United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria is pleased to announce the following vacancy for suitably qualified Nigerian candidates as follows.
Cluster Consultants (Polio Communication)
Location: Taraba
Purpose of the consultancy: .
To support a cluster of high risk LGAs to develop and implement social mobilization strategies for polio and routine Immunization – during and in-between polio campaigns. It is expected that intensified household and community Engagement will contribute to a reduction in missed children and high quality polio campaigns. The consultants will also support the LGA Teams and supervise a number of LGA consultants on their day to day polio and other supplemental immunization activities, aiming to achieve results in the short term and in close coordination with the Partners in immunization activities.
Major Tasks to be accomplished:
To work with a cluster of high risk LGA/Ward teams to ensure deeper ward analysis, planning and Implementation of strategic communications interventions and be responsible for basic monitoring. The specific communication interventions to be implemented in each ward will be informed by local knowledge and Unique characteristics of the wards.
To support development of a LGA Social Mobilization Action Plans for SIAs and mop-ups targeting high risk Wards In the high risk LGAs within the State.
To facilitate, in coordination with UNICEF Field offices and State International Consultants, the effective use of UNICEF social mobilization funds (channeled through the Government departments) at the State, LGA and Ward levels for SIAs.
To support training of State/LGA/Ward staff and Vaccination personnel in social mobilization activities, including Interpersonal communications.
To advocate with LGA/Ward policy makers, religious and traditional leadership for support for the implementation of polio campaign activities and routine immunization.
To participate in the Planning and Implementation of Media and Communication activities and work with Media groups and networks for coordinating UNICEF supported programmes during SNIDs.
To work directly and collaborate with the Traditional leaders at the district and ward level for increased community Participation and OPV acceptance to reduce missed children during campaigns.
To design and implement group-specific strategies to reach hard to reach, nomadic and minority groups at the LGA, district and ward levels.
To participate in the State/LGA social mobilization committees within their cluster of LGAs and provide direct
action-advocacy support for addressing issues related to refusal, resistance and rejection at the ward level
To participate in State/LGA/Ward NID management team activities geared toward successful implementation of SIAs.
To collect data at the LGA, district and ward levels and analyze data for specific trends (patterns of non- compliance, poor coverage, dropouts, left-outs etc., and undertake coordinated action to facilitate the process of reaching such communities/households.
To coordinate with partners, NGOs, CBOs, Religious groups, Women’s groups and Youth groups for their Involvement and participation in Polio Eradication activities.
- To work in close collaboration with other partner agencies like WHO, ROTARY, Red Cross, etc
- Ensure strong supervision of the LGA consultants and other polio communication team members within their cluster of LGAs Within the accountability framework
- Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or related technical field preferably in communications
- At least five (5) years progressively responsible professional work experience at national and particularly international levels in programme planning, management, monitoring and evaluation in Immunization Programmes.
- Fluency in English Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
- Experience in social mobilization and communication and polio eradication campaign,lEC material
- Development, training and negotiation skills and team building.
- Current knowledge of development issues, strategies as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation
- Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills
- Managerial and supervisory skills
- Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills
- Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office application
- Demonstration of ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working
- Relationships both within and outside the organization.