UNICEF recruits 01 Communication for Development Specialist

DRC Ebola Response: Communication for Development Specialist (P-3 Fixed Term – 1 Year), Goma

Job Number: 523480 | Vacancy Link

Locations: Africa: Congo, Dem. Rep

Work Type : Fixed Term Appointment

For every child, make a difference

BACKGROUND

In the context of the current EVD epidemic in eastern DRC, the overall RCCE strategy is implemented through (i) community engagement and putting in place effective feedback mechanisms; (ii) promotion of preventive behaviors; (iii) communication in support of ring vaccination, surveillance, safe and dignified burials, and Ebola Treatment Centers (ETCs); and (iv) advocacy and capacity building of actors.

The communication is being conducted in an increasingly complex and difficult operational environment. The security situation is volatile, with ongoing armed attacks on communities and increased criminality. Critical contextual factors include overall mistrust of authorities, perceived ulterior motives of local politicians and unmet community needs.

In this context of prevailing insecurity and important chronic gaps in access to basic services, the focus on the implementation of biomedical procedures that are very different to what the population is used to, and the challenges to quality service delivery, seem to have had a negative impact on community’s trust towards the EVD response.

Community dissatisfaction with response has contributed significantly to reluctance and community incidents. Among the major concerns reported through the feedback mechanisms are the length of waiting for laboratory results, the fear of going to an Ebola Treatment Center (ETC), the belief that vaccination is being done to inoculate the Ebola virus, the use of security forces, and often express dissatisfaction about how response teams interact with them.

At the same time, as the Government and partners increase efforts to gather and respond to community feedback and to enhance the many forms of communication in the response, the community engagement and feedback mechanisms and the adaptation of the communication strategies and messaging to the evolving needs play an important role in reducing tension and building trust towards the response actors. Communities want to be protected from Ebola, and the response actors’ ability to seek their feedback and complaints, listen and take action in response to their concerns is critical to facilitate this.

UNICEF is co-leading the communication pillar of the response, in support to Government, and in coordination with WHO and other partners.  At the same time, the extensive field operations, the ever-changing situation and the demanding response have imposed often a reactive approach.  This is changing currently, with the consolidation of the feedback mechanisms, creation of the feedback work-group under the communication commission, arrival of the new UNICEF C4D team lead and initiation of pre-coordination meetings with partners.

In order to consolidate the achievements and increase the coordination between RCCE partners in Eastern DRC, UNICEF seeks the support of a CDC Health Communication well-qualified and experienced specialist to support the coordination.

2. PURPOSE

Support the MOH and UNICEF to strengthen coordination and partnerships and federate partners around the development of evidence-based communications strategies.

Under the guidance of the C4D Manager and in close coordination with corresponding government-led coordination platform, the staff is responsible for (A) Developing contextualized RCCE strategies, (B) Coordination and implementation of RCCE activities (C) Strengthening governmental, international and local partnerships. (D) Supervise and manage field teams.

3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASK.

Ensure that communication strategies, contents and messaging are constantly adapted to the evolving situation and are based on the community feedback.

Provide technical guidance and support to the Ebola RCCE commission and assist the government and partners with C4D expertise to improve strategic planning, monitoring and reporting.

Guide, nurture and oversee the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders, community and civil society groups, local leaders, private sector and other key participating partners in Ebola RCCE activities.

Coordinate media initiatives to ensure that people have access to critical information on Ebola, on protective behaviors and to existing feedback mechanisms, which enable radio stations to reflect on actual challenges and best practices.

Promote community dialogue strategies and approaches within communities and assure proper Interpersonal communication trainings are offered to local facilitators for these open dialogue sessions.

Engage communities (CAC, CSO, community groups, business groups, women and youth groups, special populations etc.) for stronger ownership of the Ebola challenges including addressing local resistance and surveillance issues.

Work with UNICEF sectoral partners, WASH, Child Protection, Education, Health and Nutrition, to incorporate and integrate their normative guidance and activities into the RCCE interventions.

Initiate and guide the evaluation of capacity gaps and needs of trainers.

Help in the monitoring of the different elements of the communications strategy and coordinate with partners and the government-led president of the communications commission to collect data and feedback to monitor progress of C4D/Ebola response.

Ensure exchange of information and documentation of good practices.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Advanced university degree in behavioural and/or social sciences (anthropology, sociology, psychology, social development, etc.) or public health. Understanding of – or training in – current developments in the field of communication for development theory and research, participatory processes, media; as also strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation. A relevant 1st University Degree in one of the above sciences, with more qualifying experience, may also be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

At least 5 years of solid work experience in C4D, of which at least 3 years in emergency contexts or dealing with emergency issues.

Proven experience in coordinating and/or facilitating multi-agency C4D preparedness and response in emergencies. Experience in emergency response to outbreaks (Ebola, Cholera, etc.) or understanding of outbreak/risk communications and dealing with the media is an asset

Knowledge of and experience in the social, political and economic environment of West and Central Africa will be an asset

Fluency in French. Knowledge of English an asset.

5. CORE COMPETENCIES

 Core Values:

Diversity and Inclusion

Integrity

Commitment

 Core Competencies

Communication

Working with People

Drive for Results

Functional Competencies

Leading and Supervising

Adapting and responding to change

Planning and Organizing

Formulating Strategies and Concepts

Relating and Networking

6. WORKING CONDITIONS

Post is based in Goma, DRC. Regular travel will be required for field and partner visits to health zones with needing technical and team support, depending on evolution of the epidemic. The main coordination bases are presently in Beni and Mabolako (Mangina health zones.  Transportation and security to and from these areas will be strictly controlled, monitored and managed by the specialized UN, UNICEF and security regulations.  All travel of UNICEF staff must be authorized and planned by security commission.

Please note: depending on the location, certain security conditions, rules and regulations may apply. Staff member is expected to be adequately briefed on safety measures to reduce personal risks to infection.

 For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.

Opening Date Thu Jun 27 2019 09:00:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest) W. Central Africa Standard Time

Closing Date Sun Jul 07 2019 23:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)