Consultancy: Communication For Development (C4D) M&E Specialist / Polio & Immunization Roster - UNICEF - WCARO

Given the frequent occurrence of polio outbreaks in the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR), the Regional Office (WCARO) is establishing a roster of qualified Communications for Development (C4D) M&E professionals who can be quickly deployed as surge support to Country Offices (CO) during potential polio outbreaks.

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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 Assignment

UNICEF WCARO is seeking a Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist in the area of Social communication and C4D. These positions may vary in location depending on the situation and locality of the outbreak.  

Under the supervision of the Country based designated supervisor, and in close coordination with the CO Immunization section, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the CO to monitor and evaluate behavioral and social change in support to polio eradication activities in the country. This entails the utilization of existing data sources, verification of data quality, collection and analysis of additional data when necessary, and the linking of data with decision making and organizational accountability. The incumbent will collaborate closely with national counterparts in the Ministry of Health, as well as partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), including WHO, CDC, Gates Foundation, to coordinate data collection, data analysis, and strategic use to the country during polio outbreaks to expedite the close of outbreak.

Assignment Tasks - Expected Deliverables

Based on the local context of each country, the incumbent will be required to deliver the following results. These results would be adjusted on a case-by-case basis to fit the country needs.

Data collection, management and analysis

1. Monitor, collate, analyze and present communication data collected by polio Independent Monitors.
2. Plan, manage, and support implementation of qualitative data collection/social investigation on reasons for non-vaccination in country, in partnership with national government and other partners.
3. Provide quality assurance for all communication indicators at various levels.

4. In collaboration with the team, support joint data reviews after each campaign to accelerate the closing of Polio outbreak Advise and support Health Districts Teams and liaising with RO and HQ for data analysis and utilization.

   Programme & Capacity building

1. Support the development and implementation of the Polio Outbreak Response Unit Communication Work Plan taking into account the most at risk, hard to reach and security compromised areas as needed.
2. Ensuring compliance with specific communication objectives and strategies defined in the Outbreak Response.
3. Support capacity building of social mobilization networks, community-based platforms and partners at country level in collecting, analyzing and reporting on data related to polio/immunization.
4. Strengthen capacity of national counterparts to conduct behavioral data collection and analysis and to effectively monitor results.
5. Establish performance tracking dashboard for monitoring activities

Documentation & reporting

1. Guide the polio/immunization team to produce comprehensive reports
2. Assure production of report on findings and uptake of findings for outbreak response communication activities
3. Support production of mapping on social bottlenecks, communication channels
4. Support case studies and lessons learned on the Outbreak response.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

• Advanced university degree in the social/behavioral sciences (i.e. Sociology, Medical Anthropology, Health Education, Economics and Public Health). A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Years of relevant experience

• Five years of relevant work experience in management, monitoring and evaluation of health/social development programmes, including two years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning and M&E processes to programmes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advance experience in Microsoft Excel, managing, cleaning, analyzing data and creating graphs and charts
• At least one instance of exposure to emergency programming, including preparedness planning.
• Experience working with polio eradication and/or with broader immunization is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English or French (depending on country). 

Competencies of Successful Candidate

 To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

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.