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Programme Officer (Capacity Development)

Location: Patna
Closing Date: 24th February 2010

Job code: UNPOCD

Purpose of the post:
Under the close guidance of the Programme Manager, Polio, UNICEF Patna, the staff member will provide technical oversight and guidance to the training requirements of the Social Mobilization Network to promote effective social mobilization and behavior change communication in support of polio eradication. This includes designing and implementing innovative training curricula and materials for use by the Social Mobilization Network, assessing its effectiveness and provides management support to field-based training coordinators.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide strategic guidance, review and approve training plans of the sub regions and districts (based on review and planning meetings with the field staff) with special focus on ensuring that the training needs reflect priorities related to polio eradication, as well as other key programme interventions in the Community Mobilization Coordinator (CMC) areas, including routine immunization, child health and nutrition, water and sanitation.

2. Provide regular technical guidance and support to the field-based training coordinators and SMNet trainers. Arrange Training of Trainers (TOT) for the training coordinators and other SMNet staff to enhance their participatory training skills.  Provide support as second supervisor of the Training Coordinators of the SMNet at the sub-regional level.

3. Provide inputs to preparing and pre-testing of training materials for the use of Polio Eradication Initiative. As necessary, procure and adapt suitable health education materials developed by other agencies.

4. Support other partners (such as Health, NPSP, NCC, NSS, DUDA, PRI, ICDS etc.) in planning and conducting orientation for the volunteers so as to intensify joint communication interventions, primarily in the CMC areas. And also share training materials, tools and curriculum with the key social mobilization partners (Government and NGOs) to enhance quality in their trainings.

5. Document training experiences, with the inputs of the training coordinators, and share with the polio partners (Government and NGOs) for replication of the successful training interventions, tools and modules.

6. Assess the effects of training by collecting data in the CMC areas and provide feedback to trainers and relevant SMNet staff for corrective measures.

7. Regular assess the effectiveness of the training programme, document outcomes and contribute to write-ups/reports that explain the training component of the overall polio communication strategy.

Qualifications, Experience and competencies required:

• Post graduate diploma or other qualification in development communication and specialization in training.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in coordinating, planning and guiding training programmes for front-lines workers, especially related to building interpersonal communication skills, community mobilization and community dialogue. Exposure to training related to field work for polio eradication, and other aspects of public health, is preferred.
• Preferred candidate will have excellent communication skills, and abilities in networking and advocacy, particularly with Government and development partners in Bihar. preferably. Able to communicate effectively in both spoken and written English and Hindi.
• Proven skills in undertaking training need assessment and performance gaps analysis to identify areas, topics and skills for training.
• Understands and applies Adult Learning principles and Participatory way of training.
• Drive for results.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop and adapt training materials for different type of audiences. 
• Analytical and conceptual ability; communication skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Planning and monitoring skills; ability to organize work & projects.
• Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions.
• Experience in health communication an asset.
• Commitment to continuous learning for professional development.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

Application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV should be sent to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net before 24th February 2010. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the Job Code of the post and location in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.
Applications from qualified women are encouraged.