Communication for Development Specialist (C4D) , Baghdad, Iraq -International Consultant
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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
ABOUT WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity, and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. In 2021 WFP supported 652,800 people in Iraq. Through providing food for vulnerable people, skills to build futures, and enhanced social protection, WFP is helping the Government of Iraq build people’s food security and resilience. For more information, see wfp.org/countries/iraq and ar.wfp.org/countries/iraq
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
WFP Iraq Country Office is implementing a number of projects on social protection which cover evidence generation, policy advisory, improving targeting, digitalisation of social protection schemes especially the Public Distribution System (PDS), and establishment of a single registry. As part of the overall social protection reform agenda, WFP together with other partners intends to assist the Government for evidence-based recommendations and roadmap to revamp and revise targeting criteria for social protection schemes in Iraq.
JOB PURPOSE
The WFP Iraq Country Office intends to recruit a C4D Specialist 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 of social protection programmes. Through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, partners, and government counterparts, s/he aims to promote measurable behavioural and social change/mobilization. This subsequently contributes to the achievement of sustainable and concrete results in improving food security in the country, while contributing to strengthen social protection systems. The Communication for Development Specialist in Baghdad will report to the Head of the Social Protection Unit
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
1. Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities for Social Protection
2. Implementation of C4D activities
3. Technical and operational support
4. Advocacy, networking, and partnership building
5.Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Support to strategy design and development of C4D activities
- Conduct and/or participate in comprehensive C4D situation analysis of social, cultural, economic and political issues in the country, including through national/subnational working groups or committees. Assess/synthesize qualitative and quantitative information, data and evidence to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the C4D component of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP)
- Participate in country programme planning and reviews to contribute to discussions on the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior etc) to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of programme results and provide technical recommendations on approaches, strategies and plans of action for C4D to promote behavioral and social change.
Implementation of C4D activities
- Collaborate with, advise and/or consult internal partners and external partners to design C4D strategies, including formulation, production and testing materials to organize C4D events and activities to ensure engagement and participation of key audiences, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change, for social protection programmes.
- 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 C4D advocacy activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage/promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self determination and participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral and cultural change to achieve sustainable programme 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 and other strategic partners to communicate/advocate WFP’s competencies and achievements to ensure their engagement, interests and support in promoting social/political engagement for political action on children’s rights, and measurable changes in social and behavioral outcomes.
- Conduct and/or participate in M & E and Evaluation exercises, including country programme previews, meetings and mid-term/annual reviews to assess/report on efficacy/outcome of C4D for WFP CSP. Recommend timely action to ensure the achievement of results as planned and allocated. Integrate/disseminate lessons learned in development planning and improvements.
Technical and operational support
- Collaborate with internal CO colleagues to contribute to the development of strategies, approaches, policies and the planning of C4D social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of programmes/projects implementation and delivery of results, including humanitarian response.
- 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 programme funds and prepare financial plan for C4D initiatives. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.
Advocacy, networking and partnership building
- Identify, build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with strategic partners, e.g. academia; social 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 WFP mission and goals for food security and social protection.
- Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance C4D outreach including in humanitarian contexts.
- Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency discussions and planning to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues for advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
- Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks for C4D that are appropriate/available for the CO context and audience.
- Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned/products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners and disseminate these products to key audiences including donors and partners.
- Organize/implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/partners (government and non-government) in C4D planning, implementation and evaluation in support of programmes/projects including in humanitarian settings.
Other tasks and responsibilities as they emerge during the course of project implementation.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
Experience: A minimum of five years of professional work 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 an asset.
Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset.
Language: Excellent skills in the English language both spoken and written. Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Position Title: Communication for Development Specialist (C4D)
Type Of Contract: International Consultancy (CST II)
Unit/Division: Social Protection
Duty Station (City, Country): Baghdad, Iraq
Medical Plan: Medical plan for the employee only
Contract Duration: 11 months
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
Applications close on 28th November 2022
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All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
