UNICEF has announced opening for the Regional Adviser Communication for Development position in Nairobi, Kenya
Purpose of the Position
Under the general guidance of the Regional Chief of Communication, and in close coordination with the Deputy Regional Director and Regional Advisors ESARO, you will develop, implement, and manage regional strategies, plans and activities in the areas of Communication for Development aimed at fostering behaviour change, social mobilization and community/youth/women participation, consistent with the overall regional operational strategy: the human rights approach to programming with a focus on community capacity development (HRAP/CCD). You will provide oversight, expert advice, analysis and technical support to the Regional Office and to the 20 Country Offices in the ESA region on policies, operational strategies and evaluation tools in Communication for Development related to regional priorities, particularly Young Child Survival and Development, Prevention, Treatment and Care of HIV/AIDS and Disaster Risk Reduction/Emergency Preparedness. You will organize/facilitate capacity-building activities for Country Office staff and counterparts in national governments, NGOs, CBOs and FBOs.
The Communication for Development Unit is integrated into the Regional Communication Section. Communication for Development activities will be aligned with work plans of UNICEF programmes in the regional, particularly in the areas of Young Child Survival and Development. HIV/AIDS and Emergency as with the External relations/Advocacy and Partnerships work plans.
Key Expected Results
Oversight and guidance
You will facilitate the cost-effective integration of Communication for Development strategies into Country Programmes during the Country Programme Exercises by developing culturally appropriate implementation guides and identifying relevant indicators and appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for interventions at the country level.
Technical Assistance
You will provide support and technical assistance to country Offices in the area of Communication for Development and disseminates technically innovative approaches to foster social mobilization, individual behavior change and participation of communities, young people and women in activities aimed at improving the well-being of children and the realization of their rights.
Policy and Strategy development
You will develop communication for development strategies for the regional priority areas of Young Child Survival and Development; Prevention, Treatment and Care of HIV/AIDS as well as Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness.
Partnerships
You will facilitate strengthening and development of partnerships with civil society organizations including NGOs, FBOs and CBOs as well as communication, media and education partners and research institutions to promote and enhance UNICEF goals in the area of Communication for Development.
Regional networking and knowledge management
You will build an effective network of Communication for Development Officers and regional experts in ESAR Country Offices by facilitating exchange of experience, case studies and data, including through regular network meetings and online activities. Build systematic links with key community action groups in the region, focusing on analyzing and disseminating successful participation strategies.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education), with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, training and impact evaluation of communication interventions.
Twelve years progressively responsible work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including eight years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
- Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
- Knowledge of and training in strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
- Knowledge of and experience in programme development and implementation in programme communication, social mobilization and behavioural change.
- Knowledge of and experience in inter-disciplinary approach in programme communication with sound knowledge of UN and/or UNICEF’s work in humanitarian action.
- Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management.
- Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
- Knowledge and understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects.
- Knowledge, skills and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.
- Knowledge, skills and experience in the methods of communication to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form and to listen to and acknowledges others’ perspectives and views.
- Knowledge, skills and experience to perform effectively in unstable, uncertain, or potentially dangerous environments while maintaining physical and mental health.
- Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.
Fluency in English and another UN language, preferably French. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Swahili is an asset.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking
- Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment
- Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget
- Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching
- Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential
- Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders
- Negotiates effectively with people inside and outside the organization by adopting a range of approaches
- Anticipates and actively monitors long term local and global developments, constantly seeking new 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.
Reference Number: E-VN-2010-002048
Submission Instructions: If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world, UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit the UNICEF website at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2010-002048. Applications must be received by 08 October 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.
Application Deadline: October 8, 2010
