Social and Community Listening (I HEAR U) Specialist

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support the scale-up and implementation of I HEAR U platform in UNICEF.

You have:

• Experience at the national and/or international level in the management and monitoring of development projects related to Social and Behaviour Change and/or the use of Digital/Technology based platforms.
• Experience in coordinating multi-regional/multi-country initiatives in developing countries is required.
• Experience in managing, scale and monitoring of digital platforms;
• Experience in data analysis for programming interventions and/or community engagement.
• Experience in designing, planning, and implementing digital engagement initiatives based on evidence and participation mechanisms;
• Experience in managing multi-faceted projects/activities operating between several levels of implementation (Global, regional, country level), preparing and managing project timelines and plans;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Content Management Systems, various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members and authorities at different levels;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is a core change strategy within UNICEF’s mandate to advance the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. SBC programming places communities at the centre, focusing on social and behavioural drivers that shape positive outcomes for children, families and communities to advance SDGs. This emphasis on community engagement and local ownership was elevated in UNICEF’s Strategy Plan 2022-25, placing critical importance on evidence-based, adaptive approaches to achieving social change.

Within this framework, Social and Community Listening (SCL) is closely linked with Misinformation Management and has become an essential capability for UNICEF’s teams. Social and Community listening is a continuous process of monitoring, collecting, and analyzing data emerging from views, perceptions and opinions of the public conversation and debate, both online and offline, including identifying trends, social norms, myths, rumors, misinformation and disinformation. When applied effectively, SCL strengthens UNICEF’s ability to prevent the harmful impacts of mis-and-disinformation, correct false beliefs, tailor behavioural interventions to community needs and support timely, accurate and credible communication.

In response to growing demand, during 2023 and 2024, UNICEF Regional Office South Asia (ROSA) Social and Behaviour Change developed an open-access, near real-time social listening platform that utilizes AI to categorize data and provide insights, called I-HEAR-U.

Now transitioning into a global good, I HEAR U enables Country Offices (COs) across regions to track and monitor the ‘listening’: see the trends, sentiment and shifts, track misinformation and disinformation, identify influencers and emerging topics or conversations of concern to inform programming across health, immunization, child protection, gender, social cohesion and accountability to affected populations.

This UN Volunteer assignment is part of the Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) unit within UNICEF’s Programme Group, where the UNV will play a key role in supporting the scale-up, utilization and implementation of I HEAR U, strengthening country-level capacity, facilitating effective use of insights in programming and contributing of social and community listening as a structured, practical and impactful function across UNICEF.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the I HEAR U Manager and SBC Digital Engagement Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), and in close collaboration with all SBC team members in HQ, COs and programme sections, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support the scale-up and continuous improvement of I HEAR U as a core UNICEF Social and Community Listening platform.

a. Support the rollout, adoption and scale-up of i HEAR U across UNICEF Country Offices, ensuring its use is aligned with SBC and UNICEF programming priorities and contributes to evidence-informed decision making at scale.

b. Provide coordination and implementation support to onboard Country Office and Regional Office teams.

c. Support the documentation and consolidation of user feedback, functional needs and operational challenges from Country Offices and Regional Offices (ROs), ensuring these are clearly synthesized and shared with relevant internal stakeholders and technical vendors to inform improvements, strategic positioning and learning agendas of SCL and I HEAR U.

d. Assist with the coordination of I HEAR U related support requests and follow-up, helping to ensure timely responses and smooth day-to-day use of the platform in collaboration with relevant teams and vendors.

2. Support the strengthening of capacity building, reporting and use of Social and Community Listening insights.

a. Support the development and dissemination of practical tools, guidance, training materials and learning resources to build CO capacity on SCL and effective use of I HEAR U.

b. Support the production of regular analytical SCL outputs, such as thematic, ad hoc, campaign, emergency and regular reports that synthesize trends, perceptions, misinformation, narratives and emerging issues.

3. Promote knowledge exchange, documentation and visibility of I HEAR U.

a. Support the facilitate knowledge exchange across HQ, Regional Office and Country Office teams by supporting communities of practice, coordination calls and peer-learning sessions focused on I HEAR U applications.

b. Support coordination with relevant internal teams to ensure I HEAR U continues to respond to operational needs.

c. Support the preparation of launch events, demo sessions and other learning and promotion products for I HEAR U

d. Contribute to the promotion and visibility of I HEAR U as a global UNICEF asset by supporting internal communications, external partnerships, knowledge products and evidence.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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 host country;

• Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;

• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and client orientation, and who must be willing both to work on programmatic/substantive aspects and to provide operational/logistical services.

Core Values:

• Care

• Respect

• Integrity

• Trust

• Accountability

• Sustainability

Core competencies

• Builds and maintains partnerships

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

• Innovates and embraces changes

• Drive to achieve results for impact

• Manages ambiguity and complexity

• Thinks and acts strategically

• Works collaboratively with others

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The following qualifications are required:

• Experience at the national and/or international level in the management and monitoring of development projects related to Social and Behaviour Change and/or the use of Digital/Technology based platforms.

• Experience in coordinating multi-regional/multi-country initiatives in developing countries is required.

• Experience in managing, scale and monitoring of digital platforms;

• Experience in data analysis for programming interventions and/or community engagement.

• Experience in designing, planning, and implementing digital engagement initiatives based on evidence and participation mechanisms;

• Experience in managing multi-faceted projects/activities operating between several levels of implementation (Global, regional, country level), preparing and managing project timelines and plans;

• Experience with project management, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity development approaches;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Content Management Systems, various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members and authorities at different levels;

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Excellent ability to quickly grasp and synthesize inputs;

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge:

• Experience with UNICEF, UN or other international development organizations.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;

• Experience in strategic planning and monitoring financial resources;

• Ability to demonstrate drive, initiative and be proactive. Demonstrate strong attention to detail and to problem solve;

• Have affinity with or interest in promoting children’s rights to survival, protection and development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

a) Geographic situation

Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. And is located on Spain’s eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, right in the centre of the Gulf of Valencia. It is situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, a stretch of water which has gradually forged the city's character over the centuries.

b) Climate, weather and clothing

Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17ºC with warm summers and mild winters. The temperature in Valencia rarely falls below 10ºC and there is only light rainfall mainly in autumn and the beginning of spring.

c) Other Remarks

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service.

For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos)

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 3713 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org