Communication for Development Officer, (NOB), Kabul - Afghanistan (Only for Afghan Nationals) - Temporary Appointment for 364 days

Purpose of the post: Under the general guidance of the C4D Manager as the supervisor, and in close coordination with the concerned section, the Communication for Development Officer is accountable for technical support and assistance in 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 Nutrition components of the country 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.

Purpose of the post:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Under the general guidance of the C4D Manager as the supervisor, and in close coordination with the concerned section, the Communication for Development Officer is accountable for technical support and assistance in 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 Nutrition components of the country programme.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides technical support and assistance in the development, management and facilitation of the implementation of programme communication strategy, plan of action and activities for strategic communication and promotion for social and behavioral change in support of programme delivery of nutrition components.  

• In collaboration with UNICEF management and decision makers and planners of government, donor organizations and the private sector, the Communication for Development Officer provides technical assistance in and contributes to the development, management and facilitation of  the implementation of communication policy, strategy and plans of action aiming at general public and service providers through: (a) behaviour development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development programmes for positive social change. 

• Supports deeper diagnosis of the behavioural and social drivers of health & nutrition, education  interventions and apply the full range of evidence-based communication for development approaches to address all identified influencers of behaviour and socio-cultural practices and norms at individual, family, community, institutional and policy and system levels.

• Makes viable recommendations on operational strategies, approach, plans, methods and procedures in the areas of participatory communication, social mobilization and behaviour change and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences. 

• In collaboration with partners, the Communication for Development Officer carries out or assists in formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behaviour change, where necessary.
• Supports the UNICEF global communications objectives and strategies through development of complementary country specific and local community materials.
• Ensures the quality, consistency and appropriateness of communication materials that are developed, produced, and disseminated for various audiences including to local communities, government officials, other partners and the press.
• Develops partnerships with various religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on country programme goals and to solicit their involvement in the implementation of the country programme.
• Promotes a better understanding of children's and women's issues by assisting in or managing a country level behaviour change and social mobilization strategy supportive of effective and efficient programme delivery in the health and nutrition sector.

• Promotes and influences behaviour development/change at individual/ household levels, social mobilization of civil society organizations and increased community participation in development programmes. 

• Develops training materials and activities to in capacity building in participatory and behaviour change communication for personnel involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programme communication intervention, in support of programme sustainability.

• Organizes trainings and learning opportunities to develop capacity of national sub-national counterparts, partners and NGOs. 

• Liaises and coordinates with government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of communication for social development aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective action. Provide technical support as required. 

• Provides assistance and support to government officials, community leaders, UN, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of programme communication goals and strategies. 

• Monitors and evaluates programme activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites.
• Analyses and evaluates data to ensure compliance and achievement of objectives and recommend corrective action, when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives.  Prepares monitoring and evaluation reports in accordance with the established guidelines, methods and procedures. Provides technical advice to programme staff, government officials and other counterparts to coordinate and manage the evaluative elements of country programme milestone meetings, such as mid-term reviews, strategy meetings, previews and reviews and annual reviews.
• Disseminates communication research findings, and ensures exchanges and sharing of experience, lessons learned, best practices, and new methods to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.
• Provide professional input in and contributes to the budget and programme review and planning process. Assists in the establishment of programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance. 

• Establish and supervise programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance.  Monitor the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.  Implements relevant risk assurance plans and HACT activities including programme visits and spot checks as appropriate. 

• Reviews the allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated.
• Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Improves programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Ensure full implementation of HACT for all partners with whom UNICEF engages in programme implementation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

1. Education:

• University degree in the social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health & Nutrition) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research.

2. Work Experience :

• Minimum two years of relevant professional work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including work experience in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.

3. Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English and local working languages of the duty station, Dari and / or Pashto.  

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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

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