Purpose of the Position
With the guidance of Deputy Regional Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the oversight and guidance of Country Office design, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of integrated and strategic communication for development and social mobilization plans that support community empowerment and behaviour change as key components of the country programmes in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR).
Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
Policy Direction
Set policy direction for communication for development teams and ensure the communication for development programme is in line with Country Office and Strategic PLan priorities, CCCs and UN reform.
Provide expert advice and assistance to the UNICEF Senior Managers and through them to government counterparts on attitude and behaviour change modalities that contribute to changing mindsets and are culturally sensitive and tailored to address changing programme contexts.
Vision and Expert Advice on Strategy, Plans and Implementation
Provide vision, expert advice and assistance to programme communication teams.
Make viable recommendations on appropriate communication for development strategies to achieve the organization’s global goals, and to support UNICEF’s mission in the country.
Provide guidance to UNICEF management and the Chief Communication for Development as they oversee, manage, lead, and facilitate the formulation and implementation of communication policy, strategy and plans of action aiming at general public and service providers through: (a) behaviour development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development programmes for positive social change.
Operational Processes and Plans
Provide expert advice, guidance and leadership in the management of operations process and plans of communication for development.
Guide major decisions and recommendations on operational strategies, guide operational processes, methodologies, approaches, and establish plans, to achieve participatory communication, social mobilization and behaviour change. Guide operational decisions on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences, technical resources required, allocation of financial resources, as well as time-frame for various activities, in support of the achievement of country programme and organizational goals.
Partnerships and Intersectoral Alliances
Initiate, guide, lead, coordinate, facilitate and support the development/ strengthening of key partnerships and intersectoral alliances.
Coordinate and collaborate with key NGO and bilateral partners and government counterparts at regional level, and support such action at country level, for promotion of partnerships and alliances in the areas of behaviour change, community participation/empowerment and social mobilization.
Promotion of Appropriate Use of Communication Social Development
Provide expert advice on appropriate use of communication and approach for social development, aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective action.
Provide expert advice, coordination and technical support to Country Offices and through them to government counterparts and other partners in the development and strategic use of communication for social development.
Support Country Office collaboration with government officials, community leaders, UN, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of programme communication goals and strategies.
Capacity Building for Sustainability
Exercise effective leadership and provide expert advice on capacity building of communication for development teams.
Oversee and advise on the development of goals, strategy, plans as well as training materials and activities to build up capacity in participatory and behaviour change communication for personnel involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of communication for development intervention, in support of programme sustainability.
Resource Mobilization and Management
Participate in the budget planning & review process, and ensure the optimal resource allocation, appropriation of allocated programme funds and the compliance with rules and regulations.
Participate in and contribute to the budget and programme review and planning process. Establish programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance.
Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds and mobilize resources; improve programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.
Oversee the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly and effectively coordinated, monitored and liquidated.
Qualifications of a Successful Candidate
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in social/behavioral sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Health Education) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research, training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication interventions. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s) in a relevant field (as identified above) in conjunction with 12 years of relevant work experience (as identified below), may be taken in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Training in communication for development and implementation in communication for development, social mobilization and behavioral change. Training in inter-disciplinary approach in programme communication.
A minimum ten (10) years of progressively, relevant professional work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including six years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
Relevant experience in related areas (as identified above) in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Preferably French or Spanish) is desirable.
Knowledge of Portuguese, or a local language of a country in the Eastern and Southern Africa region is an asset.
Competencies of a Successful Candidate
Core Values
Commitment
Diversity and Inclusion
Integrity
Core competencies
Communication – Level III
Working with People – Level III
Drive for Results – Level III
Functional Competencies
Leading and Supervising – Level I
Formulating Strategies and Concepts – Level II
Relating and Networking – Level II
Persuading and Influencing – Level II
Applying Technical Expertise – Level II
Entrepreneurial Thinking – Level II
Technical Knowledge
a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)
(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.)
Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
Knowledge of and training in strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
Knowledge of and experience in programme development and implementation in programme communication, social mobilization and behavioural change.
Knowledge of and experience in inter-disciplinary approach in programme communication with sound knowledge of UN and/or UNICEF’s work in humanitarian action.
Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management.
Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
Knowledge and understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects.
Knowledge, skills and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.
Knowledge, skills 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.
Knowledge, skills and experience to perform effectively in unstable, uncertain, or potentially dangerous environments while maintaining physical and mental health.
Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)
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
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