Unicef likely to suspend recruitment of 600 social mobilisation officers amid merit violation complaints

Unicef is likely to suspend the recruitment of 600 social mobilisation officers in the southern districts for COMNet, an organisation associated with social mobilisation to address refusal cases against polio vaccination, following complaints of merit violation in the recruitment process.

Unicef is likely to suspend the recruitment of 600 social mobilisation officers in the southern districts for COMNet, an organisation associated with social mobilisation to address refusal cases against polio vaccination, following complaints of merit violation in the recruitment process. The interviews for the positions had already been completed to pave the way for the smooth conduct of polio vaccination in southern districts, which have been continuously recording polio cases, according to sources.

However, selected candidates could not receive employment contracts after complaints against violations of merit surfaced. Sources said that Joseph Mabirizi, the Unicef programme specialist, had suspended the process pending a review of the complaints lodged by candidates. The review process may take time, and all positions may be re-advertised.

Unsuccessful candidates who were not shortlisted for interviews alleged that they had not been selected due to favouritism and nepotism. They said that a joint committee comprising representatives of Unicef and ZMK, a vendor under the supervision of the Unicef programme specialist, had been constituted to examine the concerns raised. However, the proposed review mechanism has drawn criticism from the complainants, as the bulk of the complaints related to the conduct of the recruitment process carried out by Unicef and ZMK.

The disgruntled candidates have called for the formation of an independent inquiry committee to investigate the allegations of favouritism, nepotism, and violations of merit. They argued that an inquiry conducted by an independent body would enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence in the findings, and help ensure accountability in the recruitment process. Sources said that Unicef, while responding to allegations regarding recruitment processes, has advised candidates to submit their complaints through official channels rather than unsolicited emails to individual staff members or their personal email addresses.

The suspension of the recruitment process comes at a critical time, as polio vaccination efforts in the southern districts depend heavily on the deployment of social mobilisation officers. The delay could impact the campaign’s effectiveness, particularly in high-risk areas where refusal cases remain a significant challenge. Unicef has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but the review process is expected to continue in the coming weeks. The outcome will determine whether the recruitment proceeds or is re-advertised.