Communication Officer (Innovations), Harare, Zimbabwe (readvertised) (NO-2) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Closing date: Sunday, 5 March 2017




Communication Officer (Innovations), 
Harare, Zimbabwe 
(NO-2) 
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 
Closing date: Sunday, 5 March 2017


Apply for this Job

Communication Officer (Innovations), NO-2, Harare, Zimbabwe (readvertised)

    Job no: 503028
    Position type: Temporary Appointment
    Location: Zimbabwe
    Division/Equivalent: Nairobi Regn'l(ESARO)
    School/Unit: Zimbabwe
    Department/Office: Harare, Zimbabwe
    Categories: Communication for Development (C4D), Innovation, Knowledge Management, Communication / External Relations
    Purpose of the Position
    The Communication Officer (Innovations) will be responsible for supporting a diverse group of technologists and programme staff both within UNICEF and among partners to assess, develop and integrate innovations solutions to support real-time monitoring, citizen's engagement, and cost efficiencies.
    The Communication Officer (Innovations) will work with open-source development communities, local innovators, youth organizations, cultural and religious organizations, NGOs, the private sector, local media and academia to provide a space to nurture and test new and innovative ideas, develop the next generation of thought leaders and build local capacity.
    Key Accountabilities, Duties and Tasks
    1. Consolidate the use of UReport by partners for real-time programme monitoring and citizens' engagement
    a) Build the capacity of UNICEF partners to adopt, deploy and use U-Report;
    b) Formulate a strategy for recruitment of U-Reporters;
    c) Assist partners to analyze U-Report data and use it for advocacy and citizens' engagement;
    d) Ensure the effective functioning of the U-Report Steering Committee through regular meetings and information-sharing.
    2. Support the deployment of RapidPro applications across the country programme
    a) Contribute to the effective running of SlimEMIS for monitoring education sector data;
    b) Support deployment of RapidPro to monitor health indicators during humanitarian situations;
    c) Support recruitment of an aggregator to provide hosting and maintenance services and monitor usage of SMS credits.
    3. Improve internal UNICEF and partner capacity to adopt, test and scale up innovations
    a) Identify additional entry points for innovation in the country programme;
    b)Work closely with outside experts to assess Country Program and project needs, and develop an overall strategy that seeks to meet immediate UNICEF programmatic demands while building in-country technical project partner capacity;
    c) Train UNICEF staff and partners in new innovations;
    d) Identify and recruit additional capacity as need arises.
    4. Develop innovations partnerships to further country programme goals.
    a) Scan the innovations landscape in Zimbabwe and develop academic, civil society, and private sector partnerships to support co-creations and youth engagement in innovative solution design and testing;
    b) Work with open-source development communities, local innovators, youth organizations, cultural and religious organizations, NGOs, the private sector, local media and academia to provide a space to nurture and test new and innovative ideas, develop the next generation of thought leaders and build local capacity;
    c) Develop partnerships with Innovation Labs in Zimbabwe and support initiatives to identify, deploy, and scale up innovations. The consultant will develop an innovations strategy for the country office that provides options for prioritization within the context of programmatic needs and existing resources;
    d) Maintain regular contact with the UNICEF Global innovation centre, other country offices, and HQ-based innovations teams to share information and integrate new developments into UNICEF Zimbabwe programmes. 
    Qualifications of Successful Candidate
    1. A University Degree in Development Studies, Electronics Engineering, ICT Technology or Communications.
    2. Two years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience with demonstrated results in the majority of the following areas:
    a) Innovative use of Technology for Development, particularly in the areas of data, mobiles, open source and development;
    b) Identifying a baseline, and measuring improvements in coverage and uptake, geographic, expansion, etc.;
    c) Training experience will be an added advantage;
    d) Programme communication/Communication for Development experience;
    e) Background experience in the International Development sector;
    f) Background/familiarity with emergency situations will be an added advantage.
    3. Fluency in English Language. Knowledge of an additional official UN language will be an asset.
    Competencies of Successful Candidate
    Core Values 
    • Commitment
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Integrity
    Core competencies
    • Communication
    • Working with People
    • Drive for Results
    Functional Competencies
    • Relating and networking
    • Applying technical expertise
    • Planning and organizing
    • Formulating strategies and concepts
    • Persuading & Influencing
    • Learning & Researching
    To view our competency framework, please click here. 
    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 organisation.
    UNICEF does not charge a fee or require personal banking details at any stage of the recruitment process