Job Openings at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund

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 following positions below:

1.) Social & Behavior Change Specialist, Polio, P3

Job no: 580052
Job Location: Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: P-3
Categories: Social and Behavior Change

Purpose Of the Assignment

• Under the general guidance of the Polio SBC Manager - and in close collaboration with national Polio Team lead the incumbent will be working as a member of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), and they will be deployed to polio outbreak states as a member of the Management Support Team (MST) according to the outbreak SOPs.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the design, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of behavior change and social mobilization activities in support of the National Polio Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) , with a specific focus on support to areas of SBC, Advocacy, communication, Social mobilization for polio eradication and for generating demand for and uptake of immunization services and will work on other health interventions as needed.

Major Responsibilites
Support to Polio Outbreak response SBC strategy design and development:

• Supporting the development of Polio outbreak response SBC strategy and activities includes the assessment of qualitative and quantitative information, participation in outbreak response 
• planning, review and preparation of high-quality educational materials, and collaboration with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Support the development of workplan and budget to implement consequential geographies approach at country level, including synergies within the health section, and other sections (e.g., Primary health care and routine immunization interventions)
• Lead the design and development of a package of SBC interventions, including support VCMs (voluntary community mobilizers) activities for both campaigns and in between round activities to stop cVDPV2 circulation in Nigeria.
• Regularly support to the Field Offices on SBC matters and attend the EOC meetings to contribute National ACSM working group in planning and decision-making process.
• SBC outbreak response activities and communication materials: Supporting the implementation of SBC outbreak response activities by providing support to the Field office team and partners during the response phase, verifying the technical quality, consistency, and relevancy of communications materials, recommending appropriate multiple media formats, and contributing to the implementation of SBC advocacy activities.

Implementation of SBCC activities:

• Ensure timely implementation and funds disbursement of SBC activities at national and sub-national level.
• Collaborate with, advise and/or consult GPEI partners to design SBC strategies to respond to an outbreak of polio, including formulation, production and testing materials to organize SBCC events and activities to ensure engagement and participation of key audiences, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change, including in humanitarian response.
• Confirm/verify the technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications strategies, including materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audiences (e.g. individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc). Recommend appropriate multiple media formats (e.g. print, digital/social media, TV/Radio, Web, community networks, etc.). Oversee the production and implementation of multi-media initiatives for compliance with targets and plans that integrate the latest evidence.
• Carry out SBC advocacy activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc.
• Support polio outbreak response and immunization efforts assessments and implementation of their recommendations.
• Support and lead when needed proposal writing and mobilization of resources to ensure SBCC and UNICEF polio response are fully funded.

Advocacy, networking, and partnership building:

• Identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners
• Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance SBC outreach including in humanitarian contexts.
• Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency (UNCT; National UN Social and Behavioral Change Communication Roundtable) discussions and planning to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues in the GPEI, the GAVI and all immunization related planning and preparation of SBCC advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives including emergencies.

Communication and Media Engagement:

• Develop the communication strategy for polio and other immunization programmes considering key communication practices
• Contribute to the development of the crisis communication, misinformation strategies and implementation plans in the outbreak countries which encompasses supporting the crisis communication assessment as well as development and implementation of the national crisis communication and misinformation management strategies.
• Establish and operationalize crisis communication mechanisms, including the development of SOPs and designation of spokespersons, to ensure a coordinated and effective response during Crisis with the support of HQ/RO and National EOC.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree in Social and Behavioral Change Communication, Public Health,  or other social/behavioral sciences or community health area (Health promotion, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education, Bio-medical sciences, public health) or related area, with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research.
• A minimum of seven years progressively responsible work experience in public or community health and Social and Behavioral Change Communication, the planning and management of social communication programmes, including in immunization/polio.
• Background in public health and strong management skills would be highly considered.
• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, digital communication, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
• Knowledge of inter-disciplinary approach in programme development and implementation in behavior and social change communication, social mobilization and behavioral change.
• Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management. 
• Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
• Computer knowledge, skills and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications and various office applications.
• Fluency in English is required. 
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Application Closing Date: 21st February, 2025; West Central Africa Standard Time

Click here to apply online

2.) National Consultant - To Contribute to the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in 12 UNICEF Assisted States of Nigeria, Abuja Nigeria, 9 Months.

Job no: 579994
Job Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract type: Consultant
Level: Consultancy
Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

Background

• Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are preventable and treatable diseases, they affect over 1.7 billion people across the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries.
• Two (2) out of every 3 Nigerians harbor at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)i. Seven of these diseases are highly prevalent and include ascariasis, hookworm infection, trichuriasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
• These diseases result primarily from poor housing and poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) provisions. 
• The conditions are perpetuated by the vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance, and disease. NTDs can lead to long-term disability that can limit the life expectancy and productivity of an individual. 
• NTDs bring about stigmatization of affected individuals; they have ruined more than a billion lives. 
• NTDs affect families’ ability to earn income because of debility, the diseases reduce self-worth and confidence due to stigma, and some women lose their marriages when affected by some NTDs like genital Schistosomiasis, Leprosy, and Elephantiasis.
• Whole communities become infected since most of the diseases are communicable. Local populations can become impoverished due to endemic NTDs. NTDs have huge impact on economies because of their devastating impact on health, long-term disabilities, and stigma, which can result in mental health challenges.

Rationale

• In view of the importance of providing a focused and frequent field support to the FMoH and twelve states supported by UNICEF in the NTDs elimination efforts, the services of an independent national consultant with local expertise, knowledge and understanding of NTD issues in Nigeria and its linkages with WASH is required. 
• The support to the twelve states requires expert technical support of a parasitologist. The assignment requires carrying out multiple activities concurrently and needs ample time and travel to achieve objectives as the program covers 12 states. 
• The assignment will also involve documentation and support for epidemiological reviews of UNICEF’s technical support to NTDs elimination in Nigeria.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment
How can you make a difference? 

• UNICEF is seeking a qualified consultant to implement activities that will consolidate the gains of NTD elimination activities carried out in the previous years and follow up on recommendations and the strategic objectives, as contained in the WHO 2021 – 2030 NTD Roadmap and the Nigeria NTD Masterplan 2023-2027.
• The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support to field-level coordination with partners which is essential to achieve and maintain optimal treatment coverage for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). 
• This coordination support will involve planning and facilitating monthly meetings at the state and zonal level to review activity implementation, track progress and provide recommendations for improvement as required. 
• A key output of this coordination support will include supporting states to achieve at least 80% therapeutic coverage and 100% geographic coverage in all supported states. 
• Additionally, epidemiological and entomological evaluations need to be conducted in 40 selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) where prescribed treatment coverage has been maintained for the required number of years for onchocerciasis (15 years) and lymphatic filariasis (5 years).

Scope of Work

• The National Consultant is expected to provide technical support to Federal and State Ministries of Health, NTDs Unit of State Primary Health Care Development Boards, Water Resources, Ministries of Environment, WASH institutional structures, and other relevant stakeholders involved in NTDs elimination and WASH program, and directly report to the WASH Officer (WASH in Institutions).
• With guidance from the supervisor (WASH Officer) and the WASH Manager, in close collaboration with sector stakeholders, the following are the key assignments of the consultancy:
  • Provide an Inception Report detailing the approach to the assignment and associated timelines for completion, in consultation with the supervisor and other WASH section staff, especially in the Bauchi, Enugu, Lagos and Kaduna Field Offices.
  • Facilitate local ownership and resource mobilization in collaboration with policy and decision-makers, including traditional rulers, professional bodies, private sector individuals and corporate organizations, etc. to generate resources in support of NTDs elimination.
  • Provide technical coordination for the implementation of the WASH/NTD guidelines in collaboration with FMoH, WASH NTDs steering committee and the non-governmental development organizations involved in NTDs elimination programme.
  • Coordinate non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) coordination and planning meetings and make technical presentations to influence efficient technical decision making.
  • Provide technical support in the planning and field coordination for Epidemiological and Entomological evaluation and LF assessments in selected states as indicated by the National Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee (NOEC) recommendations.

Work Assignment/ Overflow
Task/Milestone: 

• Produce a detailed work plan for the consultancy and inception report.

Deliverable Outputs: 

• Inception Report including detailed work plan outlining the specific deliverables, strategies, activities, timeline and expected outputs is submitted to the supervisor.

Task/Milestone: 

• Facilitate local ownership and resource mobilization in collaboration with policy and decision-makers, including traditional rulers, professional bodies, private sector individuals, corporate organizations, etc. to generate resources in support of NTDs elimination.

Deliverable Outputs:

• Itinerary of advocacy visits to the endemic states including key issues and messages for each state, stakeholders targeted and expected result.
• Comprehensive reports of each state and advocacy activity that highlights the issues of concern, the specific commitments of the duty bearers to address the issues with specific timeline, and plan for follow-up to ensure that the planned actions are taken on time.
• At least 6 states are responding positively in addressing the relevant issues (funding, coordination of interventions, suitable storage facilities

Task/Milestone:

• Provide technical coordination for implementing the WASH/NTD guidelines in collaboration with FMoH, the WASH NTD steering committee, and the non-governmental development organizations involved in the NTD elimination programme.

Deliverable Outputs:

• Finalized WASH/NTDs guidelines with the foreword signed by at least the Director of Public Health and launched to serve as the Government of Nigeria strategy for rapid elimination of the NTDs. 
• A plan for the inclusion of WASH interventions, especially sanitation and hygiene into the work plans of the NGDOs in their states of operations is facilitated by the NTDs Unit, in collaboration with the RUWASSAs. 
• Documentation of the implementation of WASH/NTDs Guidelines by the NGDOs in collaboration with the FMoH in at least 36 LGAs across the 12 UNICEF supported states.

Task/Milestone:

• Coordinate with other NGDOs in affected states to implement treatment for onchocerciasis elimination as recommended by NOEC, including pre-, in, and end-process monitoring of MAM activities in the supported states.

Deliverable Outputs:

• Comprehensive schedule for MAM in the respective states shared by March 20, 2025. Report of achievements against MAM targets in UNICEF-supported states for 2025 (targets: realize 100% geographic and 80% and 65% therapeutic coverage for Oncho and LF treatment respectively). 
• Assessment report on ‘Effective reporting of treatment data and reverse logistics’ by implementing partners for medicines accountability and early reporting of treatment data.

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An Advanced University Degree in Parasitology or Public Health or any other specialist field related to Health and WASH.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in National and subnational work in WASH/NTD implementation.
• Experience with facilitation, research, and consultations.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the national and state level policy, institutional, regulatory, and legal frameworks for NTDs.
• Evidence of solid knowledge of stakeholder in the country, in particular national institutions, ministries, departments, and agencies in Health and WASH sectors.
• Willingness to travel to rural and semi-urban areas of the country.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset. 
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). To view our competency framework, please visit? here.

Application Closing Date: 19th February, 2025; West Central Africa Standard Time.

Click here to apply online

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 
• Applicants must submit their financial and technical proposals along with this application. Applications without these will not be considered. Use this form to provide your financial proposal. Click Here To Download All-Inclusive Financial Proposal Form-Current.docx

3.) Social & Behavior Change Data Specialist, Polio

Job no: 580024
Job Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: P-3
Categories: Social and Behavior Change

Background

• Polio eradication is a corporate priority for UNICEF globally. Although there are only two remaining countries where polio is still endemic, unfortunately, the number and scale of polio outbreaks has continued to exceed expectations. 
• Although Nigeria was certified Wild Polio Virus (WPV) free in 2020, the country is currently facing an unprecedented outbreak of Circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus Type 2 (cVDPV2). By Dec  2024  Nigeria has reported a total of 116  cVDPV2 cases. 
• To contain the outbreak, Nigeria has and will continue to implement an aggressive schedule of outbreak response activities in 2025 requiring substantive support by Government and partners. 
• UNICEF is committed to continue working on polio eradication until the goal is reached globally. The Top Priority of 2025 for Polio Eradication is to stop the cVDPV circulation from Nigeria by June 2025 .
• UNICEF has been supporting the Government of Nigeria in its polio outbreak responses as the lead social and behavior change partner as well as in vaccine management support.  UNICEF Nigeria is managing more than 18,500 Volunteer Community Mobilisers (VCMs) across 12 polio high risk states to promote polio vaccination during outbreak response and improve routine immunization,. 
• UNICEF is a key member of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), assigning key staff to the NEOC’s Strategic and Advocacy, Communication Social Mobilization (ACSM) Working Groups and the logistic working group, as well as being a permanent member of the strategy group.

Purpose Of Assignment
How can you make a difference?

• The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) seeks to ensure that future generations of children will be free from the threat of polio paralysis. Achieving this goal depends on ensuring rapid and effective responses to poliovirus outbreaks in polio-free countries.  
• Polio eradication continues to be an organizational priority and, like COVID-19, is a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The number of outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) has far exceeded global expectations in recent years.
• To provide continued support to the Nigeria outbreak response and preparedness, UNICEF is seeking to recruit a Social and Behavior Change (SBC) -Data Specialist to ensure UNICEF’s accountability during any polio outbreak is best managed as a critical component of the global outbreak Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). With increasing outbreaks and the need to implement a timely response in multiple contexts. 

Major Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Polio team lead and in coordination with Deputy GPEI Coordinator, the staff will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Build capacity of the national and state teams on data collection, analysis, and interpretation for polio SBC, gender, and misinformation management impacting outbreak response. This includes the development/update of tools and guidance, technical assistance, in-country training.
• Analyze available pre-campaign, campaign, and post-campaign data for consequential geographies and other states in alignment with the global templates and including vaccine management data;
• Design tools and guidance for gender assessments in outbreak and build the capacity of the national and state on gender assessment.
• Compile and coordinate key performance indicators for SBC.

Expected Output:

• A systematic process, guidance document, and tools developed to analyze social data from consequential geographies (Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara) and other priority states
• Tools and guidance developed for gender assessments during polio outbreaks
• Training package developed for analyzing social data in polio outbreaks
• Polio SBC surge support in country (focusing on consequential geographies) are trained on social data management for SBC
• VCM engaged in the OB response have capacities to timely report, prevent, and eventually address critical misinformation, rumors, and information gaps to ensure higher quality communication interventions before, during, and after the polio outbreak response
• Management and analysis of VCM data
• Data analysis reports for SIAs
• Quarterly KPI reports
• Monthly report of activities summarizing key outcomes (end of each month)

Expected results:

• Updated tools and guidance developed for the analysis of social data related to outbreak response
• Gender assessment tools and guidance developed available to country office
• SIA analysis reports available for campaigns conducted.
• One comprehensive training module for data management for polio outbreak response focuses on analyzing social data from various sources.
• SBC Dashboards set up

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master's) in Computer Science, Statistics or Social Sciences.
• A minimum of five years progressively working in Information management, analytics, data visualization, Statistics or M&E preferably in a public health setting.
• Experience working with Open Data Kit (ODK)
• Advance knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with SQL, ArcGIS/QGIS/Open Street mapping
• Knowledge of Python and a front-end development framework.
• Familiarity with Kibana, Power BI or Tableau.
• Working experience in UN or other international development organizations
• Familiarity with emergency responses is considered as a strong asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

For every Child, you demonstrate

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Builds and maintains partnerships (2)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (2)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (2)
• Innovates and embraces change (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
• Thinks and acts strategically (2)
• Works collaboratively with others (2)
• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2). 

Application Closing Date: 20th February, 2025; West Central Africa Standard Time

Click here to apply online