Youth Social and Behaviour Change Assistant (Demand generation)

Contract

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

UNICEF Cameroon has experienced strong growth across all demand generation strategies in the past 2 years with the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF Cameroon is seeking to recruit an exceptional Demand Generation UNV to spearhead UNICEF’s continued growth on SBC, and reach the bold targets set by the organization and Cameroon Government for SBC response. The Demand generation UNV will have the proven skills to contribute to the implementation of the demand generation strategy to achieve key results for children (KRC) : Immunization (KRC 1), Prevention of Stunting (KRC 2), Access to education (KRC 3), Improved Learning Outcomes (KRC 4), Protection from violence (KRC 5), Child Marriage (KRC 6), Birth Registration (KRC 7) and Ending Open Defecation (KRC 8)

Specifically, this position will ensure Cameroon SBC strategy facilitates increased engagement and participation from targeted groups, as well as ensuring better utilization of services available to achieve key results for children.

Under the direct supervision of SBC- Community Engagement Officer, the National UN Youth Volunteer will: • Learn and support to design SBCC strategies for demand generation: Under the guidance of the SBC-UNICEF and Programme Section guidelines, the SBC UNV demand generation learn and supports the design, management and facilitation of the implementation of Social and Behaviour Change Communication strategy and action plans targeting the general public and service providers through: (a) behavioral development/change at the individual/household level; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development programs for positive social change. • Support the production of Program Communication Materials: In collaboration with partners, the SBC UNV Demand generation supports the organization of formative research, development, pre-testing, and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient program delivery, including facilitating behavior change where appropriate. • Learning and Capacity Building Support: Under the guidance of SBC Section, the UNV Youth will learn and support partners and Pragramme Section to develop materials and training activities to build capacity in participatory communication and behavior change. • Support to Coordination and collaboration with government and other partners: Support government counterparts on the development and appropriate use of social development communication aimed at both individual behavior change and collective action. Provide technical support as needed. • Support to Monitoring and Evaluation of SBC activities: Monitor and evaluate program activities based on applied SBC research and frequent visits to project sites; Disseminate SBC research findings, exchange and share experiences, lessons learned, best practices and new methods to government officials, program staff and other UNICEF partners; Contribute to the preparation of reports to donors. • Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building: Implement innovative practices and approaches and the latest technologies across multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks that are appropriate/available for the Cameroon context. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • 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. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • 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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 1 year) in planning for behavioral development communication, social mobilization, participatory communication and research. • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

Yaounde is the political capital of Cameroon and the second most populous city in the country after Douala. It is the headquarters of UN agencies, several international organizations and ambas-sades. Yaoundé is characterized by a humid and dry tropical climate with moderate temperatures during the year, high temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees C. Yaoundé is also characterized by a long wet season covering a period of 10 months between February and November. The official languages of Cameroon are English and French. Visa, passport and yellow fever vaccination card are required for entry. Other vaccines are strongly recommended.

Cameroon is a unique country and Cameroon is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.