Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Sudan
Closing date:
21 Jan 2020UNICEF 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.
For every child,www.unicef.org
Sudan, surrounded by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and South Sudan, positioned next to East, West, South and North Africa, is surrounded by complex conflicts in an unpredictable, volatile and rapidly evolving region. Sudan is by size the third biggest country in Africa, with a diverse population of around 42 million people. Sudan’s children make up half of the total population, and the past two decades have seen their lives significantly improve: fewer girls and boys are dying before their fifth birthday, primary school attendance is increasing, immunization coverage is high and the country remains polio free. Still, millions of children continue to suffer from protracted conflict in Darfur, the Kordofans, and Blue Nile, from seasonal natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and from under-investment in basic social services. More than three million of Sudan’s school aged children are not in the classroom. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of the post:
The C4D Strategic Plan, as a Country Programme, is particularly relevant and in many cases, essential to development programmes as they seek the achievement of the MDGs and the broader realization of the rights of children and women in Sudan. The Programme provides caregivers and community members with the essential information needed in helping to develop the skills and self confidence that they require to make informed decisions on issues that affect their lives and their children’s well-being. It uses research and consultative processes to promote human rights, mobilise leadership in society, influence attitudes and support the behaviours of those who have an impact on the well-being of children, women, their families and communities.Â
Building on UNICEF’s guiding principles and based on the human rights based approach to programming (HRBAP), particularly the rights to information, communication and participation enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (Articles 12, 13 and 17), The C4D Strategic Plan, as a Country Programme, addresses the following activities:
Facilitating enabling environments to build the self-esteem and confidence of care providers and children.Creating spaces for plurality of voices and narratives of children and their communitiesFocusing on process of dialogue between children, adolescents, community members and services providersEnsuring the active and meaningful participation of children, adolescents and youthPromoting gender equality and social inclusion in the C4D planning and implementation processEngaging all community members in discussions about positive norms for a better future of the children in SudanReflecting the principles of inclusion, self-determination, participation and respectLinking community perspectives and voices with the sub-national and national policy dialogueStarting early and addressing the WHOLE child, including the cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual aspects.Ensuring that children and adolescents are reflected as agents of change and as a primary participant groupSpecific Detailed tasks and reporting line;
Under the general supervision of the Chief Communication for Development, the incumbent will perform the following tasks;
Design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic communication initiatives, programme interventions.Guide the communication component of emergencies preparedness and response.Provide technical support in the planning and implementation of special events and campaigns for high-impact sustainable social and behavior change communication programming. Provide guidance to programmesections as well as government ministries agencies and departments; media, community groups, community leaders, partners and with civil society for promotion of evidence-based social and behaviour change communication initiatives and interventions.
Contribute to the design and development of evidence-based strategic communication interventions including research activities at community level, monitors implementation and participates in analysis, report-writing, and dissemination of results.Manage Community Platforms and facilitate their activitiesCoordinate the C4D Task Activities and Community Voice ( Early Warning System)Lead the C4D preparedness and response to all emergencies.Work with different UNICEF sections and their line ministries in an integrated mannerLead the development of communication strategies for campaigns and events, strategic plans and produce concept notes, activity guidelines as well as TORs.ÂDevelop presentations and share information with partners and programme sectors. In addition, Coordinate meetings and events.Undertake field visits to UNICEF supported project sites to support monitoring of effectiveness, efficacy, impact and sustainability of project activities, the use of UNICEF inputs (cash, supplies and technical assistance) and assesses local conditions and resources.Communicate with local counterpart authorities (federal, state and local government institutions, local authorities, local and international NGOs, CBOs) on feasibility and effectiveness of C4D interventions, including the flow of supply and non-supply assistance.ÂFollow up on programme implementation activities and prepare progress reports.ÂConduct monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities of ongoing projects with various counterparts.Facilitates alliance building/partnerships and participation of organized groups in the community including religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists and civil society organizations in the implementation and delivery to scale of the country programme strategic interventions.Assist in the preparation of training modules and support capacity building of government and NGO/CBO counterparts. This includes on job coaching and mentoring of counter parts on issues regarding strategic communication theory, skills and social norms as well asdevelopment of strategies, tools and activities.Contribute to the development of training materials and facilitates training sessions as requiredContribute to the development of communication tools and materials to support strategic initiatives, campaigns and special events. In addition, identify needs and review draft materials as well as assisting in planning and monitoring of pre-testing exercises.Collect and analyze data and drafts relevant sections reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc., the consultants shall undertake the following key tasks in the state:
Provide technical support for social mobilization, prevention interventions and emergency response in the state according to the C4D Strategy and Work Plan.Develop and implement C4D strategies to support government counterparts, CBOs, FBOs and NGOs.In collaboration with POs at field level, revise, provide technical C4D guidance within the development of PDs; ensure that national C4D priorities and indicators properly addressed.Assist in developing the capacity of the national government staff, NGO, media and innovative youth and adolescents to contribute in achieving behavioral results successfully.Map, assess the existing C4D groups and implementing partners to develop strategic communication for development intervention.Support State ministry of health to develop and sustain regular C4D task force meetings as well as messages technical review committeesConduct regular monitoring visits to routine and emergencies C4D programs including radio and community engagement activities with special focus for the established or activated youth, adolescent, fathers and mothers groups, to assess technical needs, motivate, coach and document.Coordinate and collaborate with the technical companies contracted for the development of the innovative tools and approaches of C4D.Contribute to surveys, researches and assessments to better understand drivers of certain behaviors as well as to measure the impact of behavior change interventions.Provide C4D technical support for the development of long-term and strategic prevention interventions in the state.Provide guidance on the identification of groups including identifiable youth groups, traditional/folk communication groups and other non-traditional partners for engagement as agents of change on messaging for C4D initiatives (Alshuffa communication initiative)Contribute in the development of the IEC materials, ensure the availability of adequate communication support materials at the community/camp levels and ensure that these materials are accessible with end users, as well as gather audience feedback on materials for further adjustment and modification.Undertake advocacy and engagement with authorities and community leaders on issues that will facilitate adoption of positive childcare practices and ensure safety of women and children.Support partnership with relevant State Ministries in the promotion of various communication initiatives (for instance, with the state Ministry of Education (SMoE) to facilitate engagement of school teachers and students in Alshuffa communication initiative activities).Provide technical support and guidance for implementation of Alshuffaa Communication Initiative Phase Two led by state Ministry of health as well as strategic partners; Alshuffaa Steering Committee members including state radio to facilitate community engagement on the key family practices.Support and review the partnership agreement with local NGO that lead the community engagement component as well as ensure that Implementing Partner acquires the capacity to deliver.Lead documentation of all activities including photo and video coverage, news coverage and Human-Interest stories.Draft programme instruments (consultant ToRs, PCAs, etc.) to procure required technical and operational capacity for programme implementation as well as following up on this task
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Qualification or specialized knowledge/experience/expertise required for the assignment:
University Degree in a Social Sciences, Public or Environmental Health, or any technical field related to UNICEF's Communication for Development framework.A minimum of three years' experience, which should be in Communication for Development at community level. More than 3 years of relevant experience will be considered an asset.Experience working in emergencies in refugee and IDPs settings in Sudan.Evidence of work with UN or other development or multi-lateral agencies in Communication for Behaviour and Social Change, hygiene promotion, community engagement or social mobilization.Ability to work with tight deadlines, take initiative, be pro-active and work in a multi-cultural environment.Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency programmes.Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic or a local language is an asset.Good communication and advocacy skills and an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with the skills of developing good peer relationships.Analytical, monitoring, decision-making and teamwork skillsComputer skills including various office applications.The ideal candidate should must also have the following attributes:
Ability to work in a high pressure environment, responding to urgent emerging needs in timely and quality manner.Flexibility to travel frequently in short notice when needed.For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
View our competency framework at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
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 organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=528964