UNICEF recrute un spécialiste de l’innovation – U-Report, RDC

Purpose for the job : The Innovation Specialist – U-Report will be responsible to develop the U-Report Strategy for UNICEF DRC including the Digital and SMS strategy. for Development for UNICEF DRC. The Innovation Specialist will be responsible for identifying opportunities to scale, develop, implement and monitor the U-Report program in DRC to ensure almost real time data collection and two ways communication tools for planning, engagement, information, monitoring and advocacy purposes.  use existing and new data collection systems to strengthen the country projects and programmes involving citizens and/or youth as beneficiaries. The Innovation Specialist will be responsible  to build the capacity in the country office across all sections, partners and government stakeholders inclusive of all levels within the hierarchy.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication for Development, the Innovation Specialist – U-Report will be responsible for initiating and coordinating ongoing and innovation projects for UNICEF Democratic Rep. of Congo (DRC) and partners, and for providing ongoing technical support to each programme team in the design and implementation of their respective Innovation flagship initiative(s) including U-Report.

1.  Citizen Engagement, Participation & Feedback (U-Report) :

• Work closely with Sections, Operations and field offices to infuse real-time data into strengthening programmes and to support awareness, behaviour change and mobilization efforts to support specific community activities ;
• Build, manage and optimize a scale strategy to ensure U-Report is as accessible to people across the DRC ;
• Work with the resources mobilization unit to identify opportunities for raising raise funds to support the U-Report system ;
• Identify and build on existing partnerships to increase the number of U-Reporters and their engagement, online and in their community ;
• Keep U-Reporters engaged, share results and feedback ;
• Ensure the timely production and amplification of U-Report polls ;
• Create and update U-Report information centers/bots ;
• Establish two ways communication tools using Rapid Pro including live chats and questionnaires to allow communities to ask questions on topics they care about and to obtain real time information to inform programs ;
• Work closely with the Emergency Unit to build U-Report projects that enhance emergency preparedness and response ;
• Work alongside the programme sections to leverage existing scale up activities, disaggregate data for individual programmes and support monitoring efforts ;
• Develop a strategy and work plan for U-Report DRC where grass roots mobilization and partnerships are important ;
• Leverage existing partnership with phone service providers to allow scale and increase engagement, seek new opportunities and identify new high-level partnership opportunities with relevant companies in the private sector ;
• Develop a HR and Supply strategy to support U-Report scale while maintaining engagement ;
• Work with External Communications to monitor and optimize U-Report scale up campaigns, amplify poll results, raise awareness on information centers and provide visibility to U-Actions (action led by youth and for positive change in communities) ;
• Manage and maintain existing partnerships with other UN agencies, NGOs and partners to ensure all fulfil their potential. Management of consultant(s) related to the activities outlined above ;
• Work with U-Report Global Coordinator and DOC to ensure that U-Report DRC is aligned with global approach and guidelines, including branding, content, and advocacy efforts.
• Act as DRC Innovation focal point for U-Report, Digital and SMS Engagement ;
• Ensure Government buy-in and organize an official U-Report launch.

2. Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) :

• Support programme sections in gathering and refining requirements for deployment of RapidPro-based solutions ;
• Liaise with technical service providers to support the adaptation / development of new products in line with requirements of programme sections work related to U-Report, Rapid Pro, digital and SMS Engagement ;
• Manage and maintain existing partnerships with key vendors and partners such as the RapidPro hosting company and telecommunication companies.

3. Private Partnerships :

• Manage and maintain existing partnerships with key vendors and partners such as the RapidPro hosting company and telecommunication companies ;
• Advocate with telecommunication companies for free connection, SMS and campaigns to support UNICEF programmes priorities ;
• Under the guidance of the Chief of Communication for development, develop digital and SMs solutions to reach out to the most vulnerable communities including children and women in need of protection and voice capacity.

4. Learning Coordination and Convening :

• Ensure comprehensive documentation and visibility of the U-Report, Digital and SMS engagement initiatives ;
• Ensure effective sharing and generation of knowledge around Innovations within UNICEF and develop knowledge products in support of this ;
• Identify opportunities for resource mobilization and new partnerships and work closely with the resources-mobilization unit in leading proposal and partnership development efforts for U-Report, Digital and SMS engagement initiatives.

Qualifications :

Education :

• An advanced University Degree in Communications, Marketing, Digital Engagement, Business management, Youth Engagement, IT or any other relevant technical field ;
• A first level university degree in a relevant field as above with 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree ;
• Experience running U-Report in a country office is a must.

Experience :

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in Communications, Digital Engagement, Youth engagement, Information technology management and business operations in a large international organization and/or corporation is required ;
• Experience in a UN organization is an asset ;
• Experience with a high-level communications campaign across multiple mediums, with national brand recognition is considered as strong asset ;
• Experience giving user-based feedback to the development of software applications is an advantage ;
• Previous experience working in developing countries especially in Africa or Asia and with development actors: donors, UN agencies, civil society, government ministries ;
• Experience in managing internal and external partnerships, including international organizations.

Good knowledge of current trends in youth participation and new media, as well as a good understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events.

Technical Competencies : Knowledge and proven experience using of using Rapid Pro and U-Report plateforms.

Language Requirements : Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.