C4D Polio Outbreak Specialist / Polio & Immunization Roster (Consultancy) - UNICEF - WCARO

Given the frequent occurrence of polio outbreaks in WCAR, WCARO is establishing a roster of qualified C4D professionals who can be quickly deployed as surge support to COs during polio outbreaks.

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 Assignment

UNICEF WCARO is seeking Communication for Development Specialists in the area of polio outbreaks response. These positions are various depending of Polio Outbreak occurring in the region.

Under the supervision of the Country Office based designated supervisor, and in close coordination with the CO Immunization section, the incumbent is responsible for providing to the CO:  technical guidance, leadership and strategic inputs,  supporting the development and implementation of targeted and data driven Communication strategies.

 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 communication and social mobilization efforts during polio outbreaks to expedite the closure.

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.

1. Needs assessment, analysis, prioritization and planning.

• Contribute to the need assessments and analysis of the social situation and potential partners at ground level.
• Facilitate the development of an overall strategy and evidence-based response and transition plan and ensure that the strategy is reflected in relevant documents.
• Oversee the training of Frontline Workers (Vaccinators, Community Workers) to address specific challenges and ensure global (GPEI) standards and tools are used.

1. Programme development, planning and coordination

• Support the development and implementation of the response planning process. Keep abreast of C4D sector developments for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to discuss C4D priorities, resources, strategies and methodologies to ensure the most strategic use of the GPEI and UNICEF resources to support the response.
• Provide ongoing situation updates to the Country Representatives that are based on data analysis for better decision-making as well as strengthening the accountability framework of the Country Task Forces.  

1. Advocacy, networking and partnership building

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with UN agencies, donor agencies, institutions, NGOs and the private sector to stimulate coordination and collaboration. 

• Support production of C4D materials for advocacy to promote awareness of polio campaigns
• Advise NGOs/CSOs, UN agencies and government partners on C4D strategies and best practices.

• Strengthen performance monitoring of integrated C4D activities before, during and after campaigns using standardized data collection tools.

1. Capacity building and supervision

• Guide and orient C4D national consultants on global polio tools for Frontline workers and reinforced social mobilization actvities;

• Supervise and support polio C4D national consultants work planning and implementation

1. Information management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

• Ensure that updated and relevant information is included in general reporting including common web platforms, Situation Reports and other reporting mechanisms.
• Prepare and disseminate reports ensuring alignment with the C4D output results
• Support COs in the documentation of C4D initiatives/lessons learnt.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

• Advanced university degree in communication for development or the social/behavioral sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education,) with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, and participatory research.’ A first University Degree with relevant professional experience may also be accepted in lieu of the Advanced Degree in social/behavioral sciences.

Years of relevant experience

• Knowledge and experience in Health programme management and Polio Outbreak response SOP implementation is an asset.
• Five years’ work experience in planning and management of social development programmes, including solid and progressively 3 years responsible work experience in polio strategic communication design.
• Fluency in French or English is required. 

Technical requirements

• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication for development, adult learning, indigenous media, community organization and participation. Knowledge of the use and application of channels of communication such as community radio, theatre for development, etc.
• Recognized abilities to organize and implement training in strategic communication planning, social and behavioral analysis, participatory research and evaluation of communication interventions
• Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation
• Proven experience in social data methods and analysis, including participatory and qualitative methods such as Participatory Action Research, Appreciative Inquiry, Focus Group Discussion, etc.
• Experience of the social, political and economic environment of West and Central Africa
• Experience in emergencies will be an asset.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts, both in written and orally.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and MSOffice applications. Skills in knowledge management and in UNICEF electronic knowledge management platform are an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate 

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.