Belarus: Communication for Social Change/Development Consultant

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1. Background and Justification:

In support of UNICEF in Belarus’ Country programme goals and communication strategy on different issues of children rights in country, there is a need to involve a Communication for Social Change Consultant to structure and streamline the Office’s work on countering negative social stereotypes and building positive social norms in the interest of child rights.

In the context of the Belarus Country Programme, Communication for Development/Social Change is integrated across sectors, including disability (including early identification and intervention, inclusive education, etc.), violence against children (including good parenting, online violence, etc.), and adolescent well-being (including healthy lifestyles, empowerment and engagement in decision-making, employment opportunities, conflict with the law, etc.).

The Communication for Social Change/ Development (C4SC/ C4D) Consultant will be accountable to provide technical and operational support for developing a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for C4D as an integral part of programme development, planning and implementation. The programme currently has several key C4SC interventions regarding issues of disability, healthy lifestyles, Justice for children (restorative justice) and promotion of safe and enabling environments (prevention of violence) that require international expertise and oversight in design, implementation and monitoring of results.

2. PURPOSE/ Objective:

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide strategic technical expertise in programming planning and implementation of key C4SC interventions on child rights, providing:

This work contributes to enhancing the ability of UNICEF to fulfill its mission to achieve sustainable, locally-owned and concrete results in improving the development and wellbeing of children in Belarus.

3. Key Tasks and DELIVERABLES:

Tasks

Deliverables

1. Technical Expertise in C4D Strategy Design

· Prepare or provide quality assurance on materials and related documentations for C4D strategies and plans

· Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology for C4D across channels

· Technical assessment and inputs to existing C4D strategies/ action plans of at least two large-scale public campaigns (disability & healthy lifestyles)

· Design of at least two C4D action plans regarding J4C/Restorative Justice & VAC

2. Implementation of C4D activities

· Collaborate with, advise and/or consult internal and external partners to design C4D strategies, including formulation, production and testing of materials.

· Work with internal and external partners to implement context-specific, people-centric and evidence-based C4D action plans and interventions following appropriate institutional approaches, methodologies and tools for maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change.

· 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.

· Collaborate with communication and programming sections on project proposal designs which include C4D components

· Action plans for information campaigns are successfully implemented and C4D interventions aimed at target populations carried out.

· Mechanisms for social mobilisation and community engagement are established and function well.

· All newly designed Programmes include quality C4D components.

· Quality assurance is done on all C4D materials and multimedia initiatives.

3. Integration of C4SC/C4D into external communication and partnership building

· Collaborate with CO communication colleagues to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance C4D outreach

· Collaborate with CO Partnership Officer

· A functioning mechanism through which coordination of C4D initiatives with national partners and NGOs is achieved and maintained for networking, information sharing, mapping of C4D interventions and material.

4. Programme Knowledge Management & Capacity Building

· Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge to build capacity of practitioners

· Organize/implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders/partners (government and non-government) in C4D planning & implementation, providing opportunities for involvement of volunteers/ young people in C4D processes

· At least 2 C4D training events implemented for partners (including volunteers) and staff

· At least 2 C4D initiatives are documented and best practice shared in the region

4. Supervision, Work Relations & Oversight

The direct supervisor of the C4SC/C4D Consultant will be the Deputy Representative with close collaboration with the Communications Specialist and inputs from UNICEF Programme Officers, who will contribute into all stages of the assignments when needed.

5. TRAVEL

Travel expenses will be covered in accordance with UNICEF DSA rates.

6. PAYMENT CONDITIONS:

Remuneration will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications. Payments will be made on a monthly basis based on progress reports in line with deliverables developed on a monthly basis and invoice.

7. UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE:

Payment of fees to the Contractor under this contractor, including each installment or periodic payment (if any), is subject to the Contractor’s full and complete performance of his or her obligations under this contract with regard to such payment to UNICEF’s satisfaction, and UNICEF’s certification to that effect.

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and that UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future. This ToR is an integral part of the contract (SSA) signed with the consultant.

8. QUALIFICATIONS OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.

Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and working knowledge of Russian required.

9. PROCESS FOR APPLICATION

Proposal from candidates should include:

1. A completed P-11 form

2. Cover letter

3. Financial Proposal

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

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.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=520787