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.
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.
Purpose of the Position :
Under the general guidance of the Health System/Financing Specialist, and in close coordination with the C4D team, the Communication for Development (C4D) Specialist will be responsible for the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of the behavioral change and social mobilization and accountability strategy, plan of action and programme activities in support of the Health Component of the country programme.
Accountable for effective technical and programme support to facilitate the application and adaptation of UNICEF policies and strategies to achieve strategic priorities and objectives and expansion of UNICEF supported communication for Maternal, newborns, child and adolescents Health interventions, including capacity of community networks and platforms, essential family practices, care seeking behaviors, use of MNCH services and accountability of communities, families for health services
Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks :
1. Programme communication programme strategy, plan and implementation for behavioural change
- In collaboration with UNICEF management and decision makers and planners of government, donor organizations and the private sector, the Communication for Development Specialist designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of communication policy, strategy and plans of action aiming at general public and service providers through: (a) behaviour development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development programmes for positive social change ;
- Makes viable recommendations on operational strategies in the areas of participatory communication, social mobilization and behaviour change and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences.
2. Programme communication materials :
- In collaboration with partners, the Communication for Development Specialist organizes and manages the formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behaviour change, where necessary ;
- Supports the UNICEF global communications objectives and strategies through development of complementary country specific and local community materials.
- Ensures the quality, consistency and appropriateness of communication materials that • are developed, produced, and disseminated to local communities, government officials, other partners and the press.
3. Partnerships for social mobilization :
- Develops partnerships with various religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on country programme goals and to solicit their involvement in the implementation of the country programme ;
- Promotes a better understanding of children’s and women’s issues by assisting in or managing a country level behaviour change and social mobilization strategy supportive of effective and efficient programme delivery ;
- Promotes and influences behaviour development/change at individual/ household levels, social mobilization of civil society organizations and increased community participation in development programmes.
4. Capacity building support :
- Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory and behaviour change communication for personnel who are involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programme communication intervention, in support of programme sustainability ;
- Supports government and other partners to plan and organize capacity building programmes for MNCAH , including training needs identification for community groups, Health workers and civil society organisations.
5. Coordination and collaboration with government and partners :
- Coordinates with government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of communication for social development aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective action. Provide technical support as required ;
- Collaborates with government officials, community leaders, UN, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of MNCAH programme communication goals and strategies ;
- Works with ECO C4D team to build on office wide cross-sectoral partnership initiatives, mobilize these group towards implementation of scalable and locally relevant social and behavior change communication.
6. Monitoring and evaluation :
- Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning and management of programme/projects ;
- Monitors and evaluates programme activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites ;
- Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in the computerized programme system, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes ;
- Analyzes and evaluates data to ensure compliance and achievement of objectives and recommend corrective action, when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives ;
- Prepares monitoring and evaluation reports in accordance with the established guidelines, methods and procedures ;
- Provides technical advice to programme staff, government officials and other counterparts, and coordinates and manages the evaluative elements of country programme milestone meetings, such as mid-term reviews, strategy meetings, previews and reviews and annual reviews ;Disseminates communication research findings, ensures exchanges and sharing of experience, lessons learned, best practices, and new methods to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.
7. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building :
- Applies/introduces innovative approaches and good practice to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results ;
- Keeps abreast and conduct research to provide evidence for implementation of best and cutting edge practices in health, including MNCAH ;
- Assesses, institutionalizes and shares best practices and knowledge learned ;
- Contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programs and projects ;
- Organizes and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health related programs/projects.
8. Budget planning and management of program funds :
- Participates in and contributes to the budget and programme review and planning. Establishes programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance ;
- Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated ;
- Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Improves programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.
Qualifications of a Successful Candidate :
- An Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in the social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research ;
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively, relevant, professional work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes ;
- Background/familiarity with emergency operations and staff security ;
- Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.
Every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).
The functional competencies required may be accessed through the following link : Competencies.pdf
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.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.
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.