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Communication for Development Specialist-NOC (Only for Bangladeshi).

Dhaka

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: Dhaka
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Communication for Development (C4D)
  • Closing Date: Closed

Under the general guidance of the Chief, C4D Section and in close coordination with Sectoral and Cross-Sectoral Specialists and Officers in Dhaka and Field offices, responsible for the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based, inclusive and innovative C4D/ social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) strategies in support of the country programme.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

 Purpose of the Position

Under the general guidance of the supervisor, and in close coordination with the Communication Specialist, responsible for 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 country programme.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

  1. C4D Strategy Design, Programme Development and Implementation
  2. Advocacy, Networking and Partnership Building
  3. Technical Support and Capacity Building
  4. Research, Innovation and Knowledge Management
  5. Management and Operational Support

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

1.     C4D Strategy Design, Programme Development and Implementation

·         In collaboration/ consultation with UNICEF sectoral and cross-sectoral specialists, relevant government officers and other UN/NGO partners, develop and facilitate the implementation of evidence-based C4D strategies, national plans of action, messages and materials aimed at: (a) behaviour development/change and social norm change at the individual, household, community, institutional and system levels in relation to child survival, development, protection and participation; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations and governmental partners for sustainable social change; and (c) community engagement for regular programming and emergency preparedness and response.

·         Participate in sectoral program planning and reviews to contribute to discussions on the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, norms etc) to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of program results and provide technical recommendations on approaches, strategies and plans of action for C4D to promote behavioral and social change with respect to sectoral goals. In this regard, liaison with relevant UNICEF sections, governmental and non-governmental counterparts, including especially with field offices for guidance on implementation.

·         Oversee the production and implementation of multi-media initiatives for compliance with targets and plans that integrate the latest evidence, including guiding message and material development and production as relevant. Recommend appropriate and credible media and communication channels (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web, community networks, etc.) for message dissemination. Prepare or provide quality assurance on related documents and materials for C4D strategies and plans (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF Programs) to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.

·         Guide or facilitate the execution of C4D events and activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage/promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self-determination and participation for social, political, behavioral and cultural change.

2.     Advocacy, Networking and Partnership Building

·         Represent UNICEF Country Office and C4D Section in national and international level fora and among partners as relevant and necessary. Participate in organizational and inter-agency, cross-sectoral or C4D focused working groups, conferences and meetings to collaborate on multi-stakeholder initiatives, joint advocacy and resource mobilization with focus on child survival and development.

·         Collaborate/consult with a wide range of governmental and on-governmental stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of UNICEF C4D activities with global, regional and institutional standards and UN System development activities and initiatives at the CO level, including in humanitarian response.

·         Develop or convene new and/or strengthen existing national level partnerships with relevant sectoral governmental counterparts, religious bodies, national networks of traditional and new leaders, private sector, research and academia and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them and solicit their involvement in the implementation of the country programme. Manage development of and progress against joint programme/project agreements with relevant governmental partners, NGOs/CSOs and others.

·         Support partnership and coordination activities at the divisional/ field level in the same area and ensure cross-exchanges for both vertical (national and sub-national) and horizontal (across sectors) information flows.

3.     Technical Support & Capacity Building

·         Provide technical support to relevant line ministries and government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of C4D/SBCC, creating demand for and access to basic services in relation to child survival, development, protection and participation.

·         Design and organize/ implement capacity development strategies, training materials and activities to build capacity and competencies in C4D/SBCC and participatory methodologies at various government levels and among other UNICEF partners.

4.     Research, Innovation and Knowledge Management

·         In collaboration with partners, organize/manage formative research and pre-testing of culturally relevant communication initiatives and materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery. Follow up on the dissemination and utilisation of materials.

·         Provide guidance for programme monitoring and quality assurance at divisional level, and evaluate overall C4D programme activities on the basis of applied communication research and visits to project sites across divisions.

·         Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks for C4D that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience.

·         Lead on and support the development of case studies on innovations, good practices and lessons learned on the use of C4D/SBCC to advance child rights as identified at divisional level.

·         Disseminate/share communication research findings and case studies, ensure exchange of experiences and new methods on the use of communication to advance programme goals to government officials, programme and field staff, and other UNICEF partners.

5.     Management and Operational Support

·         Identify, recruit and supervise technical resources and consultants as necessary for the above activities.

·         Support the Section Chief in section management, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the annual work plan as needed. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

·         Provide technical support to C4D and sectoral officers in UNICEF field offices on developing contextual C4D strategies, capacity building of local UNICEF partners, partnerships, documentation of innovations and to facilitate local advocacy in support of mainstreaming Communication for Development.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

  • Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research.
  • Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
  • Background/familiarity with emergency operations and staff security.
  • Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

  • Commitment
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Integrity

 

Core competencies

  • Communication (III)
  • Working with people (II)
  • Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies

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

Recruitment Qualifications:

Education:

 An Advanced University Degree in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or other related social science field is required.

Experience:

 A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas of social development program planning, communications and development, public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in related areas in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in English and very good working knowledge of Bangla

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

This vacancy is now closed.