Sierra Leone: Communication for Development Manager, P-4, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Country: Sierra Leone
Closing date: 07 Feb 2014
Purpose of the Position:
Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, responsible for the design, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a behaviour change and social mobilization strategy in support of the country programme in Sierra Leone.
The 2015-2019 Country Programme will have a strong focus on Community-Centred Capacity Building. The Communication for Development Manager leads UNICEF`s overarching strategy to ensure active and effective engagement of communities into programme planning, implementation and monitoring to foster community development.
Key Expected Results:
In collaboration with UNICEF and government programme officers (including local councils), designs and manages/facilitates the implementation of communication plans of action aiming at: (a) behaviour development/change at the individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) Coordinate the different community based activities by programme sections in a unified Community-Centred Capacity Development approach ensuring increased community participation and ownership in development programmes.
Develops partnerships with religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, mother`s groups and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, and actively engage them in the implementation of the country programme.
Develops training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory & behaviour communication at various government levels in support of programme sustainability.
Monitors and evaluates activities on the basis of applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites. Disseminates communication research finds, ensures exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, programme staff and other UNICEF partners.
In collaboration with partners, organizes/manages the formative research, development, pre-testing and production of culturally relevant communication materials to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery, including facilitating behaviour change, where necessary.
Provides technical support to government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of communication for social development, aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective actions.
Coordinates development of the work plans for the unit and ensures objectives and targets are achieved. Supervises staff, identifies training needs and provides on-the-job training and supports fund raising.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate:
Advanced university degree in the social/behavoural sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, training and impact evaluation of communication interventions.*
Eight years of relevant work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including four years in developing countries, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
Fluency in English and another UN language. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station would be an asset.
*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
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.
How to apply:
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. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies. Applications must be received by 07 February, 2014.
Vacancy position link: https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PA...
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
