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Regional Adviser Communication for Development

Panamá

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: Panamá
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Communication for Development (C4D)
  • Closing Date: Closed

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 60 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.

Contract Type: Temporary Appointment 

Proposed Level: P5
Duration: 11 months

Duty Station: LACRO, Panama City, Panama
Supervisor: Aida Oliver, Deputy Regional Director


PURPOSE OF THE JOB

 

With the guidance of Deputy Regional Director and in close coordination of the Regional Communications team and Regional Adviser, the incumbent will be responsible for the design, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a regional integrated Communication for Development (C4D) strategy and providing technical support and guidance to COs including development of CPDs. These efforts will build an evidence-based communication for development agenda with the aim of creating favourable public mind sets and partnerships, in support of equity-focused social and behaviour change as key components of the country programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean Region across development and humanitarian priorities.

 

KEY END-RESULTS

 

  1. Vision, expert analysis, advice, and assistance are contextualized and relevant for the LAC region and applied to communications for development initiatives
  2. Guidance provided on the development/ strengthening of key partnership, including Centres of Excellence and experts to provide relevant and quality technical assistance to country offices;
  3. Analysis of Communications for development initiatives in the region to achieve results for children as part of evidence-based, equity-focus country programmes and plans.
  4. Guidance provided to consultants and staff managing C4D operational processes and plans to build capacity on relevant and effective C4D interventions;
  5. Analysis, advice and expertise provided on appropriate use of high-impact C4D interventions to country offices (particularly for countries designing new country programmes) that are designing, implementing, and monitoring social and behavioural changes as part of programme response;
  6. Analysis and inputs provided on C4D global and regional strategies, plans, and activities, including new approaches, tools and methodologies contextualized for the region.
  7. Analysis, advice, and expertise on C4D strategies, plans, and activities in the region, particularly those related with the ZIKV response.
  8. Resources effectively mobilized and managed.

 

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

 

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

 

  1. Vision and Expert Advice on Strategy, Plans and Implementation
  • In collaboration with UNICEF management and decision makers and planners of government, donor organizations and the private sector, the Regional Adviser Communication for Development oversees, manages, leads the design, and facilitates the formulation and implementation of the 2018-2021 Communications for Development Strategy and plan for UNICEF in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
  • Periodically assess the implementation and monitoring results of the implementation of the C4D Strategy and plans for the region.

 

  1. Partnerships and Inter-Sectoral Alliances
  • Identify experts and C4D research and implementation institutions that may serve as centre of excellence in C4D in the LAC region for providing technical assistance to country offices in C4D. Ensure selected Centres of Excellence and experts access orientation to UNICEF approaches to C4D which will allow them to provide adequate technical assistance to country offices.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with government officials, academia, community leaders, UN, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of C4D-communication for social change goals and strategies.

 

  1. Analysis of Communications for development initiatives
  • Build and inventory, map, and categorize C4D interventions in each of the country programmes in LAC with specific results for children across programmatic priorities.
  • Monitor and analyse the contribution of the country-level C4D interventions to removing barriers and bottlenecks in programme areas to reach results for children as defined in country programmes. This includes reviewing the quality of the tools and methods used in social norm change work in the region.

 

  1. Technical assistance
  • Provide expert technical advice and assistance to UNICEF staff on attitude and social and behaviour change modalities that contribute to changing mind-sets and are culturally sensitive and tailored to address the middle and high income country contexts and societal trends in the region.
  • Provide technical assistance on C4D work in emergencies / humanitarian action and how to include this as part of preparedness, surge deployment and response planning, especially the C4D related work in ZIKV response.

 

  1. Promotion of Appropriate Use of high-impact C4D interventions for middle and high--income country contexts
  • Identify and package through analysis and implementation briefs C4D strategies and approaches with evidence of impact that will strengthen C4D components in country programmes.
  • Provide technical assistance to country offices (particularly countries designing new country programmes) in identifying and addressing social norms that can facilitate or impede behaviour change to address programmatic results.
  • Oversee and advise on the development of goals, strategy, plans as well as guidance, tools, methodology and training materials and activities to build up capacity in participatory approaches, change in socio-cultural norms and behaviour change communication for personnel involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of C4D-communication for social change intervention, in support of programme sustainability.
  • Recommend operational strategies, guide operational processes, methodologies, approaches, and establish plans, to achieve participatory communication, social mobilization and behaviour change.

 

  1. Global and regional strategies, plans, and activities

 

  • Make viable and evidence-based recommendations and decisions on appropriate C4D strategies to achieve the organization's global goals, and to support UNICEF's mission in the country; in line with the regional communications for development framework.
  • Provide expert advice, coordination and technical support to government counterparts and other partners in the development and strategic use of C4D.

 

  1. Resource Mobilization and Management

 

  • Mobilize resources for future C4D work in the LAC region, including mobilizing funds for post costs beyond the first year and for the ongoing implementation of regional C4SC activities.
  • Participate in and contribute to the budget and programme review and planning process. Establish programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance.
  • Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds; improve programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Oversee the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly and effectively coordinated, monitored and liquidated.

 

JOB GRADE FACTORS 

 

  • As one of the senior managerial positions in the Office, hold direct accountability to the Deputy Regional Director for overall coordination, planning, development and management of C4D function for a large size country programme; direct authority over and exercise a key leadership for establishment of objectives and strategies for the programme, programme formulation, design, planning and management focused on achievement of UNICEF's organizational priorities.
  • As adviser for the Deputy Regional Director, provides authoritative advice on UNICEF policies and issues relating to C4D, which often commits the organization to act on these issues.
  • Exercise leadership and make key recommendations in decision on funding of the programme, quality and acceptability of documentation for submission to government, HQ, Executive Board and donors, and deployment/redeployment of staff within the office.
  • Consolidate and prepare viable, evidence-based recommendations on: major programme directions, introduction of new initiatives in the country, development of new government policies and/or implementation procedures. Make significant contributions to recommendations impacting on country, area and regional communication for development goal achievement and the effective management of financial and human resources.
  • Exercise effective oversight and leadership for making strategic and administrative decisions on situation analysis, programme strategy, planning, implementation and evaluation of social and behavioural change initiatives as well as use of funds and staffing.
  • Promote innovative approach and submit sound recommendations on application of programme policy and strategy based on situations in the locality
  • Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and programmatic policy dialogue at local, national, regional and international fora.
  • Establish programme work plan, monitor compliance and feed-forward by providing training, support and guidance to programme team.
  • Approve the overall allocation and disbursement of funds ensuring they are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated in accordance with the programme budget allotments.

 

 

 

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES ( [  ] indicates the level of proficiency required for the job.)

 

  1. Education
  • Advanced university degree in communication or social/behavioural sciences (sociology, anthropology, psychology, or health education). An emphasis on strategic communication, behavioural changes, social change-C4D, social marketing, social mobilization, participatory communication and/or research is preferred.
  • Training in communication for C4D, social change, social mobilization, behavioural change or interdisciplinary approaches is also an asset.
  • Experience in emergency and humanitarian response is a plus.

 

  1. Work Experience

 

  • Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the development, planning, and management of C4D-social change programmes, including several years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.

 

  1. Language Proficiency
  • Fluency in English and Spanish. Portuguese, French or a local language in a country of the LAC region is an asset.

 

  1. Competency Profile (For details on competencies please refer to UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.)

 

Core Values (Required)

  • Commitment Diversity and Inclusion      • Integrity

 

Core Competencies (Required)

  • Communication [ III ]   Working with People  [ III ]  •  Drive for Results  [ III ]

 

Functional Competencies (Required)

  • Leading and Supervising [ III ]
  • Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ III ]
  • Analyzing [ II ]
  • Relating and Networking [ III ]
  • Persuading and Influencing [ III ]
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking [ III ]
  • Applying Technical Expertise [ III ]

 

Technical Knowledge

 

Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

  • Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, social movements, community organization and participation.
  • Knowledge of and training in strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
  • Knowledge of and experience in C4D- social change and implementation in social mobilization and behavioural change.
  • Knowledge of and experience in inter-disciplinary approach in C4D -communication for social change with sound knowledge of UN and/or UNICEF's work in humanitarian action.
  • Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management.
  • Knowledge of and skills in C4D- communication for social change networking, advocacy and negotiation.
  • Knowledge and understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience in the methods of communication to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form and to listen to and acknowledges others' perspectives and views.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience to perform effectively in unstable, uncertain, or potentially dangerous environments while maintaining physical and mental health.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience in monitoring and evaluating C4D-communications for social change initiatives.
  • Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.

 

Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

 

  • UN/UNICEF policy papers, including UNICEF Global C4D Strategic Vision and Policy Framework 2014-2017, and others relating to communication for development or C4D - communication for social change; programmes and public advocacy
  • Executive Directives
  • UNICEF programme manuals
  • Guidelines for Communication for Development or Communication Social Change
  • UNICEF country programme plans
  • Government development plans and policies
  • UN agency agreements and joint policy papers
  • Gender equality and diversity awareness

 

Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

 

  • Understanding of UNICEF Mission and UNICEF Guiding Principles
  • Understanding of UNICEF programmatic policies, goals, visions, positions, policies, priorities, strategies and approaches (MDGs, UNDAF, MTSP, etc.).
  • Understanding of Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming.
  • Understanding of UN mission and system; and International Code of Conduct.
  • Understanding of staff welfare and rights of staff members.
  • Knowledge of emergency operations and security guidelines.
  • Understanding of international humanitarian affairs and humanitarian work.
  • Understanding of UNICEF policies and procedures for programming, operations, and communication.
  • Latest theory, methodology, technology and tools in the functional areas.
  • Knowledge of the Programme Policy and Procedure (PPP) manual.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience in community capacity building.
  • Understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects.
  • Knowledge of Communication for Development or Communication for Social Change academic institutions, research centres, think tanks or relevant networks in Latin America.

UNICEF policies, strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity.

This vacancy is now closed.