UNICEF Communication for Development Specialist Job in Nairobi Kenya

Under the general guidance of the Regional Chief of Communication, and in close coordination with the Deputy Regional Director and Regional Advisers ESARO, the consultant develops, implements and manages regional strategies, plans and activities in the areas of Communication for Development aimed at fostering behaviour change, social mobilization and demand as well as 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).

Closing date: 29 Dec 2010
Location: Kenya - Eastern and Southern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya

The strategies and plans shall cover the following regional priorities:

Young Child Survival and Development with a special focus on - preparedness and response to H1N1 and other new and emerging infectious diseases (around 30% of staff time);Prevention of HIV/AIDS,Disaster Risk Reduction/Emergency Preparedness.The strategies, plans and activities shall enable the 20 Country Offices in the ESA region to strengthen their capacities in supporting their related programmes

Major Assignments

1. Policy and Strategy development

Develop communication for development strategies for the regional priority areas, including preparedness and response to infectious diseases (including H1N1 and other emerging diseases) within the context of Young Child Survival and Development, Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness as well as HIV prevention.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.Collect data, undertake analysis and prepare reports on behaviour change, social mobilization and community/youth/ women participation aimed at enabling UNICEF to promote its communication for development goals in culturally appropriate ways and through effective communication strategies and channels.Provide support and technical assistance to Country Offices in the area of Communication for Development and disseminate technically innovative approaches to foster social mobilization, individual behaviour 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. A special focus is on ensuring Country Offices have an integrated communication strategy for H1N1 and other emerging infectious diseases.Strengthen the capacities of UNICEF and key counterpart staff at country level in the area of Communication for Development by developing and facilitating relevant learning sessions, fostering the use of participatory research and action in communication programming and identifying appropriate training institutions and approaches.Organizational Structure

The Communication for Development Unit is integrated into the Regional Communication Section. Communication for Development activities will be aligned with work plans of the regional UNICEF programmes, including Emergency as well as with the External relations/Advocacy and Partnerships work plans.

The Consultant will work closely with the Programme Communication Specialist (Polio Communication).

Working Conditions

The assignment is office-based, with frequent travel within the region, and occasionally outside.

Qualifications and Competencies required to perform the duties of the assignment

Education

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.Fluency in English and another UN language, preferably French required.
Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Swahili is an asset.Applying Technical ExpertiseDrive for ResultsCommunicationWorking with peoplePlanning and OrganizingDeciding and Initiating ActionHow to apply

Interested candidates should forward their application, including a completed P-11, to: esarohrvacancies@unicef.org

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