Madagascar: Research Specialist/Coordinator

UNICEF MADAGASCAR RECRUITS**

· Job Title :Research Specialist/Coordinator

· Job level : P4 (UN salary scale)

· Job reference : 99152

· Contract type : Temporary Appointment-(*TA*)

· Duty station : Antananarivo, Madagascar

· Opening date : 28th July 2016

· Closing date : 12th August 2016

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

1. PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Accountable for effective coordination, management and engagement in research and dialogue for programme development. Conducts studies, data collection and analysis to fill information gaps and to strengthen capacity for advocacy for children’s rights, and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Fit for Children (WFFC) agenda.

1. KEY END-RESULTS

2. Constructive dialogue and partnerships are established between international and local academia, researchers and other stakeholders, to provide evidence for developing programs and policies for the most vulnerable children, including communication for development strategies.

3. A research strategy is developed and programme plans of action include research recommendations and findings; coordination between sectors are increased and links between different levels of government and academia are strengthened.

4. Quantitative and qualitative research/analysis is provided, with particular focus on communication for development, child protection and social protection areas.

5. Advocacy efforts are effectively made to raise awareness on children’s rights with both the general public, private sector and with policy makers, and to ensure local buy-in and continued relevance of UNICEF programming.

6. Effective partnerships with the Government and other agencies established to enable sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals for continuing worldwide progress of the UNICEF mission.

7. UNICEF research programme effectively planned, implemented and managed in support of the country programme.

8. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Dialogue and Partnerships

Participates in research dialogue and development with the academia, Government, programme sectors and establishes constructive dialogue and partnerships between international and local academia to support the development of policies and programmes including communication for development strategies so as to contributing to the progressive realization of children’s right.

Establishes effective partnerships with the national and international academia, Government, bilateral and multilateral donors, NGOs, civil society and local leaders, the private sector, and other UN agencies to support development and use of research for the realization of children’s rights, commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and to achieve global UN agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the World Fit for Children (WFFC) agenda.

Identifies other critical partners, promotes awareness and builds capacity of partners, and actively facilitates effective collaboration within different stakeholders.

2. Research Strategy and Agenda

A research strategy is developed including linkages with environmental and socio-cultural aspects. Coordination with programme sections on research and information gaps is enhanced as well as linkages with national and international academia and other stakeholders taken into account to ensure that they reflect the best interest of children**.**

3. Quantitative and qualitative studies and research

Quantitative and qualitative research/analysis in the areas of communication for development, child protection and social protection areas is enhanced. Provides technical advice and/or conducts studies related to:

• Research on the Violence against Children Study (VACS) is properly monitored and implemented by a consultancy/institution under the supervision of the Research Coordinator. The research then informs and guides Government actions and programs for combating and responding to violence against children in Madagascar.

• Research on the situation of children and women living in and around mining sites in Madagascar which aims to understand and document the situation of children and women in mining areas (artisanal or not) is finalised and provides recommendations on policy and programmes to Government. The research coordinator will validate the study and advice on joint advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the CRBP among private sector (artisanal mining groups), Government, PTFs and NGOs.

• Research on socio-cultural determinants of essential family practices is finalised to understand barriers, motivators, beliefs and cultural practices, as well as influencers and communication networks that can lead to better informed and targeted interventions for UNICEF, government and other stakeholders. The research coordinator will take the lead in the finalisation of the research study and will ensure a final study is ready for dissemination.

4.Evidence-based advocacy and communication

Promotes and raises awareness on children’s rights with both the general public and with policy makers, utilizing effective information dissemination, mass media campaign, special events, and other means, to ensure local buy-in, commitment, and continued relevance of UNICEF programming. Highlight interventions to attain social policy goals which are designed to reduce gender inequalities.

5. Programme Management

Supports and contributes to effective and efficient planning, management, coordination and monitoring of research agenda for the implementation of the country programme, with attention to cultural, environmental and gender equality aspects.

1. QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES ( [ ] indicates the level of proficiency required for the job.)

2. Education

3. Advanced university degree from the accredited institution * in Anthropology, Cultural or Social Sciences. Preferably at PhD level.

4. Work Experience

5. Eight years of relevant professional/research work experience.

6. Developing country work experience in multicultural environments

7. Strong familiarity and experience with socio-cultural research and barriers/practices is a must

8. Language Proficiency

9. Fluency in English and French

10. Preferably also knowledge of Malagasy language

4. Competency Profile (For details on competencies please refer to UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.)

i) Core Values (Required)

• Commitment

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Integrity

1. Core Competencies (Required)

2. Communication [ III ]

3. Working with People [ II ]

4. Drive for Results [ II ]

5. Functional Competencies (Required)

6. Leading and Supervising [ II ]

7. Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]

8. Analyzing [ III]

9. Relating and Networking [ III ]

10. Persuading and Influencing [ II ]

11. Planning and Organizing [ III ]

1. HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are requested to apply only online via the link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=498182

and attach a cover letter, detailed CV, a copy of the national identity card or passport, a copy of the highest accredited diploma

Incomplete or late submission after the deadline (12 th August 2016) will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will receive an official response to their application. Our job applications are also available on the site http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

* See the list of accredited institutions on the link:www.whed.net

UNICEF is a non-smoking environment.
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.