Recruitment at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Communication Officer NOB
Job Number: 530020
Location: Maiduguri Borno,
Temporary for 364 days (Nigerian nationals only)
Work Type: Temporary Appointment
Purpose of the Post
- Under the supervision of the Chief of Field Office and in close collaboration with the Chief of Communication and Communication Specialist at the Country Office at Abuja, the incumbent will support a wide range of communication and public advocacy work focusing on the both the emergency and development programmes in northeast Nigeria, including media engagement and the preparation of external communication materials.
- This will include coordinating, networking, implementing and monitoring an advocacy and communication strategy and associated products and activities on an on-going basis with public audiences, with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for children’s and women’s rights, and support for UNICEF's mission, priorities and programmes in northeast Nigeria at local, national, regional and global levels.
How can you make a difference?
Communication and advocacy materials:
- Ensure that the production of communication products and materials is executed in a timely way and followed up to support the country office communications strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities, and resource mobilization.
Tasks include the following:
- Identify, research and develop themes for development of a range of communication materials, such as social media posts, photo blogs, human interest stories, feature stories, web stories, photographs, videos, and others.
- Draft and edit briefing notes, media advisories, press releases, human interest stories, web and social media content, and other advocacy/information materials.
- Collect and edit photographs, stories, blogs, and field diaries supplied by UNICEF staff.
- Follow up with the production of advocacy and communication materials and oversee production (e.g. quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.).
- Manage processes for contracting and working with consultants such as writers, photographers and videographers.
- Planning and executing content development visits in and outside of Maiduguri.
- Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy, as assigned.
Media Relations:
- Ensure that the Field Office has a well maintained and continually developed contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.
- This should include the national media and the international (mainly based in Lagos, through the UNICEF communications team in Lagos).
Tasks include the following:
- Develop, maintain and update media relations contact list/database.
- Establishing, documenting, reviewing and refining the process of communicating with media contacts, including press conferences and events, issuing of media materials etc.
- Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media, National Committees, NGOs, and other appropriate audiences.
- Identification, development, distribution and evaluation of variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats. Help to ensure or enhance the quality, appropriateness of country-specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages transmitted to the press, partners and public.
- Collaborate with mass media through activities such as organizing site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
- Regular monitoring of the media for risk and reputation management.
Partnerships:
- Ensure that Field Office has a well maintained and continually developed contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), whose support is essential in achieving the advocacy and communication objectives of the Nigeria Country Office communication strategy and who support and are able to actively participate in special events and activities that further the country office programme goals.
Tasks include the following:
- Develop, maintain and update partners contact list/database.
- Establish, document, review and refine the process of working collaboratively with partners, including meetings, joint projects, information sharing etc.
- Ensuring or enhancing the quality, consistency and appropriateness of communication materials, activities, processes and messages shared with partners.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of partners through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to information, supplies and equipment and through knowledge sharing.
- Monitor, evaluate and share results and findings with partners.
- Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of international media, Goodwill Ambassadors, donors, National Committee representatives and other special interest groups.
- The task includes preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements.
Resource mobilization support:
- Ensure that fundraising activities are supported by effective advocacy and communication activities. Tasks include the following:
- Mobilize communication capacity to support / facilitate the gathering of content and coverage of relevant programme efforts. Use the opportunity to identify / highlight effective programme activities and results in support of fund-raising.
- Ensure donor visibility and acknowledgment is on track both on-site and on social media platforms.
- Support progamme in meeting communication-related donor commitments.
Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
- University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations or a related field.
- A minimum of Two years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or new media.
- Background / familiarity with emergency situations is highly desirable.
- Experience of media, communities and issues in northeast Nigeria is desirable.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Strong English-language writing skills are essential. Working knowledge of the local language at the duty station is a strong asset.
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 functional competencies required for this post are; Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Relating and Networking, Persuading and Influencing, Applying Technical Expertise, Entrepreneurial Thinking,
- View our competency framework at: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
Job Title: Nutrition Specialist (Project Coordinator), NO-3
Job Number: 529793
Location: Abuja
Work Type: Temporary Appointment
Background
- The Northeast region of Nigeria has been facing protracted violent conflict due to clashes between the Nigerian military and the non-state armed groups from 2009 with Borno state as its hottest spot. With Humanitarian Emergency declared in 2016, Borno has remained central in the humanitarian crisis and the situation has remained volatile and fragile notwithstanding the modest improvement in the security and humanitarian situation, relative to the status in 2016.
- There is a high level of aid dependency and unpredictable episodes of violent attacks occur in the state especially in the northern and central-local government areas (LGAs). Coordinated humanitarian response is going on in the conflict-affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe-BAY states and UNICEF is implementing the Department for International Development (DFID) funded “Flexible, integrated and timely response to nutrition and WASH-related humanitarian needs in Borno state (FIT-Response)”.
Project
- The FIT Response project is being implemented in an integrated multisectoral approach to demonstrate result for Nutrition and WASH outcomes and UNICEF is actively collaborating with the sectors, the government and partners to respond timely by delivering an integrated package of nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions.
- The FIT project is unique as it is designed to be a need-based and flexible in approach to deliver a variable mix of packages to different locations at different times. This is enabled by evidence generated from a data-driven surveillance system which is central in the FIT Response for decision making on location, content, and duration of intervention in those locations. On this premise, the FIT response has no fixed location but responds in locations of increased or worsening nutrition and WASH situations and modifies packages or exits location with improvement and stabilization of the situation.
- Under the FIT Response also, the implementation of the INP+ Pilot in Shani is being extended from April 2019 to March 2020 to enable adequate time for a demonstration of impact during the end line survey at the end of the pilot in March 2020
- The desired impact of the project is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality related to undernutrition and poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions amongst boys and girls under five years in Borno State. The project commenced in April 2019 and over a period of 3 years, the project will deliver the following outputs:
- Government coordination – Strengthening coordination, collaboration, and advocacy among government and other relevant stakeholders; leading to effective and timely humanitarian response.
- Integrated service delivery – Improving access to integrated services at the health facilities, communities and IDP camps with gaps.
- Proactive surveillance – Strengthening monitoring and surveillance systems for early detection and timely response to increased humanitarian needs.
Key Functions, Accountabilities, and Related Duties / Tasks
Program Management and coordination for effective partnership and project implementation:
- Ensure functional leadership of the project through, Chief of sections meeting and project Steering Committee
- Coordinate Technical team of section focal persons and proactively engage in the implementation of key recommendations from the donor, the steering committee, and the technical committee
- Organize and participate in biannual state review meeting/workshop for Multisectoral Coordination Committee with State and LGA to share information, review assessments and situational analysis and discuss common issues
- Attend the state levels and national nutrition sector coordination meeting and report on FIT progress and achievements
- Harness and harmonize inputs and responses from integrating sections and respective government agencies and ministries
- Regularly track financial management with program associate for the financial status of project and section allocations and ensure participating sections are up to date and comply with their financial spending as agreed in the quarterly breakdown of budgets as well. Anticipate underspending/overspending and alert sections and Chief of nutrition on financial issues.
Support implementation and Supervision of Field team and knowledge management of the FIT Response:
- Ensure coordination of the Shani Pilot project and facilitate a comprehensive end-line survey of the INP+ pilot
- Attend quarterly TAG meetings and monthly operations meeting in Borno as the case may be
- Support surveillance team on decision making for response
- Conduct field monitoring visit to FIT Response sites and provide regular feedback and insights gained from facility and community monitoring to the project team for technical assistance and share good practices of the implementation across sections
- Support IMOs to put in place adequate practices and channels of communication and interaction between consortium members
- Support the circulation of Agenda and minutes of meetings provide regular updates on FIT Response management, project performance and provide timely alerts of key challenges
- Support information sharing and networking among project stakeholders through establishment/strengthening of knowledge exchange mechanisms, development, facilitation, and knowledge dissemination Work with communications unit to increase visibility for UNICEF and DFID through media representations, press releases, publications and branding
- Coordinate with communication colleagues the collection and documentation of lessons learned, good practices and innovations that come from monitoring the project and using the community platform.
- Develop and manage strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders and sustain dialogue, mutual learning, and engagement during all phases of the FIT Response project.
- Facilitate comprehensive end of project learning
- Complete, quality and timely reporting to donor on FIT response project implementation
- Ensure and oversee timely and quality reporting and adherence to reporting schedule and harmonized reporting templates agreed with the donor
- Provide feedback on progress, quarterly reports from the donor and the technical committee to relevant focal persons
- Oversee updating of the common project log frame if needed in consultation with donor and technical team
- Oversee consolidation of log frame filled, reviewed and updated as needed
- The above-stated responsibilities are not exhaustive, and the specialist may be required to discharge other duties and responsibilities as the needs arise based on the advice of the Chief of Section.
Requirements
Education:
- Advanced university degree (MSc / Ph.D.) in Health and Nutrition, Policy and / or Management, Public Health, Epidemiology, Management or Business Administration, or other related fields
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in program/project development and management and/or coordination of partnerships and programs. Relevant experience in health/nutrition programs and projects and in UN system agency or international NGO. Experience in humanitarian response activity management will be an added advantage
- Proven experience in effectively managing grants
- Ability to analyze, synthesize information and communicate outcomes clearly to different stakeholders
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and in a team, high-level report-writing skills
- Capacity to manage various tasks simultaneously in planning, implementing, and monitoring a complex project over an extended period.
- Experience coordinating with other organizations in the collation of information, analysis and development of recommendations.
- Ability to work in an international or multicultural environment and knowledge of DFID project management is a plus
Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in English required.
- Knowledge of the local language widely spoken in the North East region is an advantage
For every Child, you demonstrate:
Job Title: Security Officer (National Field Security Advisor), NOB
Job Number: 529843
Location: Abuja
Work Type: Temporary Appointment
How can you make a difference?
- The NFSA provides technical, operational and administrative assistance to the supervisor in support of his role as it relates to ensuring the safety and security of UNICEF personnel as well as the safeguarding of UNICEF premises, assets and resources at the duty station.
- In carrying out the below duties the incumbent is expected to follow instructions precisely and in strict compliance with supervisor's instructions and UN Security related policies, rules and procedures.
Key Function, Accountabilities and Related Duties / Tasks
Security Planning:
- Support the supervisor administratively and logistically in the planning functions related to the safety and security of UNICEF personnel as well as the safeguarding of premises, assets, and resources in accordance with UN and UNICEF Security Management Systems;
- Collect and provide the basic information required for the implementation of the UN Area Security Plan, Security Risk Management (SRM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), and other relevant policies, guidelines, and assessments;
- Prepare and share UNICEF staff significant incident reports (SIR) with UNICEF OPSCEN and the Regional Security Advisor in the absence of the CFSA;
- Support the supervisor in the development of UNICEF routine security documentation including security contingency plans such as, but not limited to, fire and evacuation plans;
- Prepare the routine security reports/returns including but not limited to Security Incident Reports (SIRs);
- Ensure that the appropriate level of confidentiality is maintained with regard to UNICEF security matters.
Safety and Security Services:
- Monitor the local security situation through local media and networks providing regular information and updates to the supervisor relative to on-going and emerging security issues in the country;
- Inform the CFSA on trends and or incidents with early warning value that could affect UNICEF personnel, assets, and operations;
- Assist the CFSA in security activities that support UNICEF staff, premises and operations for all locations where UNICEF personnel and/or eligible family members are present.
- Under the direct guidance of the supervisor, share information with UNICEF personnel that would affect their safety and security and information regarding the actions to take in the event of an emergency, including those identified in the UNICEF/UN Security Plans.
- Establish and maintain an effective and functioning Communications/Warden Systems for UNICEF and the periodic testing of these systems.
- Support the supervisor in the conduct of all security related contingency exercises particularly relating to administration, communications and logistics.
- Conduct physical security surveys of international personnel residences in accordance with the Residential Security Measures (RSM) on behalf of the CFSA as required.
- Establish and Maintain the security archive system up-to-date;
- Assist in developing and implementing SRM and ensuring that all UNICEF offices are compliant;
- Assists in Carry out security evaluations for the residences of UNICEF staff to ensure full implementation of Residence Security Measures (RSM-M);
- Act as the direct focal point for security guards in area assigned; support security guards in solving problems, report any incidents to the Field Security Advisor; authorize change of shifts, and verify attendances and/or absences of security guards;
- Providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members when required;
- Provide support in organizing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness;
- Keep track of all visiting UNICEF staff to the duty station; map UNICEF office, operations and staff residents using Google Earth and Google mapping;
- Be on call 24/7 to provide security & safety support to the Country Field Security Advisor, Chief of Field Office and UNICEF personnel in the designated duty station when required;
- Assist field staff in their security clearance requests through UNDSS Nigeria;
- Performs any other tasks and duties as directed by the CFSA.
Security Networking:
- With significant guidance from the supervisor, actively maintain official liaison with host government counterparts, local authorities responsible for security, law and order and security counterparts in the UN.
- Maintain close liaison with all Security focal points in the country and maintain of communication links with UNDSS staff and Inter-Agency Radio Room
Support in Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:
- Coordinate, as required, with UNDSS, on behalf of the CFSM, to ensure all UNICEF personnel undertake mandatory security training/briefings.
- Assist in the provision of any security related training for UNICEF personnel, particularly to ensure comprehension by those more comfortable in the local language.
Requirements
Education:
- First level university degree or equivalent, preferably in Security Risk Management, Political Science, Military Science, Law Enforcement, Law or related area.
- Substantial qualifying experience and training may be considered in lieu of the first university degree.
Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience at managerial level in security risk management
Language Requirements:
- Fluent in English and local language is required.
For every Child, you demonstrate:
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply
Application Deadline 2nd March, 2020.
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 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.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.