field Office
|
|
33.33% |
| 3. |
– Technical leadership, representation, coordination Provided
– Implementation of evidence based and inclusive C4D/RCCE strategies are Developed and scaled up
– Partnerships Strengthened
– Capacity of keys C4D /RCCE actors are built
– Research, Monitor and Evaluate
– Experiences and lessons learned documented
|
Monthly report endorsed by Chief of Field Office
|
|
33.33% |
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An Advanced University Degree in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or other related social science field is required ;
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas of social development program planning, communications and development, public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required ;
- Relevant experience in related areas in a UN system agency or organization is an asset ;
- Fluency in English is required. A Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language Pidgin is an asset .
Conditions of work :
The consultant will be based at the UNICEF office in Buea. The Consultant is expected to provide his/her own laptop and other required equipment, software and relevant facilities to complete his/her assignment tasks.
Supervision :
The primary supervisor of the contract will be the Chief of UNICEF Buea Field Office. The secondary supervisor providing specific technical guidance will be the Chief C4D section. The consultant will be expected to provide technical COVID-19 risk communications support to N/W and S/W regions. A travel plan will be developed based on the need for risk communications/communication support. Travel costs within the 2 regions will be covered by Buea UNICEF zone office.
Proposal submission :
Application shall be submitted to UNICEF Cameroon before the deadline containing the following required documentation :
- Technical Proposal: Consultant shall prepare a proposal in response to the ToR, ensuring that the purpose, objective, scope, criteria and deliverable of the assessment are addressed. Draft work plan and timeline for the assessment should be included. The technical Proposal shall also include updated CV and personal history Forms (P11) of the consultant, and copies of 2 assessments performed previously by the consultant ;
- Financial Proposal: Offer with cost breakdown: Consultancy fees, travel costs, Daily Substance Allowance (DAS) other costs. The Financial Proposal shall be submitted in a separate file, clearly named Financial Proposal
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The functional competencies required for this post are…
Core Values :
- Commitment ;
- Diversity and inclusion ;
- Integrity.
Core competencies :
- Communication (III) ;
- Working with people (II).
Drive for results (II).
Functional Competencies :
- Leading and supervising (I) ;
- Formulating strategies/concepts (II) ;
- Relating and networking (II) ;
- Persuading and influencing (II) ;
- Applying technical expertise (II) ;
- Entrepreneurial thinking (II).
View our competency framework at : 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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
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.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.