Chief Communication for Development, P-4, Fixed Term, Yaounde Cameroon #96672.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a chance in life!

UNICEF has been working in Cameroon since 1975 in order to allow women and children to fully realize their rights to development without restriction, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF provides financials and technical support to Cameroon across seven areas in an effort to fully realize the rights of women and children. These areas include Health, HIV/AIDS, Water-sanitation-Hygiene, nutrition, education, child protection and social inclusion. UNICEF focuses mainly on children and the most vulnerable and excluded families. Cameroon 2020 population is estimated at 26,545,863 people according to UN data. The population is young and generates strong socioeconomic demand. In rural areas, limited access to basic social services and effects of climate changes lead to household impoverishment and severe child deprivations. The task is immense but not insurmountable; it requires the energy of all stakeholders in Cameroon and out of Cameroon: also, women, men, youth and children, government, technical and financial partners, donors, civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, communities. Everyone is invited to take part in the struggle to meet the challenges that lie ahead. It is together that we will act for Cameroon, a country which summarizes the challenges and hopes of Africa

How can you make a difference?

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Programme communication strategy and plan of action strategically developed and formulated, and the implementation effectively managed, facilitated and executed for social and behavioral change in support of efficient and effective programme delivery.

2. Culturally relevant programme communication materials designed, pre-tested, and produced timely, meeting requirements and quality standards.

3. Strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society developed and enhanced for promotion of participation in social and behavioral changes supportive of programme goals.

4. Effective training materials and activities organized, developed and implemented to build capacity in participatory and behavior communication at various government levels.

5. Technical support effectively provided with government counterparts in the development and effective use of communication for social development.

6. Monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and preparation of reports timely and properly undertaken. Findings, experiences, lessons learned, best practices and new methods effectively shared with government officials, programme staff, and other partners.

7. Budget properly planned, monitored and controlled, ensuring allocated funds optimally appropriated.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

Programme communication programme strategy, plan and implementation for behavioral change

Designs, manages, and facilitates the implementation of programme communication strategy, plan of action and activities for strategic communication and promotion for social and behavioral change in support of country programme delivery.

•   In collaboration with UNICEF management and decision makers and planners of government, donor organizations and the private sector, the Communication for Development Specialist and Officers.

designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of communication policy, strategy and plans of action aiming at general public and service providers through: (a) behavior 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.

• Makes viable recommendations on operational strategies in the areas of participatory communication, social mobilization and behavior change and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences.

Programme communication materials

Organizes the research, development, pre-testing, and production of culturally relevant communication materials.

•    In collaboration with partners, the Communication for Development Chief organizes and manages the formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behavior change, where necessary.

•    Supports the UNICEF global communications objectives and strategies through development of complementary country specific and local community materials.

•    Ensures the quality, consistency and appropriateness of communication materials that are developed, produced, and disseminated to local communities, government officials, other partners and the press.

Partnerships for social mobilization

Develops and enhances strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society for promotion of participation in social and behavioral changes supportive of programme goals.

•    Develops partnerships with various religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on country programme goals and to solicit their involvement in the implementation of the country programme.

•    Promotes a better understanding of children's and women's issues by assisting in or managing a country level behavior change and social mobilization strategy supportive of effective and efficient programme delivery.

•    Promotes and influences behavior development/change at individual/ household levels, social mobilization of civil society organizations and increased community participation in development programmes.

Capacity building support

Develops training materials and activities to build capacity for participatory and behavior change communication.

•    Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory and behavior change communication for personnel who are involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programme communication intervention, in support of programme sustainability.

Coordination and collaboration with government and partners.

Provides effective coordination and technical support to government counterparts and other partners in the development and strategic use of communication for social development.

•   Coordinates with government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of communication

for social development aimed at both individual behavior change and collective action. Provide technical support as required.

•   Collaborates 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.

Monitoring and evaluation

Monitor and evaluate programme activities and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports. Exchange findings, experiences, lessons learned and new methods with partners.

•   Monitors and evaluates programme activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites.

•   Analyzes and evaluates data to ensure compliance and achievement of objectives and recommend corrective action, when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives.  Prepares monitoring and evaluation reports in accordance with the established guidelines, methods and procedures. Provides technical advice to programme staff, government officials and other counterparts, and coordinates and manages the evaluative elements of country programme milestone meetings, such as mid-term reviews, strategy meetings, previews and reviews and annual reviews.

•   Disseminates communication research findings, ensures exchanges and sharing of experience, lessons learned, best practices, and new methods to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.

 Budget planning and management of program funds

Participate in the budget planning and ensure the compliance and the optimal appropriation of allocated programme funds.

•   Participates in and contributes to the budget and programme review and planning. Establishes programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance. 

•   Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated.

•   Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Improves programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

•  
1. Education

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

2. Work Experience

•   Minimum eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.

3. Language Proficiency 

•     Fluency in English and French

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people

    Technical Knowledge

Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job) [  ]

•   Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research, and evaluation of communication interventions.

•   Knowledge of inter-disciplinary approach in programme development and implementation in programme communication, social mobilization, and behavioral change.

•   Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management. 

•   Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.

•   Knowledge of training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication intervention.

•   Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.

•   Knowledge 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.

•   Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.

     b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group) [I ]

•  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

•  UN agency agreements and joint policy papers

•  Gender equality and diversity awareness

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

•   Understanding of UNICEF Mission and UNICEF Guiding Principles.

•  Understanding of UNICEF programmatic policies, goals, visions, positions, policies, priorities, strategies and approaches (MDGs, UNDAF, MTSP, etc.).

•  Understanding of Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming.  

•  Understanding of UN mission and system; and International Code of Conduct.

•  Understanding of staff welfare and rights of staff members.

•  Knowledge of emergency operations and security guidelines.

•  Understanding of international humanitarian affairs and humanitarian work.  

•  Understanding of UNICEF policies and procedures for programming, operations and  communication.

•  Latest theory, methodology, technology and tools in the functional areas.

•  Knowledge of the Programme Policy and Procedure (PPP) manual.

•  Knowledge, skills and experience in community capacity building.

•  Understanding of government policies, guidelines, legislation and strategies on various subjects

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.? Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

This is a posts requiring a higher education degree, and “UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/” Candidates are requested to upload a copy of their master’s degree.

“The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)” Female candidates are encouraged to apply.