Communication Specialist (Polio Eradication) - UNICEF (Apply by: 26 Aug'14)

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, invites applications for the following vacancy:

Position: Communication Specialist (Polio Eradication)

Location: New Delhi

Closing Date: 26 August 2014

Purpose of the Post

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision from Polio C4D Specialist and overall guidance of the Senior Program Manager, Polio Unit, and with regular input and strategic direction from the Chief, Advocacy and Partnerships, will be responsible for the development, planning, implementation and monitoring of advocacy, partnership, communication and media strategies at the national level to support polio eradication programme in India.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Prepare a measurable and time-bound annual communication, advocacy and partnership work plan in support of the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), based on a situation analysis, epidemiology of the disease, expert technical advice and the proposed schedule of supplementary immunization activities. In implementing the annual strategy, develop, maintain, and implement a rolling quarterly advocacy and media management plan for PEI, indicating key upcoming events, threats, and opportunities that may be relevant to PEI, and propose specific proactive interventions with time line, action points, and accountabilities.

Provide regular briefings and intelligence on the media environment for advocacy and communication and opportunities to the polio partnership. Develop and sustain partnerships with professional health and medical associations, media associations and other civil society groups to promote polio eradication. Disseminate advocacy and communication monitoring findings on a regular basis through web-based and other communication technologies. Conduct and support media sensitization workshops and meetings at the national and sub-national level, in consultation with state offices.
Manage the conceptualization, development and implementation of an annual media campaign in support of National Immunization Days and sub-National Immunization Days, including the production of appropriate television, radio and print materials, and appropriate media release plans.

Develop a plan for celebrity endorsements for the polio programme and work, together with Advocacy and Partnerships, to ensure the regular participation and involvement of influential celebrities in the programme. Coordinate media briefings and ensure appropriate media coverage of events involving celebrities to improve positive reporting and visibility of the polio programme.

Conceptualize, develop, manage and disseminate a bi-monthly, electronic and web-based update on polio communication efforts in India, providing analysis and insight into field-based communication activities. Develop and manage production of audio/visual materials that document communication processes for polio eradication, including the development of film, photographic and web-based features on polio communication.

Provide structured support to the state offices on media management and advocacy. Manage media queries related to the Polio Eradication Initiative/GAVI/IPV introduction and coordinate with partners on the sharing of information and data on polio epidemiology and programme implementation with media.

Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

a) Education

Master’s degree from a recognized University in communications, journalism, public relations or equivalent professional work experience in advocacy and communication combined with a relevant university degree in the social sciences.

b) Work Experience 

Minimum Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at state or national level in advocacy, information and communication related to social development, preferably in the field of child health, immunization and polio eradication. Proven work experience in advocacy, information and communications, and networking with media agencies, government counterparts and civil society groups.

c) Languages 

Fluency in written and spoken English and working knowledge of Hindi required.

d) Competency Profile 

i) Core Values (Required)
• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication [II]
• Working with People [I]
• Drive for Results [I]

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising    [ I ]
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]
• Relating and Networking [ II ]
• Persuading and Influencing [ II]
• Applying Technical Expertise [ II ]

• Entrepreneurial Thinking [ II ] 

iv) Technical Knowledge

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the Job)

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

Specific, detailed and up-to-date knowledge of:

Executive Board and other policy documents. 
Executive Directives
Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)
UN/UNICEF Policy Papers
UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
General administrative and financial guidelines.
Human resources manual
UNICEF communication and other DOC guidelines
Communication toolkit
Brand Toolkit and Brand Book
UNICEF Stylebook
Ethical Guidelines on Reporting on Children

b) Common Technical Knowledge required (for the job group)
General knowledge of:

Communication management. Knowledge of theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
Fundamentals for working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
Computer systems/applications and network, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations;
Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women.
UNICEF communication goals, policies, guidelines and strategies.
UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues.
UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies.
Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

Expertise of management, communication strategy and networking.
Technical competence in producing content for various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
UN security operations and guidelines.

Applications consisting of a cover letter, P11 and an up-to-date CV should be sent to cspe-unicef@sams.co.in by 26 August 2014.  The P11 form can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.unicef.org/india/careers_1440.htm In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the title and location of the post in the subject line of your e-mail/application. For more details of the posts and full job descriptions, visit the UNICEF India website at www.unicef.inand click on “Careers at UNICEF” at the bottom of the page. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. These vacancies are open to Indian Nationals only.

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 organizations.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.