Communication for Development Specialist, P-4, NYHQ, #87203

Under the general guidance of the supervisor, and in close coordination with the Communication Officer, responsible for the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a behavioural change and social mobilization strategy, plan of action and programme activities in support of the programme.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, a future

The Strategic Global Polio Eradication Plan (2013-2109) has been developed to capitalize on the unique opportunity to eradicate a disease for only the second time in history. As a spearheading partner UNICEF is the lead for the provision of expert technical advice and capacity-building in the areas of programme communications and social mobilization and in the procurement and distribution of polio vaccines for routine and supplementary immunizations and, together with WHO, in strengthening of routine immunization. Along with the other GPEI partners, UNICEF actively participates in the global process by which eradication policies and plans of action are developed.

UNICEF collaborates with its partners and national ministries of health to raise community and household awareness of polio, to mobilize the use of available immunization services, and to respond quickly and effectively to communities’ immunization concerns and needs. To ensure maximum community and caregiver participation in polio campaigns, UNICEF applies Communication for Development (C4D) approaches that embrace a systematic, evidence-based strategic planning and implementation process to effect positive and measurable change in individual and community behaviors.

In this final stage of the polio programme UNICEF and its partners aim to reach the most at-risk populations. These groups hold the key to the global goal of polio eradication, and their participation in and ownership of the eradication initiative is essential to global success. C4D approaches give the global initiative the tools and understanding necessary to reach these populations and ensure every last child is immunized.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the supervisor, and in close coordination with the Communication Officer, responsible for the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a behavioural change and social mobilization strategy, plan of action and programme activities in support of the programme.

The key end-results are:

• Programme communication strategy and plan 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 delivery.
• Culturally relevant programme communication materials designed, pre-tested, and produced timely, meeting requirements and quality standards.
• Strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society developed and enhanced for promotion of participation in social and behavioural changes supportive of programme goals.
• Effective training materials and activities organized, developed and implemented to build capacity in participatory and behaviour communication at various government levels.
• Technical support effectively provided with government counterparts in the development and effective use of communication for social development.
• Monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and preparation of reports timely and properly undertaken. Findings, experiences, lessons learned, best practices and new methods effectively shared with government officials, programme staff, and other partners.
• Budget properly planned, monitored and controlled, ensuring allocated funds optimally appropriated.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research.
  *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible relevant professional 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 is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.