Closing date: 05 Mar 2010
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
Purpose of the Position
Under the general guidance of the Regional Chief of Programme Communication, you will be responsible for the development, planning, implementation and monitoring of programme communication strategies to support the regional polio eradication and immunization programme, consistent with the overall regional operational strategy: the human rights approach to programming with a focus on community capacity development (HRAP/CCD).
Key Expected Results
Lead the development and testing of community based approaches to polio eradication that integrate innovations for demand creation and active community engagement within an overall communication strategy for ACSD to improve child health in ESAR.
Provide technical support to COs and their government counterparts in the appreciation, development and use of communication for social development, aimed at both collective actions by communities and individual behavior change.
Facilitate the development and testing of community based approaches to immunization within the context of “Reaching Every District” (RED)initiative, that integrate Immunization+ within an overall communication strategy to ensure that all unvaccinated children are reached with immunization in ESAR.
Assist COs and their counterparts to organize the development, testing and production of culturally relevant communication tools to support improved immunization strategies from the perspective of community capacity development and an integrated approach to child health.
Develop partnerships with community based organizations (CBOs), traditional leaders, teachers, artists, and faith based organizations, community groups or in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to increase understanding of polio eradication and other immunization issues and participate effectively in community-based child health initiatives.
Develop training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory communication at various government levels in support of immunization+.
Facilitate discussion on, and documentation and dissemination of best practices on working with local communication channels in the implementation of immunization activities at the district level.
Monitor and evaluate immunization activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites. Disseminate communication research findings; ensure exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, programme staff and other UNICEF partners.
Develop proposals and regional donor reports on immunization, programme communication and social mobilization as required.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
Purpose of the Position
Under the general guidance of the Regional Chief of Programme Communication, you will be responsible for the development, planning, implementation and monitoring of programme communication strategies to support the regional polio eradication and immunization programme, consistent with the overall regional operational strategy: the human rights approach to programming with a focus on community capacity development (HRAP/CCD).
Key Expected Results
Lead the development and testing of community based approaches to polio eradication that integrate innovations for demand creation and active community engagement within an overall communication strategy for ACSD to improve child health in ESAR.
Provide technical support to COs and their government counterparts in the appreciation, development and use of communication for social development, aimed at both collective actions by communities and individual behavior change.
Facilitate the development and testing of community based approaches to immunization within the context of “Reaching Every District” (RED)initiative, that integrate Immunization+ within an overall communication strategy to ensure that all unvaccinated children are reached with immunization in ESAR.
Assist COs and their counterparts to organize the development, testing and production of culturally relevant communication tools to support improved immunization strategies from the perspective of community capacity development and an integrated approach to child health.
Develop partnerships with community based organizations (CBOs), traditional leaders, teachers, artists, and faith based organizations, community groups or in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to increase understanding of polio eradication and other immunization issues and participate effectively in community-based child health initiatives.
Develop training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory communication at various government levels in support of immunization+.
Facilitate discussion on, and documentation and dissemination of best practices on working with local communication channels in the implementation of immunization activities at the district level.
Monitor and evaluate immunization activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites. Disseminate communication research findings; ensure exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, programme staff and other UNICEF partners.
Develop proposals and regional donor reports on immunization, programme communication and social mobilization as required.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
- Advanced university degree in the social/behavoural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, training and impact evaluation of communication interventions.
- Eight years progressively responsible work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including four years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
- Demonstrated knowledge and use of participatory communication methodologies such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Appreciative Inquiry, Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST), Community Theatre, etc.
- Knowledge of the use of media to address development issues from community to national levels.
- Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication for development, communication for social change, communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
- Training in strategic communication planning, communication for social change, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
- Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy 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.
- Fluency in English and another UN language required.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
- Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
- Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and gender equality in its workplace. Women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you are dedicated and passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and to apply to this vacancy, quoting E-VN-2010-000266. Applications must be received by 05 March 2010.
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
