Purpose:

Under the general guidance of the supervisor, and in close coordination with Regional Program Advisors and Country Offices, you will develop, provide high level technical assistance and monitor the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of behavioural change and social mobilization strategies, plans of action and programme activities in the CEECIS Region.

Qualification:

Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Promotion Education, and Communication for Development) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research.*

Eight years of relevant 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.

Fluency in English and another UN language.

*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Key Expected Results:

1. Programme communication programme strategy, plan and implementation for behavioural change

Designs, manages, and facilitates the implementation of programme communication strategy, plan of action and activities for strategic communication and promotion for social and behavioural change in support of country programme delivery.

• 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. Provide technical assistance to Country Offices

To develop communication for development strategies and plans of action strategically developed and formulated, and the implementation effectively managed, facilitated and executed for social and behavioural change in support of efficient and effective programme

• In collaboration with UNICEF CO management and decision makers and planners of government, donor organizations and the private sector, the Communication for Development Specialist provides technical advice to CO’s to design, manage and facilitate 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 to CO on operational strategies in the areas of participatory communication, social mobilization and behaviour change and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences.

3. Oversight

In close collaboration with CO’s oversee the development and implementation of C4D strategies at a country level

• Supports the UNICEF global C4D objectives, norms and strategies through monitoring CO C4D activities, work plans and results

• Ensures the quality, consistency and appropriateness of C4D, strategies, plans of action, implementation, materials that are developed, produced, and disseminated to local communities, government officials, other partners and the press.

4. Build Partnerships for C4D

Ensure strong partnerships with regional and global leaders and other partners in the development and humanitarian sector including civil society to support C4D interventions at regional and country levels.

• Develops partnerships with UN, European Intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on Regional C4D and program goals and to solicit their involvement

• Promotes a better understanding of children’s and women’s issues by supporting regional and country level behaviour change and social mobilization interventions

• Promotes participation in regional development programmes.

5. Build Capacity and Knowledge

With Country Offices undertake strategic interventions to build capacity in participatory and behaviour communication at various government levels including technical support to government counterparts in the development and effective use of communication for social development.

• Advocate to country offices, development partners and Government counterparts to put in place C4D mechanisms/interventions to address behavior, including appropriate, legal, budgetary, human resource and policy environments.

• Develops and supports interventions 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.

• Coordinates with CO’s, 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 CO’s, government officials, UN, IGOs and CSO’s in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of programme communication goals and strategies.

6. Monitoring and evaluation

Monitor and evaluate programme activities and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports. Exchange findings, experiences, lessons learned and new methods with partners.

• Monitors and evaluates programme activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites.

• 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. Fund Raising

With program staff and country offices develop funding proposals to support C4D interventions.

• Identify regional and country level opportunities to raise funds for C4D interventions based on analysed gaps and bottlenecks caused by mindsets and behaviours
• With Program advisors and CO’s develop fund raising proposals for dissemination to targeted donors.
• In line with the proposal produce reports for donors on progress and impacts

8. Budget planning and management of program funds

Participate in the budget planning and ensure the compliance and the optimal appropriation of allocated programme 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.

Competencies:

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.

Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.

Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.

Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.

Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.

Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.

Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF’s mission.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2012-000192. Applications must be received by 22 February 2012.

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.