Vacancy announcement - Communication for Development Officer, NOB, Lucknow

Contract

This is a NO-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-2 contracts.

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.

Click here to learn more about what makes us proud working for UNICEF!

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. Our workplace policies promote flexible work arrangements, to support all staff in maintaining a healthy life balance, both in and out of the office.

We are the first United Nations agency to be awarded the EDGE certification – the leading global standard for gender equality in the workplace.

For more information on UNICEF EDGE Certification, kindly view the video here.

For Every Child, AN ADVOCATE

In an effort to measurably improve UNICEF's ability to deliver better results for children, there is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

Purpose of Assignment & Justification:

COVID-19 was declared a ‘pandemic’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) in early March 2020. Globally, extraordinary measures are being adopted to combat the formidable spread of the ongoing outbreak. Under such conditions, people's adherence to preventive measures is greatly affected by their awareness of the disease. Equitable access to safe and effective vaccines is critical to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uttar Pradesh is among the states lying towards the bottom of the Covid-19 vaccination table in terms of population coverage. The exponential rise in COVID 19 cases in the second wave in 2021, exacerbated by COVID in appropriate behavior and misinformation, including vaccine hesitancy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invest in mitigating the effect of the pandemic by dissemination of correct information on COVID appropriate behaviour and importance of vaccination including providing support in vaccination registration process. This is coupled with adverse effect of pandemic on the routine immunization, HBNC, AMB and WASH services which are under risk and there is urgent need to stimulate demand by promoting ‘health facility confidence’ among the eligible populations.

Under the overall supervision of the C4D, Specialist (NOC), the C4D-NOB (TA) position will particularly contribute (up-to 70%) to Covid response (demand generation for Covid vaccination, CAB+) while aiming following:

• Social & Behaviour Change Communication to maximize coverage and impact of Covid-direct and Covid-sensitive programmes including institutionalizing community engagement in particular reference to RCCE for Covid-19 ;
• Strengthen existing capacities of state and district officials/program officers in particular reference to youth and SHG engagement for achieving cross-cutting results with focus on RCCE i.e., Vaccination, CAB, MPSS (Mental and Psycho-social Support) and life skills.
• Institutionalizing an inter-departmental CoE for SBCC within health department and revitalizing social mobilization and community engagement work in 18 divisions through better inter-department coordination and networking between line departments (Health, Youth, DWCD-ICDS and SRLM), development partners, CBOs and NGOs

Uttar Pradesh, with population of over 210 million, is a battleground state. The positions of 1 NOC (C4D Specialist) and 1 NOB (C4D Officer) is approved as per 2018-2022 CP. The NOB Officer is on special assignment with MoH&FW since Nov 2020- as a part of UNICEF support to Ministry in Covid-19.

This 1-year arrangement of NOB (TA) will help mitigating programmatic and reputational risk. Programmatically, there is very high intensity in Covid vaccination in the state. The vaccine hesitancy challenges have been found quite significant. According to formative research done in Jan 2021, only 20% population was aware of two doses of vaccine, more than 80% of the respondents were willing to accept it but only 52% believe that vaccine is safe, adding to it, the in-person interviews informed that people were having hesitancy due to fear of side effects previously seen in vaccination, fatalist attitude, lack of trust in efficacy, adverse media reporting and many more. To make it worse, the women and socio-economically marginalized would face extra layers of barriers in vaccination. A most recent study offers similar trends in which 25% west UP respondents are not willing to vaccinate and within them 56% cite one or the other strong behavioural barriers. As per vaccination MIS, the coverage of women and marginalized communities has been found lagging behind. This continued threat of Covid-19 has added multiple layers of vulnerability to infants, children, adolescents, pregnant/lactating women and others.

UP office needs a full team (NOC + NOB) to respond fully to these challenges. NOB-TA with defined staff functions will enable the office and C4D section in UP to holistically respond to dynamic situations. With this position in place mainly for implementation of RCCE, the C4D Specialist (NOC) would be able to optimally respond to several other challenges in C4D programming such as nutrition, ECCD, WASH, Ending child marriage, education etc.

Given the criticality of Covid-19 (direct and sensitive) response, UNICEF as a trusted partner with Government and other UN agencies, has a high stake and it is urgent to bolster the C4D team at the soonest to avoid any reputational risk

Major duties and responsibilities

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The SM will dedicate 70% time to Covid-direct & sensitive tasks while rendering below:

• Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities
• Support to implementation of C4D activities
• Technical and operational support
• Advocacy, networking and partnership building
• Knowledge management and capacity building

Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities:

• Research and/or participate in conducting comprehensive C4D situation analysis of social, communication, cultural, economic and political issues in the state with particular focus on Covid-19 vaccination and CAB+. Collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the C4D component of the Country Program of Cooperation (and UNDAF).
• Collect, synthesize, draft and/or organize materials and related documentations for evidence based C4D strategies and plans (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF Programs) to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.
• Assess, select and/or recommend appropriate information and materials for C4D initiatives verifying accuracy and quality for dissemination.
• Monitor and assess the impact of C4D strategies and activities on the CO and UNICEF goals to achieve measurable behavioral and social change resulting in the improvement of optimum protection of population from Covid-19. Submit qualitative report/synthesis of results for development planning and improvement.

Support to the implementation of C4D activities:

• Collaborate and/or consult with internal and external partners to provide operational and technical support to research, develop, and produce evidence-based strategies and test, produce and use quality C4D materials and/or organize events and activities to ensure community engagement and participation, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change .
• Provide technical, administrative and logistical support and background materials to carry out C4D strategies and activities and recommend operational strategies, approaches, plans, methods and procedures to ensure community engagement and participation, and optimum outreach and impact.
• Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources and multiple/social/digital media and tools to support maximum impact and outreach of C4D initiatives.
• Follow up and monitor the production of C4D materials to ensure technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audience (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc).
• Collect, assess and organize information for budget planning and management of program funds and prepare documentations and related materials for financial plan for C4D initiatives. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

Advocacy, networking and partnership building:

• Build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with national and international civil society organizations, community groups, leaders and other critical partners in the community and civil society to reinforce cooperation through engagement, empowerment and self-determination and to pursue opportunities for greater advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.
• Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging to enhance C4D outreach and contribution to programmatic outcomes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned/products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners/users, and disseminate products to key audiences including partners and donors.
• Support the organization, administration and implement capacity building initiatives, including partnerships with training and academic institutions, to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/partners across programme sectors in C4D planning, implementation and evaluation in support of programs/projects. Develop training materials for training activities, and revise and update them as necessary.

Impact of Results:

The efficient and effective technical, administrative and operational support provided to the development and implementation of C4D advocacy initiatives and products directly impact on the ability of UNICEF to promote social, political and economic action and changes in behaviors, social attitudes, beliefs and actions by communities, individuals and society on children’s right, survival and wellbeing. This in turn contributes to enhancing the ability of UNICEF to fulfill its mission to achieve sustainable, locally-owned and concrete results in improving the survival, development and wellbeing of children in the country. In the particular context of Covid-19 direct and sensitive services and behaviours, it will enable UNICEF to mitigate different forms of negative impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable population.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience/competencies required for the assignment:

Education:

A University Degree in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science/ international development, public policy, education, communication, public relations or other related social science field is required.

Work Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in areas of social development program planning, communications and public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required.

Languages:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Competencies

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

Core Competencies (Required) Level (I)

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness
• Works Collaboratively with others
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships
• Innovates and Embraces Change
• Thinks and Acts Strategically
• Drives to achieve impactful results
• Manages ambiguity and complexity

To view our competency framework, please click here.

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, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
• Knowledge of inter-disciplinary approach in programme development and implementation in programme communication, social mobilization and behavioural change.
• Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management.
• Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training.
• Knowledge of community capacity building.
• Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.

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

• UN agency agreements and joint policy papers

  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.

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:

• This position is based in Lucknow (India).
• Selected applicant will have an initial 364 days Temporary contract, with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.