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Communication for Development Specialist P-3 - Polio-Immunization Data Quality (M&E) - WCARO

Dakar

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: Dakar
  • Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Statistics
    • Accounting (Audit, Controlling)
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Communication for Development (C4D)
  • Closing Date: Closed

Under the general guidance of the Regional C4D Specialist Polio and Immunization, and in close coordination with the Immunization section, the incumbent is responsible for supporting WCAR countries to monitor and evaluate behavioral and social change in support to polio eradication and to routine immunization strengthening in the region. This entails the utilization of existing data sources, the introduction of real-time monitoring, of innovative data collection and compilation to complete the gaps of the existing data, verification of data quality, the documentation of good cases and the linking of data with decision making and organizational accountability. This also includes the support for data collection, data analysis, and strategic data use to countries with ongoing polio outbreaks, including the Lake Chad coordinated response of 2016-2017 (Level 3)

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 Regional C4D Specialist Polio and Immunization, and in close coordination with the Immunization section, the incumbent is responsible for supporting WCAR countries to monitor and evaluate behavioral and social change in support to polio eradication and to routine immunization strengthening in the region. This entails the utilization of existing data sources, the introduction of real-time monitoring, of innovative data collection and compilation to complete the gaps of the existing data, verification of data quality, the documentation of good cases and the linking of data with decision making and organizational accountability. This also includes the support for data collection, data analysis, and strategic data use to countries with ongoing polio outbreaks, including the Lake Chad coordinated response of 2016-2017 (Level 3)

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.

Key Expected Results

  1. Programme communication strategy and plan of action strategically developed and formulated, and the implementation effectively managed, facilitated and executed for social and behavioural change in support of efficient and effective programme delivery.
  2. Culturally relevant programme communication materials designed, pre-tested, and produced timely, meeting requirements and quality standards.
  3. Strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society developed and enhanced for promotion of participation in social and behavioural changes supportive of programme goals.
  4. Effective training materials and activities organized, developed and implemented to build capacity in participatory and behaviour communication at various government levels.
  5. Technical support effectively provided with government counterparts in the development and effective use of communication for social development.
  6. Monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and preparation of reports timely and properly undertaken. Findings, experiences, lessons learned, best practices and new methods effectively shared with government officials, programme staff, and other partners.
  7. Budget properly planned, monitored and controlled, ensuring allocated funds optimally appropriated.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

  1. . Monitor, collate, analyze and present real time communication data collected by polio independent monitors. Guide countries in their use in order to produce comprehensive reports for review and for corrective action by country offices and partners in order to accelerate polio/immunization programme achievements, including the acceleration of closing of polio outbreaks in the region.
  2.  Manage evidence and data generation, research, documentation and knowledge to better inform equity-oriented and gender sensitive country programming, linking this with the existing, organizational Monitoring for Equity Results System (MoRES).
  3. Strengthen capacity of COs and national counterparts to conduct behavioral data collection and analysis and to effectively monitor results. Support capacity building of social mobilization networks and community-based platforms at country level in collecting, analyzing and reporting on data related to polio/immunization.
  4. Design data collection methodologies and research related to programme interventions (KAP, rapid qualitative assessments, etc.) in close coordination with regional M&E team and HQ. Assist in the introduction of innovative approaches and methods - using new technology - to collect, compile and clean data for evidence-based programming in the field of polio/immunization.
  5. Contribute to the regional polio task team, including serving as focal point for at least one high risk country, participate in weekly outbreak calls and country situation updates, and support Polio donor's reports and proposal writing.
  6.  Participate in developing the work plan of the unit, ensuring compliance with the specific objectives assigned to the project, offer advice and support to the team.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

  • Advanced university degree in the social epidemiology or social/behavioral sciences (Sociology, Medical Anthropology, Health Education).
  • A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
  • Five years of relevant work experience in management, monitoring and evaluation of social development programmes.
  • Two years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning and M&E processes to programmes At least one instance of exposure to emergency programming, including preparedness planning.
  • Experience working with polio eradication and/or with broader immunization is highly desirable.
  • Fluency in English and French. 

 

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

  • Commitment
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Integrity

Core competencies

  • Communication
  • Working with People
  • Drive for Results

Functional Competencies

  • Leading and Supervising
  • Formulating Strategies and Concepts 
  • Relating and Networking
  • Persuading and Influencing 
  • Applying Technical Expertise
  • Entrepreneurial Thinking

Technical Knowledge 

Specific Technical Knowledge Required

  • Knowledge of current developments in the fields of : communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
  • Knowledge of inter-disciplinary approach in programme development and implementation in programme communication, social mobilization and behavioural change.
  • Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management. 
  • Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
  • Knowledge of training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication intervention.
  • Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
  • Knowledge of community capacity building.
  • Knowledge 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.
  • Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.

Common Technical Knowledge Required

  • UN/UNICEF policy papers, relating to programme communication and programmes
  • Executive Directives
  • UNICEF programme manuals
  • Communication for Development Guidelines
  • UNICEF country programme plans
  • Government development plans and policies
  • UN agency agreements and joint policy papers
  • Gender equality and diversity awareness

Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced

  • Understanding of UNICEF Mission and UNICEF Guiding Principles.
  • Understanding of UNICEF programmatic policies, goals, visions, positions, policies, priorities, strategies and approaches (MDGs, UNDAF, MTSP, etc.).
  • Understanding of Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming. 
  • Understanding of UN mission and system; and International Code of Conduct.
  • Understanding of staff welfare and rights of staff members.
  • Knowledge of emergency operations and security guidelines.
  • Understanding of international humanitarian affairs and humanitarian work. 
  • Understanding of UNICEF policies and procedures for programming, operations and  communication.
  • Latest theory, methodology, technology and tools in the functional areas.
  • Knowledge of the Programme Policy and Procedure (PPP) manual.
  • Knowledge, skills and experience in community capacity building.
  • Understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects.

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

This vacancy is now closed.