GENERIC Job Description: Polio Program Communication Specialist, [P 4]
2010
Polio Communication for Development Training Specialist (SSA)
The purpose of this announcement is to attract suitable candidates to be included in
UNICEF’s Polio Consultant Roster. The roster is a confidential database used only by
UNICEF managers to identify candidates to deploy to countries on short-term assignments.
This is not a regular vacancy announcement but rather an outreach campaign to attract
candidates interested in short-term consultancies and continued engagement with UNICEF
for polio eradication.
Candidates with suitable qualifications will be placed on the roster to be considered for
consultancies worldwide. In case of a consultant vacancy in any of the UNICEF programme
countries, selected candidates will receive e-mail queries of interest and availability from
UNICEF Polio Unit.
If you are a training expert in communications and social mobilization and are passionate about
making a lasting difference for children, UNICEF would like to hear from you.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is the largest public health initiative in history
and has achieved 99% reduction of polio cases since the World Health Assembly declared
eradication a global health goal in 1988.
As a key partner in the effort to eradicate Polio, UNICEF has the lead role in communicating to
families and communities about the importance of taking the oral polio vaccine to prevent polio.
If you are a creative and experienced communications trainer, and are interested in applying your
skills towards an inspiring, dynamic and results-oriented programme, the world's leading
children's rights organization needs your help to eradicate polio by 2012.
I. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the close guidance of the Chief of Health/Polio and in collaboration with polio eradication
partners and government programme officers, the consultant will have responsibilities that could
include:

Guide the development and implementation of learning needs assessments of front line
communication workers, including design of research methodologies and oversight of
data collection and analysis required to inform the design and assess the impact of the
capacity development strategy.

Coordinate and support the development of an appropriate capacity development strategy
for frontline workers conducting social mobilization and interpersonal communication for
community engagement, including developing appropriate content, modules and
methodologies for a communication, social mobilization, advocacy and media skills, and
other areas according to the needs of the programme. Lead the systematic implementation
and roll-out of training activities identified in the capacity development strategy.

Coordinate the implementation of alternative capacity development initiatives, which
could include elements beyond trainings, such as mentorship, coaching, stretch
assignments, etc. and ensure there are mechanisms in place to recognize talent, capture
innovations, and scale up high performance among the front line communication and
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May 2010
GENERIC Job Description: Polio Program Communication Specialist, [P 4]

2010
social mobilization workforce.
Provide technical support to partners and government counterparts in the development of
appropriate training methodologies aimed at all frontline workers in polio eradication and
routine immunization programmes.
II. WORKING CONDITIONS
Duty stations worldwide. The consultancy will be office based, with frequent travel within the
country and occasional international assignments.
III. QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
A. EDUCATION
Advanced university degree in the social sciences, (Communication, Education, Human
Resource Management, Health Education) with practical training components.
B. WORK EXPERIENCE
Five to eight years progressively responsible work experience in the planning and
managing training and human resource capacity development programmes, including
demonstrated experience in facilitation skills, working with community level staff in a
developing country context and, the adaptation and application of communication skills
and training methodologies to specific programmes.
C. LANGUAGE
Fluency in English required. Fluency in French or Portuguese is considered an additional
strength.
D. COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of current developments in the fields of adult learning theory, human
resource management, facilitation skills, motivational psychology, community
organization and participatory approaches to capacity development.

Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation.

Ability to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and
methodologies.

Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.

Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
IV. Applications
Your application should include 1) CV (English) and 2) cover letter.
Please send your
application via email to Ms. Lisa Wong, LSYWONG@unicef.org, with “Polio C4D Training
Specialist” in the subject heading. Application deadline is 30 November 2011.
Note: If you are interested in other UNICEF opportunities, please visit
www.unicef.org/about/employ to create an applicant profile, and to search/review/apply to
vacancies of interest.
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