Communication Specialist (Polio) at UNICEF

Purpose of the Assignment:

• Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against polio; however, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, harmful social and gender norms, limited political commitment, population movement, security concerns, and weak health systems continue to affect eradication efforts.
• UNICEF, together with government and GPEI partners, is working to catalyze transformative change through strengthened community engagement, improved outbreak response mechanisms, enhanced health systems, and increased political commitment and funding.
• Under the supervision of the Senior Health Manager/Polio Team Lead, the Communication Specialist will lead and coordinate advocacy and communication initiatives to strengthen political commitment, public awareness, and community engagement for polio eradication and immunization in Nigeria.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategy development:

• Close coordination with the Nigeria country office CAP section.

Political Advocacy and Leadership Engagement:

• Lead advocacy initiatives with political, traditional, and influential leaders at state, and local government levels to strengthen commitment to polio eradication and outbreak response.
• Engage LGA chairpersons, their spouses, and other influential leaders in priority states mainly Sokoto and Kebbi.

​​​​​​​Media Engagement and Capacity Strengthening:

• Engage traditional media and social influencers to provide regular updates on polio eradication progress.
• Strengthen media capacity and ensure accurate and consistent communication on polio and immunization.

Public Engagement and Communication Campaigns:

• Design and implement initiatives to strengthen public awareness and engagement on polio eradication.
• Support digital engagement initiatives including U-Report polls and other influence platforms to assess public awareness and promote community participation.
• Coordinate field visits to hard-to-reach areas with UNICEF champions, celebrities, and media representatives.

​​​​​​​Documentation and Knowledge Management:

• Document best practices and success stories of health workers, community leaders, and policymakers supporting polio eradication.
• Produce documentaries, articles, and communication materials highlighting progress and lessons learned.

Minimum requirements.

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, or related fields, alternatively, a first university degree with at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, advocacy, or public affairs.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, advocacy, or media.
• Experience working in public health communication is an asset.
• Field experience and familiarity with emergency settings are desirable.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience working with digital communication platforms and media relations.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Nigerian languages is considered an asset