Chief Communication for Development, P-4, Bamako, Mali

UNICEF Mali is working in regions that lack basic social services and have been affected by political instability. We are also supporting the government in improving child survival, development, and protection. Our work focuses on strengthening community resilience, building capacity, and advocating equitable policy. We are working with partners to improve health, nutrition, WASH access, and education. We are part of an innovative multi-sectoral program to tackle stunting, and are investing in sustainable schooling. Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

For every child, a champion

UNICEF Mali is working in regions that lack basic social services and have been affected by political instability. We are also supporting the government in improving child survival, development, and protection. Our work focuses on strengthening community resilience, building capacity, and advocating equitable policy. We are working with partners to improve health, nutrition, WASH access, and education. We are part of an innovative multi-sectoral program to tackle stunting, and are investing in sustainable schooling.

Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

How can you make a difference?

The Chief, Communication for Development reports to the Deputy Representative for general guidance and direction. The Chief, C4D is responsible for developing a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for C4D as an integral part of programme development, planning and implementation. Through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners and government counterparts, s/he promotes measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization. This subsequently contributes to the achievement of sustainable and concrete results on improving children’s rights, survival and well-being in the country.

Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities

• Conduct, participate and/or manage a comprehensive C4D situation analysis of social, cultural, communication, economic and political issues in the country/region. Assess/synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to establish comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the C4D component of the Country Programme of Cooperation (and UNDAF).
• Participate in country programme planning and reviews to determine/discuss the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior etc) to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of programme results and provide technical advice on evidence-based approaches, strategies and plans of action for C4D to promote behavioral and social change.
• Prepare materials and related documentations for evidence-based C4D strategies and plans (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF Programmes) to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.
• Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of C4D activities with UNICEF MTSP, CO global communications and advocacy activities and UN System development activities and initiatives at the CO level, including in humanitarian response.

Implementation of C4D activities

• Collaborate with, advise and/or consult internal partners and external partners to design evidence-based strategies and formulate, produce and test materials to organize C4D events and activities to ensure community engagement and participation, maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change.

• Confirm/approve the technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to key audiences (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc). Recommend and/or select appropriate multiple media and communication format and platforms (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web etc.). Manage the production and implementation of multi-media initiatives for compliance with targets and plans.

• Carry out C4D advocacy activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage/promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self determination and participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral and cultural change to achieve sustainable programme results on children and women’s rights, equity and wellbeing. Develop/select materials and other communication tools for C4D events.
• Identify, establish and maintain active interaction/relations with media, academia, research and implementing organizations and other strategic partners and networks to communicate/advocate UNICEF’s competencies and achievements to ensure their engagement, interests and support in promoting social/political engagement for political action on children’s rights.
• Conduct and/or participate in M & E and Evaluation exercises, including country programme previews, meetings and mid-term/annual reviews to assess/report on efficacy/outcome of C4D on UNICEF and CO Strategic Plans/Goals.  Take timely action to ensure the achievement of results as planned and allocated.  Integrate/disseminate lessons learned in development planning and improvements.

Technical and operational support

• Collaborate with internal CO, RO and/or HQ colleagues to provide expert advise on the development of evidence-based strategies, approaches, policies and the planning of C4D social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of programmes/projects implementation and delivery of results.

• Participate in CO strategic discussions to collaborate on policy and agenda setting for C4D advocacy and investments and related external relations and resource mobilization initiatives.

• Participate in budget planning and management of programme funds and submit financial plan for C4D initiatives. Approve the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

Advocacy, networking and partnership building

• Identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners, e.g. academia; research and implementing organizations; media and communication networks; celebrities; journalists; media ; all sectors/levels of society, and critical audiences to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities for C4D advocacy to promote UNICEF’s mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.
• Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate strategies and messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance C4D outreach and impact.

• Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency (UNCT; UN Communication for Development Roundtable) discussions and planning to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues in the UNDAF planning and preparation of C4D advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives including emergencies.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms for C4D that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience.
• Engage in evidence generation and research initiatives that may contribute to improved evidence in C4D practices, and influence national and local policies and investments in C4D for sustainable results.
• Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned for products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners, local networks, and government partners.
• Organize/implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/government and non-government partners in evidence-based C4D planning, implementation and evaluation in support of programmes/projects.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required:  social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and French is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

The competencies required for this post are:

• Leading and supervising (I)
• Formulating strategies/concepts (II)
• Relating and networking (II)
• Persuading and influencing (II)
• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Entrepreneurial thinking (II)

View our competency framework at: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

* Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.