Programme Communication Specialist (Polio), New York,USA

Post:Programme Communication Specialist (Polio), New York

UNICEF 633 3rd Avenue New York, NY (212) 497-0193
Purpose of the Position
To develop and coordinate components of UNICEF's Communication strategy for polio eradication. This will require consulting with GPEI partners and donors,
UN agencies and key players, and participating in global and regional meetings. To translate global polio Communication for Development (C4D) policy and practice guidance into cutting-edge action at country and regional levels that will accelerate communication initiatives to improve polio SIA and routine immunization coverage. To guide and facilitate country and regional programmatic communication in polio eradication and routine Immunization to contribute to convergence strategies and the polio legacy.

Key Expected Results

1. In collaboration with the UNICEF HQ and Regional Office polio and EPI teams, ensures quality of activites and provides technical support to COs in strategy development, planning, monitoring and evaluation of polio eradication approaches and activities. Work to be completed through HQ / RO planning support and visits to country programmes. End Result(s): Country polio C4D programmes meet global standards for performance and outcomes

2. In collaboration with partners, Regional and Country Offices, translate UNICEF's global leadership role and responsibilities in the GPEI into developing risk assessments, setting objectives and articulating innovative strategies to reach underserved/ hard-to-reach groups, to foster ownership and accoutability and to monitor and evaluate communication initiatives. End Result(s): C4D strategies established to reach underserved groups established and monitored to demonstrate their impact on reducing the spread of disease.

3. In collaboration with UNICEF programme teams, ROs, country programmes, GPEI partners and government officers, contributes to global strategic direction, guidelines and work plans through participation in technical working groups and translating policies and guidelines into operational frameworks for country level support and activities. End Result(s): UNICEF HQ work plans established in coordination with GPEI partners to improve C4D interventions to stop poliovirus transmission and to create a legacy for broader child survival efforts

4. Contribute to donor reports, funding proposals, external relations, briefs to senior management and partners and presentations on polio/RI communication for external and internal consultations End Result(s): UNICEF Sr. Management, GPEI partners and stakeholder support for GPEI and routine immunization sustained at levels necessary to interrupt global transmission

5. Assess capacity and HR gaps, and contribute to training, orientation and human resource recruitment for regional and country level polio programmes. End Result(s): UNICEF regional and country polio programmes have the technical and human resource capacity to interrupt transmission by 2015, and to implement end game strategies

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural/communication sciences (PhD/Master level) Demonstrated understanding of current developments in the field of communication for development theory and research, behavioural and social sciences, participatory planning and processes, media, strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions Technical knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and participatory research methodologies and analysis desirable Knowledge about communication interventions for polio eradication and routine immunization Eight years of experience in programme communication planning, implementation and evaluation across different cultural contexts, with at least 3 years in developing countries Proven successful experience in strategic communication processes for behaviour change and development Proven successful experience developing large-scale interventions for behaviour change/ development Experience in inter-disciplinary approaches in strategic communication with knowledge of UN and/or UNICEF's work in health and polio eradication Fluency in English.

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking. Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals. Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear. Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments. Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise. Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives. Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission.

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.
http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1368515203613
Closing Date: Tuesday, 28 May 2013