• This vacancy is restricted to internal applicants; only individuals currently employed by UNICEF Pakistan and who have received a unique candidate number via email are eligible to apply.

• The Advocacy & Communication Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing advocacy and communication strategies to support the eradication of polio virus and improve essential immunization. ACO will supervise and support CCO in COMNet districts and ensure that the SBCC strategies are implemented. In addition, the ACO will support COMNet staff capacity-building by coordinating and facilitating training and IEC activities, managing essential logistics, and strengthening staff skills in communication, community engagement, and immunization-related areas to improve overall program delivery

Advocacy and Communication

• Under guidance of UNICEF SBCC team in line with established National PEI SBCC strategy, develop and implement an advocacy and communication strategy in their assigned areas, to raise awareness about the importance of polio vaccination and essential immunization of children.

• Conduct research and analysis to identify communication gaps and opportunities to improve advocacy and communication efforts related to polio eradication and essential immunization of children.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, health workers, community leaders, and civil society organizations, to build support for polio eradication and essential immunization of children. 

• As assigned by UNICEF Provincial SBCC team, coordinate with relevant departments and partners including PEOC to ensure consistency in messaging and activities related to polio eradication and essential immunization of children. 

• As per district(s) needs, request and disseminate social and behavioural change communication materials, including print, digital, and multimedia content, specific to immunization.

• Ensure regular coordination, oversight, supervision, TNA, staff capacity building, trainings, IEC material and logistic support to COMNet with close follow up and performance evaluation reviews of COMNet staff.

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans to assess the effectiveness and impact of SBCC strategies, capacity building programs, and develop plans and implementation for improvements

• Ensure regular coordination, oversight, supervision, training with close follow up and quarterly performance evaluation reviews of CCOs. 

• Ensure collection, review and sharing of district SBCC plans with relevant UNICEF provincial SBCC supervisors.

• Prepare and participate in the provincial communication task team meetings. 

• Any other task assigned.

Behaviour Change Communication: 

• Conduct formative research to identify target audiences and their communication needs and preferences related to immunization. 

• Develop and implement behaviour change communication strategies that promote immunization uptake and coverage. 

• Develop and produce behaviour change communication materials, including print, digital, and multimedia content, specific to immunization. 

• Plan and conduct behaviour change communication campaigns and activities related to immunization, including community mobilization and outreach events. 

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of behaviour change communication activities related to immunization and adjust strategies as needed. 

• Provide technical assistance and   facilitate staff capacity and partners on behaviour change communication strategies and approaches related to immunization. 

• Develop and maintain partnerships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations working on immunization. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to build and maintain alliances and partnerships to support immunization uptake and coverage. 

KPI

• Reduce still missed children (SMC) and persistent missed clusters by at least 10% per campaign in assigned districts 

• Ensure resolution of ≥90% of boycott through coordinated efforts with CCOs and District Administration.

• Ensure ≥90% of FFM incidents are investigated by DEOC/CCOs and reported within 72 hours as per FFM framework.

• At least 2 structured advocacy engagements per quarter are held with governmental, community, academia or civil society partners.

• Achieve 100% submission of district SBCC plans within timeline.

• At least 90% of weekly review/coordination meetings are held with assigned CCOs, documented with follow-up actions.

• Maintain ≥95% on time submission of monthly SBCC progress reports with validated data consistency.

• Ensure ≥90% of crisis incidents are responded to within 24 hours, with ≥85% of CCO crisis reports submitted within the agreed timeframe, including documented follow-up and mitigation actions.

• Ensure 100% staff are trained before each campaign and conduct annual refresher training of COMnet staff. 

• Provide full logistical support to COMNet staff to ensure effective planning and implementation of SBC strategies.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of behaviour change communication activities related to immunization, and adjust strategies as needed to improve outcomes and conduct campaign-based staff performance review with submission of reports.

• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to staff and partners on behaviour change communication strategies and approaches related to immunization, and track progress towards building capacity and increasing effectiveness. 

To the:

• First line Officer: Social & Behaviour Change Officer and

• Second line Officer:Program Specialist - UNICEF

 Qualifications

• Master’s in social sciences, public health, or a related field. 

• At least 5 years of experience in advocacy and communication, preferably in the health sector.

• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret data related to communication and advocacy efforts.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing advocacy and communication strategies.

• Knowledge of the polio eradication program and essential immunization.

• Familiarity with the social and cultural context of Pakistan, particularly regarding health communication.

• Fluency in English, Urdu, Pushto or local language.

Leadership:

• A good listener that encourages teamwork.

• Practicing and encouraging proactive approach in taking initiatives to achieve established targets.

• Fostering an environment for innovation, creativity and hard work.

• Excellent Data analysis skills. 
  Familiarity of conducting research including research protocols.

Digital literacy: The ability to use digital tools and platforms to support advocacy efforts, such as social media, digital marketing, and online surveys and advocacy campaigns.

Understanding of research design and methodology: This includes the ability to interpret research studies, identify their strengths and limitations, and understand the different types of research designs and methodologies (e.g., randomized controlled trials, qualitative research, epidemiological studies) to use for advocacy & communication. 

Ability to communicate health research findings: An Advocacy & communication officer should be able to effectively communicate health research findings to diverse audiences, including partners and stakeholders in the health sector. 

• This role has no team management responsibility.

• This vacancy is restricted to internal applicants; only individuals currently employed by UNICEF Pakistan and who have received a unique candidate number via email are eligible to apply.