Closing date: 27 Nov 2009
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
UNICEF Somalia Vacancy Announcement Ref: UNSOM/2009/071
Title: Communication for Development Specialist
Category and Grade Level: NOC
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
IMIS No: 21296
Length of Contract: One year
Organization Unit: Communication, HIV/AIDS, Empowerment and Protection (CHEP)
Duty Station: Nairobi, USSC
Closing date of Application: 27th November 2009
Qualified Kenyan Nationals are invited to apply for the position of Communication for Development Specialist to be located at the UNICEF Somalia Support Centre. The successful candidate will be offered a Fixed Term Appointment for one year.
Further extensions will be based on organization needs, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.
Purpose of the Post:
Under the general guidance of the Chief of CHEP, the incumbent will be responsible for the development, design, planning, and implementation and monitoring of community development and participation strategies in support of the UNICEF Somalia Country Programme.
Major duties and responsibilities:
1. In collaboration with UNICEF and government programme officers, designs and manages/facilitates the implementation of plans of action aiming at: (a) increased community participation in development programmes; and (b) social mobilization of communities and civil society organizations to advocate for abandonment of harmful traditional practices.
2. Monitors and evaluates activities on the basis of frequent visits to project sites and formal project evaluation. Disseminates evaluation findings, ensures exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, UN Agencies, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.
3. In collaboration with partners, organizes/manages the formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant materials on community mobilization, participation and development to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behaviour change, where necessary.
4. 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.
5. Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory community development and community mobilization on Child rights/protection at various government levels, in support of project/programme sustainability.
6. Assists government authorities to plan and organize capacity building programmes. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of community mobilization on child protection/ human rights and community development projects
7. Manages UNICEF’s inputs in the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Service Delivery, specifically the community development aspects of the programme. Participates in meetings with Ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Responsible for the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation.
Qualifications, experience & Skills
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
UNICEF Somalia Vacancy Announcement Ref: UNSOM/2009/071
Title: Communication for Development Specialist
Category and Grade Level: NOC
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
IMIS No: 21296
Length of Contract: One year
Organization Unit: Communication, HIV/AIDS, Empowerment and Protection (CHEP)
Duty Station: Nairobi, USSC
Closing date of Application: 27th November 2009
Qualified Kenyan Nationals are invited to apply for the position of Communication for Development Specialist to be located at the UNICEF Somalia Support Centre. The successful candidate will be offered a Fixed Term Appointment for one year.
Further extensions will be based on organization needs, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.
Purpose of the Post:
Under the general guidance of the Chief of CHEP, the incumbent will be responsible for the development, design, planning, and implementation and monitoring of community development and participation strategies in support of the UNICEF Somalia Country Programme.
Major duties and responsibilities:
1. In collaboration with UNICEF and government programme officers, designs and manages/facilitates the implementation of plans of action aiming at: (a) increased community participation in development programmes; and (b) social mobilization of communities and civil society organizations to advocate for abandonment of harmful traditional practices.
2. Monitors and evaluates activities on the basis of frequent visits to project sites and formal project evaluation. Disseminates evaluation findings, ensures exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, UN Agencies, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.
3. In collaboration with partners, organizes/manages the formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant materials on community mobilization, participation and development to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behaviour change, where necessary.
4. 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.
5. Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory community development and community mobilization on Child rights/protection at various government levels, in support of project/programme sustainability.
6. Assists government authorities to plan and organize capacity building programmes. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of community mobilization on child protection/ human rights and community development projects
7. Manages UNICEF’s inputs in the UN Joint Programme on Local Governance and Service Delivery, specifically the community development aspects of the programme. Participates in meetings with Ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Responsible for the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation.
Qualifications, experience & Skills
- Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology) with emphasis on community development, social mobilization, participatory research, training and impact evaluation of community development interventions.
- Knowledge of current developments in the fields of community development, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
- Five years progressively responsible work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including two years in developing countries. Experience in post-conflict environment will be an added advantage
- Current knowledge of development issues and policies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
- Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy, analytical thinking and negotiation.
- Ability to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
- Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
- Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
- Versatility, judgement, maturity, ability to work in a team, cope under stressful and difficult conditions, political and cultural sensitivity.
- Fluency in English and another UN working language. Knowledge of the language of the duty station an asset. Kenyan Nationals of Somali origin are highly encouraged to apply
Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply
UNICEF is a non-smoking environment
How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form (P.11) form, updated CV and copies of academic certificates. UN staff are requested to provide the last two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs).
Please quote the vacancy number in your application.
Human Resources Specialist
Vacancy Number 2009/071
UNICEF (USSC)
Nairobi, Kenya
Or email to: somaliahrvacancies @ unicef.org
Please note that documents submitted along with your applications will not be returned.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.