Temporary Appointment : Communication for Development (C4D) Specialist for Routine immunization P4 - WCARO - Dakar Senegal

Due to the rapidly evolving context of the region we need a consider key shifts in the way we engage with families and communities, create and sustain demand for immunization, address barriers posed by social norms and build social accountability that challenges and works in tandem with the system. WCARO technical support to COs should also be intensified in order to strengthen country capacities to meet the new challenges, build partner networks and support community level implementing partners, develop innovative strategies engaging fathers, young parents and adolescents.

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.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

 Due to the rapidly evolving context of the region we need a consider key shifts in the way we engage with families and communities, create and sustain demand for immunization, address barriers posed by social norms and build social accountability that challenges and works in tandem with the system. WCARO technical support to COs should also be intensified in order to strengthen country capacities to meet the new challenges, build partner networks and support community level implementing partners, develop innovative strategies engaging fathers, young parents and adolescents.

 Because of the catalytic role of routine immunization in national public health systems, UNICEF considers C4D for immunization as a top focus area and upholds the regional lead in this critical area. As a result, the WCARO C4D section has seen its immunization responsibilities and accountabilities significantly grow in the past 2 years, requiring additional human resources in order to maintain this strategic leadership. These additional responsibilities require additional human resources, and include imminent expectations to :

• Develop regional initiatives of convergence with education, nutrition, birth registration and health.
• Assist countries develop preparedness and response plans for outbreaks.
• Conduct appropriate formative research on urbanization and drop-out rates.
• Provide support to countries in assuring that C4D is better integrated in all planning strategies, proposals and reviews.
• Provide input in the design and conducting of equity assessments.
• Strengthen regional coordination with WHO, GAVI and global partners.
• Initiate new partnerships in the region
• Assure appropriate monitoring, evaluation and documentation is realized. Furthermore, the need to strengthen the Regional Immunization C4D team was discussed at the global Immunization retreat in NYHQ from Nov 1-8, 2016 in which HQ, WCARO Health (Immunization) and C4D colleagues came to an agreement to recruit a TA with the present ToR developed in collaboration and funding support from the Health Section of WCARO.

 The specific objectives of this technical assistance is to:

1. Strengthen evidence-based C4D planning for immunization so it is better integrated and funded in key health events and strategic immunization documents at regional and country level.
2. Assure that results are strengthened through convergence and collaboration with other UNICEF sectors including innovations and support to COs in implementation.
3. Contribute to stronger preparedness for outbreaks and timely response.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

1.  Participate and provide technical support to COs so C4D staff is optimally engaged in national EPI planning processes and strategies including the strengthening, positioning and budgeting of C4D for immunization in cMYP strategy, HSS proposals and EPI reviews.
2.  Contribute and participate in the design of and position C4D in equity assessments. Develop a regional module to support COs to integrate C4D strategies and tools into equity assessments to be conducted in participating countries.
3.  Provide support to strengthen COs in the development of inter-sectoral C4D strategies for routine immunization and new vaccines introductions (HPV, Ebola, RV, PCV, MenA, MR, YF).
4.  Contribute to Health System Strengthening through; a) Development of an M&E framework for communications for immunization in the region; b) Support initiatives to build capacities of front line workers through review of inter-personal communication modules and support to training programmes of health ministries. C) Support documentation and knowledge management of social accountability initiatives.
5.  Contribute to the regional emergency preparedness and response plan through stronger integration of the C4D component during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. This includes the development and management of rosters of institutional and individual consultants and support the recruitment plans and processes in COs. Provide support to COs in developing quality and timely preparedness and response plans for epidemics/outbreaks in high-risk countries.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

 Education:

• Master's degree in the social/behavioral sciences with emphasis on advocacy, participatory communication and communication tools and material development.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in social development /C4D programs including work experience in developing countries with practical experience in the application of communication planning processes to specific programs.
• Prior experience working for C4D and EPI in West and Central Africa will be an added advantage.

• Proven relevant experience in communication strategy development and organizational/institutional C4D capacity development and assessment

• Strong technical knowledge and previous experience in facilitating the implementation of C4D (behavior and social change communication) including participatory approaches of engagement

• Proven skills in communication, data-driven communication planning, and monitoring of behavior and social change processes and results.
• Fluent in English and French with strong communication and public speaking skills
• Promotes, practises, and helps others value and respect diversity of gender, culture, opinions, values, perspectives, ideas, skills, expertise, knowledge, and experiences.
• Works effectively on multiple assignments simultaneously and adapts to changing demands

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Relating & Networking: Excellent team player, able to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Persuading & Influencing: Ability to facilitate mutual understanding among partners
• Applying Technical Expertise, Entrepreneurial Thinking with emphasis on capacity development
• Flexible and responsive to changes as part of any review and feedback process

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencies

Technical Knowledge  

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

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.