Chief Communication for Development - UNICEF (Apply by: 9 July'14)

Chief Communication for Development, P-5, New Delhi, India

Vacancy No: E-VN-2014-001538

Duty Station: New Delhi

Country: India

Region: ROSA

Job Level: P-5

Position#: 00020223

Application Close: 09-Jul-14

Contract Type: Long-term Staff (FT)

Purpose of the Position

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Principal Officer (Programmes), the incumbent will manage and oversee the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of all integrated, strategic Communication for Development (C4D) in support of the country programme. This requires close coordination with the Programme Section Chiefs and consultation with the Chief Field Offices.

Work in close cooperation with A&C and PPE, connecting to ICOs Public Advocacy for social and policy change as part of Programme Coordination results area (4) related to 'advocating and influencing policies and social norms to fulfill children`s right`.

Given the Country Programme`s results based focus which is in line with MTSP priorities, CCCs and UN Report, this post will provide expert advice and assistance to the UNICEF senior managers and GoI counterparts on social and behaviour change communication that contribute to changing mindsets and are culturally sensitive and tailored to address changing programme contexts. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for supervising the Polio Unit and liaising with key NGO and bilateral partners and government counterparts on areas of behaviour change, social mobilization and advocacy.

Key Expected Results

1. Co-ordinate and manage technical support/advice, including capacity building of counterparts, on social and behaviour change communication - SBCC - approaches and methodologies:

Oversee the provision of specialised technical assistance in Communication for Development within the Country Programme and ensure the development of integrated communication strategies that focus on changing mindsets and promoting behaviour change/development at the household and community level. This will include leadership on C4D planning and implementation within sectors, as well as programme management of the Social and Behaviour Change Communication initiatives being planned and implemented at the Delhi and state level. Lead on the cultivation and management of strategic partnerships that promote the intended change.

2. Research, Monitoring and Evaluation for social and behaviour change communication:

Oversee the development of tools for baselines and formative research that guide communication materials/messages and operational strategies to monitor the effect of communication strategies and activities and their impact on families and communities. Strengthen the capacities of UNICEF and key counterpart staff in by developing and facilitating relevant learning sessions/applied training focusing on strategic communication planning and monitoring for behaviour development, stakeholders` participation, and the use of formative research & impact evaluation in communication programming.

3. Supervise and ensure convergence with the Polio Unite on social and behaviour change communication approaches, methods and media as well as community mobilization to ensure the permanent eradication of Polio from India.

4. Information Exchange and Documentation of Programme Experiences and Impact of SBCC/C4D initiatives:

Coordinate and monitor the documentation, packaging and dissemination of lessons learned at a national and international level -positive and negative, best practices, and innovative approaches that foster empowerment of communities and the development of relevant behaviours and mindsets favourable to improving and maintaining the well-being of children and women.

5. Internal Capacity-Building & Standard Operating Procedures:

Develop and lead on implementation of strategies to assist state and sector colleagues in planning, designing and implementing behaviour and social change communication interventions and other activities to change mindsets at the family and community level, with a particular emphasis on women. Facilitate inter-office support where feasible. This includes identifying relevant regional training and academic institutions, and strengthen their capacities to provide programme communication support that contributes to strengthened capacities. Identify and promote the use of standard operating procedures in the design, implementation and assessment of relevant communication strategies.

6. Policy Influencing:

Develop ICO policy and operational strategies in the strategic planning related to behavioral interventions, programme communication, social and community mobilization. Ensure documentation of state programme experiences vis-à-vis MTSP priorities and result areas to make recommendations to the Country Management Team. Where appropriate, apply lessons and experiences from field-based work to inform and influence the development of national government policy related to behaviour and social change communication.

7. Workplan Design and Implementation:

In close coordination Programme Section Chiefs and State Representatives, develop an annual work plan for C4D communication activities and monitor compliance and use of C4D communication budgetary resources. Regularly prepare and share progress reports on C4D and social mobilisation activities in support of priority programme areas.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Advanced university degree in the social or behavioural sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education, Public Health) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication & research, communication training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication interventions. Additional degree or training in media and communication with experience in strategic communication planning for behaviour change/social mobilization/advocacy/participatory communication/development and production of creative materials/research, training or facilitation of communication/impact evaluation, an asset.
• At least ten years of progressively responsible work experience in the planning and management of social and behaviour change communication programmes, including at least eight (8) years in developing countries. Previous working experience in Asia an asset.
• Experience and knowledge of social and behaviour change communication design, planning, behaviour analysis & social change, social mobilization, formative research and impact evaluation of communication interventions required.
• Experience in inter-disciplinary approach in strategic communication with knowledge of UN and/or UNICEF`s work in humanitarian action, an asset.
• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, social/motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community participation.
• Proven skills in inter-personal communication, facilitation, networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Ability to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Excellent analytical skills to synthesize diverse sets of data and information and present it persuasively at official forums
• Ability to draft official progress reports for high level donors and government partners in collaboration with programme sectors
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of language(s) spoken within the region 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.

Remarks

This is a re-advertisement. Candidates who applied previously will be considered and need not re-apply.

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.