Current Vacancies at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, 23rd May, 2019


The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) - For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. 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. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:     Job Title: Communication for Development Specialist (NERICC), NOC Job Number: 522512 Location: Abuja-Nigeria Work Type: Temporary Appointment How can you make a difference?

  • Under the general guidance of the C4D Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the coordination of communication working group to accelerate demand generation approaches and strategies at National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordinating Centre (NERICC) spearheaded by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to promote awareness, understanding, support and social mobilization plans that support advocacy and community engagement as well as community empowerment and behaviour change as key components of the country programmes in Nigeria in line with the rolling work plan with the Federal Ministry of Health and NPHCDA.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
  • The holder incumbent will be expected to provide technical support to NERICC activities related to social mobilization, demand generation and related functions.
Strategic Direction & Coordination:
  • Support NERICC to determine strategic directions for communication for development (advocacy, social mobilization, community engagement and behaviour change technical working groups) team and ensure the strategies are in line with Nigeria Country Programme Document (CPD) as well as the Rolling Work Plan (RWP) to achieve Routine Immunization coverage targeted in NSIPS.
  • Make viable recommendations and decisions on appropriate communication for development strategies to achieve the NERICC's goals and objectives, and to support UNICEF's mission in the country.
  • Coordinate different fora mainly GAVI sub groups for demand generation, BMGF MOU states community engagement working groups, polio communication groups.
  • To provide expert advice and assistance to the NERICC team by attending several task teams including core group on attitude and behaviour change modalities that contribute to changing mindsets and are culturally sensitive and tailored to generate demand for routine immunization (RI) services.
Demand Generation:
  • Ensure that NERICC task groups are supported to develop plans and activities to increase demand for RI services
  • Develop, maintain and update the C4D strategy for NERICC with approaches, plans and activities geared towards increasing demand for RI and other primary health care (PHC) services.
  • The strategy should be founded on sound evidence based on studies with clear objectives, approaches, plans, activities, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
  • Ensure approaches used is all inclusive, consultative and participatory to carry along all stakeholders.
Promotion of Appropriate use of Communication for Social Development:
  • Provide advice on appropriate use of communication and approach for social development, aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective action as well as policy advice.
  • Provide expert advice, coordination and technical support to government counterparts and other partners in the development and strategic use of communication for social development to ensure optimum leverage and impact of communication activities on programme, policy and advocacy activities.
  • Collaborate with the Federal Government officials, NPHCDA, community leaders, other UN bodies, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of NERICC's communication goals and strategies.
  • Jointly with other UNICEF and government officers, designs and manages/facilitates the implementation of communication plans of action aiming at: (a) behaviour development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; (c) increased community participation in RI and PHC; and (d) policy issues that require advocacy to impact RI and PHC uptake.
  • Support state teams to design and implement strategies for hard to reach, nomadic and minority groups at the LGA and ward levels, informed by the equity analysis and aligned with coverage and equity plans.
  • Monitors and evaluates activities on the basis of applied targeted communication research and frequent visits to project sites. Disseminates communication research findings, ensures exchanges of experience and new methods to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.
Capacity Building for Sustainability:
  • Provide advice on capacity building of communication for development teams, both within NPHCDA and among counterparts.
  • Oversee and advise on the development of goals, strategy, approaches, plans as well as training materials and activities to build up capacity in participatory and behaviour change communication for personnel involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of communication for development intervention, in support of RI and PHC.
Resource Mobilization and Management:
  • Participate in the budget planning & review process, and ensure the optimal resources from UNICEF and other partners towards C4D initiatives to support NERICC
  • Establish programme work plans, allocation of resources, and monitors progress and compliance.
  • Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds and mobilize resources; improve programme efficiency, quality and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Oversee the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly and effectively coordinated, monitored and liquidated.
Requirements Education:
  • Advanced University degree in the Social/Behavioural Sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Health Education) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for behaviour development, social mobilization, and participatory communication, and research, training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication interventions.
  • Training in communication for development and implementation in communication for development, social mobilization and behavioral change. Training in inter-disciplinary approach in programme communication.
Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years relevant professional work experience in the planning and management of social development programmes, including 2 years in with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English and another UN language. Local working language of the duty station an asset
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 Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply     Job Title: Planning Specialist (Front Office), P3 Job Number: 522500 Location: Abuja-Nigeria Work Type : Fixed Term Appointment How can you make a difference? Within the limits of delegated authority, under direct supervision of the Representative, the staff member will:
  • Provide planning, coordination, management and monitoring support to the Office of the Representative by following up on key corporate responsibilities;
  • Support the Representative, members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) including Programme Coordination, Operations and Field Operations, and the Country Management Team in the monitoring of key programmatic and management processes and results and support the efficient and effective functioning of the Nigeria Country Office. Ensure the effective functioning of the office of the Representative;
  • Efficiently manages the high volume work of the Representative's office and other SMT members by proactively and strategically establishing priorities, monitoring and tracking priority actions and key decisions, and coordinating and guiding the work of others. Coordinates the Representative's activities, with a view to striking the right balance among competing demands and priorities;
  • Maintain efficient and smooth liaison with the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ) and keep them timely informed of issues under the responsibility of the Representative. Coordinate actions and liaise with the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator's Office and other UN agencies when needed.
Summary of Key Functions/Accountabilities
  • In close consultation with section and field office chiefs, undertake and/or coordinate research and consultations to prepare substantive position papers, documentation on programmes, etc. to situate UNICEF's work in the country. Summarize and analyze information obtained and when necessary clarifies information from technical focal points.
  • Support the representative in the review, oversight and support towards the implementation of UNICEF overall programmes, advocacy and outreach.
  • Coordinate's the Representative's office in all critical aspects of work in close collaboration with the Deputy Representative and the Chief of Operations and Chief of Field Operations. Develops, introduces and maintains work flows and tools to streamline the high volume of work of the representative's office and to enable proactive and strategic identification of priority actions. Prioritize issues for the representative including planning, coordination and quality assurance.
  • Keep abreast of the main issues facing the Nigeria country office, identify internal and external issues that require the Representative's attention, and assist in formulating options as to how those matters might be handled. Ensure appropriate follow-up as directed. Maintain records and track the status of the Representative's action items.
  • Secretariat and coordinator of the SMT and Country Office Management Team (CMT), responsible for monitoring of actions and the follow-up mechanisms. Participate in meetings with task teams and external visitors as requested by the representative. Prepare summaries, conclusions and action points on such meetings, as requested. Coordinates and /or monitors follow-up actions.
  • Oversee and ensure the smooth flow of relevant information within the office of Representative and to RO and HQ through daily consultations with the Representative.
  • Ensure timely preparation of substantive materials in consultation with relevant sections and field offices, including background papers, speeches and briefing notes for meetings with Governments, senior UN Agency and NGO personnel, the diplomatic corps, as well as internal, inter-agency and donor meetings and missions, participate in such travel and meetings as required, reporting on outcomes and following up on actions decided, within given deadlines. . . Request, collate and consolidate inputs for relevant reports and briefing notes. Organize and draft responses and provide editorial and substantive input as necessary in correspondence submitted for the signature of the Representative. Finalize and provide quality assurance.
  • Support the development, effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of the Country Programme Management Plan and Annual Management Plan. Assist the Representative and other Senior Managers in ensuring that the office complies with the preparation and implementation of key internal management documents and exercises, such as the CPMP, AMPs, PBR, and Management Retreats.
Requirements Education:
  • An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
  • A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience:
  • A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in either programme management, planning, monitoring or evaluation is required.
  • Developing country work experience is highly desirable.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
  • Knowledge of one other UN working language and working language of the duty station, an asset.
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 Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply   Application Deadline 6th June, 2019.     Job Title: Health Specialist, NO-3 Job Number: 522499 Location: Abuja Work Type: Fixed Term Appointment For every child, a future
  • The Health Specialist supports the development and preparation of the health programme and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the programme progress of a sector of the health programme (e.g. gender, maternal, neonatal, child survival/development) within the country programme.
  • The Health Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), organizational Strategic Plans and goals, standards of performance, and accountability framework, while ensuring synergy with information systems and service delivery at the community level.
How can you make a difference? Support to programme development and planning:
  • Establish specific programme goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities and competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
  • Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.
  • Support/contribute to the preparation/design and conduct/update of situation analysis for the sector/s to establish a strategic plan for development, design and management of health related programmes. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
  • Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of health programmes. Formulate, design and prepare a sector of the health programme proposal, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, the Country Programme, as well as coherence/integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies, and national priorities, plans and competencies.
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results:
  • Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in health programmes.
  • Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
  • Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
  • Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
  • Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
  • Prepare regular/mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
Technical and operational support to programme implementation:
  • Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices and approaches on health-related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results.
  • Participate in discussions with national partners, clients and stakeholders to promote health and development issues, especially in the areas of gender, emergency preparedness, maternal and neonatal health, and child survival and development.
  • Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and consideration.
  • Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for programme development, contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated.
Networking and partnership building:
  • Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders, as well as global partners, allies, donors, and academia. Through active networking, advocacy and effective communication, build capacity and exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the achievement of programme goals on child rights, social justice and equity.
  • Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for health programmes (maternal, neonatal and child survival and development).
  • Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on health-related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of health programmes/projects, ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting.
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:
  • Apply/introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
  • Keep abreast and conduct research to provide evidence for implementation of best and cutting edge practices in health.
  • Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
  • Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health related programmes/projects.
Requirements Education:
  • An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Public Health/Nutrition, Pediatric Health, Family Health, Health Research, Global/International Health, Health Policy and/or Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Socio-Medical, Health Education, Epidemiology, or another relevant technical field.
Experience:
  • A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness.
  • Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
  • Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.
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. Competencies required for this post are: Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply   Application Deadline 30th May, 2019   Note
  • 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.
  • Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.