Background
The Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI) is a global partnership committed to ensuring no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome. The M&RI provides technical and financial support to countries to implement disease control activities: mass vaccination campaigns, improving routine immunization systems as well as effective disease surveillance to guide program direction. Founded originally in 2001 as the Measles Initiative, it is led by the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, UN Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Since 2001, the partnership has invested over USD $1 billion to support 88 countries, delivering 1.1 billion doses of measles vaccine. This effort has contributed to raising measles vaccination coverage to 84% globally and reducing measles deaths by 75%.
Purpose of the Consultancy Position
Under the guidance of the Senior Health Advisor in the Immunization Unit, Health Section, the consultant will be responsible for managing, coordinating and monitoring advocacy and communication activities for the Measles & Rubella Initiative in support of:
o regional measles and rubella mortality reduction and elimination goals as articulated in the Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy 2012-2020 in support of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP)
o resource mobilization needs at domestic and international level
Tasks and Deliverables to be undertaken by the consultant
The Consultant is expected to coordinate activities in three primary areas under the direction of the Senior Health Advisor in the Immunization Unit, Health Section:
1.External communications
Develop, produce and disseminate communication materials to support country and regional efforts towards measles and rubella elimination including management of social media assets, infographics, fact sheets, traditional media production, collateral materials as required, including technical information. You will actively cultivate relationships with journalists, bloggers and other opinion shapers across the spectrum of traditional and social media.
2.Communications Working Group & Partnership Coordination
As the lead of the Strategic Communications Working Group for the Initiative, the consultant will coordinate monthly calls with the communications focal points for measles and rubella with the four other founding partner agencies to:
o Coordinate amongst partner agencies to develop, input or project manage development of materials and products
o Maximize opportunities within partner organizations to amplify measles and rubella messages within the broader immunization, health and development agenda
3.Resource mobilization and Advocacy Support
The Consultant is expected to liaise closely with the M&RI’s Resource Mobilization (RMAWG) and Advocacy Working Group to coordinate communications work that supports the needs of the RMAWG which may include identifying champions to support measles and rubella goals, coordinating advocacy events, provide messaging expertise and advocacy product development
Duration:
Start date: 30 March 2015
End date: 25 September 2015
Total consultancy days: 26 weeks / 124 days (exclusive of UN holidays)
With possible travel. All necessary travel will be booked through UNICEF NYHQ.
Expected results and Deliverables: (measurable results)
The primary expected result will be implementation of required communications and advocacy activities, reported against the strategic communications work plan for 2015.
This is a locally recruited consultancy based at UNICEF HQ in New York City, NY.
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.
Qualifications/Skills
The Consultant is expected to have:
· Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public/external relations, public affairs
· At least seven to ten years of progressive responsibility and relevant professional work experience in programme communication, print, broadcast, and/or new media including at least five years at international level
· Knowledge and experience with communication strategies, advocacy and networking
· Understanding of United Nations systems, international organizations in general, field/country experience, and knowledge/eexperience working with immunisation and/or disease control programs all considered as assets
· Fluency in English and excellent writing skills required; working knowledge of another UN language desirable
Competencies
· Highest-level communications skills with particular emphasis on effective writing and ability to present technical information, accessibly
· Ample evidence of cross cultural awareness and able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment
· Excellent leadership and supervisory skills; ability to co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear
· Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals
· Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments
· Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives
· Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF’s mission as a founding partner of the Measles & Rubella Initiative
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