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.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope

UNICEF has been achieving important progress on education, child rights, nutrition, and WASH in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Challenges remain, though, andin spite ofits vast physical size and limitless natural resources,the DRCposes a complex operational environment in terms of infrastructurechallenges. Childpoverty is widespread,and according to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years oldfaceat least two major deprivations.Join our team andhelp tackle these issues, makingsure every child has a champion.

UNICEF will continue to help inDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)to respond to the needs of children throughout the country with a continuum of services to help children survive and grow to their full potential through the followingprogrammes:Health,Nutrition,Water, Sanitation and Hygiene,Basic Education, andChild protection.

Join our team andhelp tackle these issues, makingsure every child has a champion.

For more on our work in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC), please visit our website:https://www.unicef.org/drcongo/en

How can you make a difference?

The Chief Communications for Development reports to the Deputy-Representative for general guidance and direction. S/He is responsible for developing systematic, planned and evidence-based strategies and approaches for C4D, and to assure that the section is positioned as an integral component of the overall country program. It aims to achieve measurable behavioral and social change at individual, household and community levels, contribute to effective coordination of partners and civil society organizations, assure youth and women participation and empowerment, and implement community engagement standards. The section will have a cross-sectorial approach, with specific attention to Child Survival and Development, Child Protection, Education, and Gender Equality both in development and humanitarian contexts.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1) Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities

• Conduct, participate and manage a comprehensive C4D situational analysis that considers social, cultural, communication, economic and political influences. Assess and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to establish comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the C4D component of the Country Program.
• Participate in country program planning and reviews to determine and discuss the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior, etc), ensure successful and sustainable delivery of program results and provide technical advice on evidence-based approaches, strategies and plans of action for C4D.
• Provide strategic and operational guidance for more effective urban interventions based on research on urban social networks, sources of information, and influences.
• Contribute to strengthening the position of C4D results in key Nexus approaches as well as strategic documents (both internal programming documents and national policies/operational strategies) and lead cross-sectorial initiatives on community engagement and Community-based Approaches.
• Develop and build capacities both internally and externally (government counterparts, other implementing partners) with a focus on rights-based, nexus strategies, and measurable C4D interventions in support of program sustainability.
• Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of C4D activities, including in humanitarian response.
• Develop, implement and monitor the annual work plan of the C4D section and provide support and guidance to the team to ensure objectives are met. This entails the identification of human resource requirements, performance planning, and monitoring of the use of C4D's resources. Also supportin leveraging adequate resources (HR and funding) for C4D to ensure that expected results can be met.

2) Implementation of C4D activities

• Collaborate with, advise and consult partners to design evidence-based strategies and formulate, produce and test materials and organize C4D events and activities to ensure community engagement and participation, maximum outreach, upscale, and impact on behavioral and social change. Confirm/approve the technical quality, consistency, and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to the key audiences (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media, etc). Recommend and select appropriate multiple media and communication formats and platforms (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web, etc.). Manage the production and implementation of multi-media initiatives for compliance with targets and plans.
• Carry out C4D advocacy activities with a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage and promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self-determinationand participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral and cultural change to achieve sustainable program results on children and women’s rights, equity and wellbeing. Develop/select materials and other communication tools for C4D events.
• Identify, establish and maintain active interaction/relations with media, academia, research and implementing organizations and other strategic partners and networks to communicate and advocate for UNICEF’s competencies and achievements to also ensure their engagement, interests, and support in promoting social and political engagement for political action on children’s rights.
• Conduct and participate in evaluation exercises, including country program previews, meetings and mid-term/annual reviews to assess and report on the efficacy of C4D outcomes on UNICEF and CO Strategic Plans and Goals. Take timely action to ensure the achievement of results as planned and allocated. Integrate/disseminate lessons learned in development planning and improvements and assure documentation for evidence-based C4D strategies and plans.

3) Technical and operational support

• Collaborate with internal CO and RO colleagues to provide expert advice on the development of evidence-based strategies, approaches, policies and the planning of C4D social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of programs and project implementation and delivery of results.
• Participate in CO strategic discussions to collaborate on policy and agenda setting for C4D advocacy and investments and related external relations and resource mobilization initiatives.
• Participate in budget planning and management of program funds and submit financial plans for C4D initiatives. Approve the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.
• Ensure that strategic planning processes, sectoral and cross-sectoral C4D strategies, partner’s C4D strategies and other relevant processes conform to the evidence-based quality and technical standards as defined by UNICEF’s program guidance.

4) Advocacy, networking and partnership building

• Identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners, e.g. academia; research and implementing organizations; media and communication networks; celebrities, journalist, media, all sectors/levels of (socially aware) society and critical audience to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities for C4D advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity, and inclusiveness.
• Collaborate with internal, regional and global communication partners to harmonize, link and coordinate strategies including the use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance C4D outreach and impact.
• Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency discussions and collaborate in the planning and preparation of C4D advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives including emergencies.

5) Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms for C4D that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience. Including non-technology-based innovations.
• Engage in evidence generation and research initiatives such as U-Report, Rapid Pro and otherplatforms that may contribute to improved evidence in C4D practice and influence national and local policies and investments in C4D for sustainable results.
• Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge with partners and stakeholders to build the capacity of practitioners, local networks, and government partners.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders (government and non-government) in evidence-based C4D planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Establish, document, expand and maintain a network of national staff and experts to share experiences, case studies and data to ensure that lessons learned from successful C4D strategies are disseminated, applied and upscaled.

6) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
• Knowledge of inter-disciplinary approach in program development and implementation in behavior and social change communication, social mobilization and behavioral change.
• Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management and familiarity with SOPs related to emergency response to outbreaks.
• Knowledge of and skills in behavior and social change communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Knowledge of training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication intervention.
• Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training, including the development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.
• Knowledge and experience in the methods of communication to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form and to listen to and acknowledges others' perspectives and views.
• Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications, and various office applications.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness. Knowledge of good management, advocacy, and visual presentation skills.
• Effective facilitation skills for workshop planning and facilitation.
• Understanding of useful M&E tools and action research methodologies for assessing and documentation procedures

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social and behavioral science (sociology, anthropology, psychology andhealtheducation)with emphasis on participatorycommunication, community development, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, and training and impact evaluation of communication interventions.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience inareas of social development program planning, communications and public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization, some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required.
• Practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and French (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication (III), Working with People (II), and Drive for Results (II).

The functional competencies required for this post are:

• Leading and supervising (III)
• Formulating strategies/concepts (III)
• Analyzing - Level (III)
• Relating and networking (III)
• Persuading and influencing (III)
• Entrepreneurial thinking (III)

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 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.

Remarks:

* 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.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receivingan 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 offer of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.