Communication for Development (C4D) officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The main role of the Communication for Development (C4D) officer is to plan, manage, and oversee state-level implementation of Strategic Communication for development activities (C4D) designed at national level to support sectoral programmes in achieving key results in the areas of infant survival & nutrition, protection from violence, and youth development. The state C4D officer also provides technical advice and support to field offices on Annual Work Plan C4D activities.

• Provide orientation and training sessions to UNICEF field office staff and key government counterparts on design, objectives, methods, key activities, M & E plan, and all other components of Strategic Communication Initiatives. • Work with relevant UNICEF sectoral programme officers and key government partners to identify CBO, NGO, and INGO partners to support implementation of SCI activities. Assess capacity development needs in relation to implementation requirements and organize / provide coaching, mentoring, orientation, and training sessions for specific activities as required. • In collaboration with relevant UNICEF sectoral programme officers and key state partners, organize and regularly convene working groups of implementing partners for each SCI to facilitate effective co-ordination of activities within the SCI framework. • support the development of C4D activity timelines and detailed work plans, co-ordinate and oversee implementation. • Work with relevant UNICEF sectoral programme officers to ensure inclusion of C4D activities in state-level Annual Work Plans (AWPs); provide technical advice and guidance on appropriateness (viz available technical expertise / HR requirements, budgeting, methodological soundness) of any additional proposed C4D activities in the AWPs of sectoral programmes; • In close consultation with UNICEF sectoral programme officers and partners, plan, develop, and co-ordinate state-level formative activities for communication for development activities, ensuring meaningful participation by members of priority communities / groups at all stages of development as well as collection and effective use of information / data from local studies, field reports, etc; • Within the framework of each communication for development, design activities that develop meaningful roles for volunteers and that strengthen local volunteer networks and organizations (with special emphasis on youth); provide technical support for implementation of same. • Develop distribution plans for C4D materials and equipment and manage and monitor distribution of same. • Ensure effective monitoring mechanisms and activities are in place as per C4D workplans and monitor the implementation of activities by reviewing progress and identifying constraints through field visits, analysis of data, consultations with government counterparts, partners and community and UNICEF programme staff. Prepare descriptive and analytical reports; develop and deliver presentations to update field office and partners. • Participate in the design, development, pre-testing and evaluation of communication materials and activities. • Participate in C4D team meetings and trainings at national and sub-national levels • Provide technical advice and assistance to sectoral programmes in building alliances/partnerships with religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on sectoral programme goals and to solicit their involvement in the implementation of the relevant programme; • Any other related duties as assigned by supervisor

Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the Sudan; network and build relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in local volunteering initiatives; reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site; • Promote or advise local groups on the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UNV volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis; • Discuss with supervisors how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed in the assignment and integrate activities promoting volunteerism for peace and development into work plans; • Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly arriving UNV volunteers.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Activities identified by officer, C4D are implemented efficiently, timely, and responsibly. • A wide range of partnerships and stakeholders are formed, nurtured, and consulted with regularly. • A commitment towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, and active mobilization of community volunteers where possible.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

• Five years practical professional work experience in social development, preferably in the areas of participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, behavior change and community empowerment; • At least two years’ experience of working at community level • Sensitivity to issues of gender, class, race and disability; community participation and social inclusion • Knowledge of indigenous media, community organization and participation, and community capacity building • Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management. • Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications. • Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The volunteer will be based in Kassala