WASH Specialist (Communication and Engagement), NOC, Beirut, Lebanon (Fixed Term Post#110633)

For every child, access

The WASH Specialist will provide technical and operational support in the development of a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for the Communication and Engagement component of UNICEF WASH programme in support to the Ministry of Energy and Water and Water Establishments as an integral part of program development, planning and implementation to promote measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization through communication, engagement, empowerment and participation of stakeholders, partners constituents, communities and civil society to achieve successful and sustainable concrete (program/project) results on children’s rights, survival and wellbeing in the country.

How can you make a difference?

Support to strategy design and development of Communication and Engagement Plan  for the Water Establishments

In coordination with UNICEF C4D section and Communication section, conduct and/or participate in comprehensive situation analysis of social, cultural, economic and political issues in the country/region related to the relationship between the customers and the Water Establishments, 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 Communication and Engagement component of the WASH Section in support to the Ministry of Energy and Water and the Water Establishments.

Participate in country program planning and reviews to contribute to discussions on the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g. policies, cultural/social behavior etc) to ensure the successful and sustainable delivery of program results and provide technical recommendations on approaches, strategies and plans of action for UNICEF WASH programme and the Water Establishments to promote behavioral and social change.

Prepare or provide quality assurance on materials and related documentations for the Communication and Engagement Plan and strategies (as a component of the WASH programme and/or UNDAF Programs) to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.

Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of the Communication and Engagement Plan with UNICEF WASH programme, CO global communications and advocacy activities and UN System development activities and initiatives at the CO level.

Implementation of Communication and Engagement activities

Collaborate with, advise and/or consult internal partners and external partners to design or update the Communication and Engagement plan and strategies for the Water Establishment, including formulation, production and testing materials and/or to organize Communication events and activities to ensure engagement and participation of key audiences, and 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 audience (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.

Provide technical guidance to Communication Officers embedded in the Water Establishment to carry out Communication and Engagement 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 program results on children and women’s rights, equity and wellbeing. Develop/select materials and other communication tools for Communication events.

Identify, establish and maintain active interaction/relations with media, academia and other strategic partners to communicate/advocate UNICEF’s or Water Establishments 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 exercises, including country program previews, meetings and mid-term/annual reviews to assess/report on efficacy/outcome of Communication and Engagement on UNICEF WASH programme and CO Strategic Plans/Goals. 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 (especially C4D and Communication Section), RO and/or RO colleagues to contribute to the development of strategies, approaches, policies and the planning of social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of WASH Communication and Engagement Plan implementation and delivery of results.

Participate in CO strategic discussions to collaborate on policy and agenda setting for advocacy and investments related to the Communication and Engagement Plan and related external relations and resource mobilization initiatives.

Participate in budget planning and management of program funds and prepare financial plan for any initiatives related to the Communication and Engagement Plan. 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

Advocate to the Ministry of Energy and Water to include and prioritize in the global WASH strategy a software component on community mobilization and awareness that will bring sustainability to investments and respond to UNICEF WASH mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.

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 advocacy to promote the Ministry of Energy and Water and the Water Establishments.

Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging and use of multiple media and communication platforms to enhance the Communication and Engagement Plan outreach.

Participate in organizational and/or inter-agency (UNCT; National UN Communication for Development Roundtable) discussions and planning to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues in the UNDAF planning and preparation of advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives related to support to the Ministry of Energy and Water and Water Establishments.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Implement innovative practices, approaches and latest technology on multiple media and social/digital platforms and networks for the Communication and Engagement Plan that are appropriate/available for the 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 Communication and community engagement planning, implementation and evaluation in support of programs/projects

Bridge between humanitarian and development community engagement

Lead the development and coordination of community engagement for humanitarian assistance conducted by UNICEF WASH programme.

Liaise with Communications Section on visibility and external communications and be the focal point for WASH section with Communications Section.

Support on the development of community engagement programme

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social and behavioral science, sociology, communication, public relations or other related social science field is required.
*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 7 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas of social development program planning, communication, communications and development, public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in related areas in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.

Experience on communication work of the MENA region is a strong asset.  Past experience in working with the Lebanese Government and especially the Ministry of Energy and Water and Water Establishments is an asset. 

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 core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The competencies required for this post are:

Communication (III)

Working with people (II)

Drive for results (II)

Leading and supervising (I)

Formulating strategies/concepts (II)

Relating and networking (II)

Persuading and influencing (II)

Applying technical expertise (II)

Entrepreneurial thinking (II)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.