Programme Communication Specialist for Immunization and Polio, L-3, Various Duty Stations in Western and Central Africa (TA)

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. UNICEF seeks three Programme Communication Specialists for Immunization/Polio to be based in Niamey, Niger, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Under the supervision of the Regional C4D (Communication for Development) for EPI/Polio specialist based in Dakar and in close collaboration with the UNICEF Country Representative and country teams (C4D and immunization) and with the two other C4D specialists colleagues based in the region, you will be responsible for assisting with overall management of the identified UNICEF Country Offices C4D for polio portfolio. Based in a UNICEF Country Office, you will also have a sub regional mandate.

Major duties:

1. Ensure that a C4D national communication plan for polio for each country is developed or finalized, budgeted and implemented, with a focus on:
   • Analysis of high risk groups
   • Clear communication objectives and behavioural outcomes
   • Strategies and activities to support meeting these objectives
   • Designation of responsibilities among partner agencies
   • Monitoring and evaluation
   • Reporting on progress and according to the polio communication indicators adopted in the region
2. Ensure that the reinforcement of communication for routine immunization remains part of the strategy developed.
3. Develop data management and documentation mechanisms that will facilitate reporting, evidence and data collection as well as analysis for guiding programme planning, monitoring and evaluation, and to share lessons learned with partners and UNICEF WCARO and HQ.
4. Provide capacity building including training on C4D for polio to national counterparts at central and local levels as well as to other partners involved in polio eradication programmes.
5. Oversee the establishment (or revitalization) of committees for C4D for polio involving key stakeholders. In each country two types of committees will be supported; one at the central level with responsibility for the overall communication strategy development, and others at local levels with a coordination and supervision mandate.
6. Promote partnerships on polio eradication between governmental, aid institutions (such as WHO, CDC, Rotary, USAID, etc.) and donors at local, national and regional levels.

Your profile:

Advanced university degree in communication for development or in the social/behavioural sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education), with emphasis on strategic communication planning, participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research.

Five years progressively responsible work experience in strategic communication design or the planning and management of social development programmes.

Critical Competencies: Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication for development, adult learning, indigenous media, community organization and participation. Knowledge of the use and application of channels of communication such as community radio, theatre for development, etc.

Training in strategic communication planning, social and behavioural analysis, participatory research and evaluation of communication interventions.

Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation.

Proven experience in social data methods and analysis, including participatory and qualitative methods such as Participatory Action Research, Appreciative Inquiry, Focus Group Discussion, etc.

Knowledge of the social, political and economic environment of West and Central Africa.

A working experience in WCAR related to C4D/immunization issues is an asset.
Fluency in English and French required.

If you have got experience of working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send a detailed curriculum vitae in English, AND a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (available at www.unicef.org/employ), quoting VN-09-C4D WCARO to: scisse@unicef.org  Interested candidates are also asked to complete the Candidate Self Assessment Form which is available on the UNICEF website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/Candidate_Self_Assessment_Form_Consultant_C4D_Specialist_Immunization-Polio_L3.doc. 

Applications should be received by 27 November 2009. Only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted. The successful candidate will be offered a temporary appointment for a period of one year.

UNICEF’s salary and benefits package is based on the United Nations Common System; visit  www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances for further information.

UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women are strongly encouraged to apply.