Social and Behavior Change Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a global workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves, and it is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the Health and Nutrition programme by designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating evidence-based and innovative social and behavior change (SBC) strategies. This position requires close coordination with various specialists and officers to strengthen community systems and participation. The officer is expected to generate and utilize research and data to inform SBC interventions, design and implement activities that promote maternal and child health, advocate for SBC approaches, and build capacities within UNICEF and community groups. The role is vital in both humanitarian and development contexts, ensuring that SBC strategies are inclusive and effective in promoting health and nutrition practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Generate and utilize evidence to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC interventions for Health and Nutrition outcomes in both emergency and development contexts.
• Design, plan, and implement SBC activities that are backed by social and behavioral evidence, ensuring strong community engagement and participation.
• Advocate for SBC approaches, mobilize resources, and coordinate across stakeholders and sectors to operationalize SBC strategies.
• Promote continuous learning and capacity building for UNICEF staff, partners, and community groups to strengthen SBC interventions.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SBC strategies and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and data analysis.
• Collaborate with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of SBC initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in social and behavioral sciences, including sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, or related fields.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in social development programme planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change.
• Skills in programme management, socio-cultural communication, community mobilization, budgeting, and SBC monitoring are essential.
• Fluency in English and Burmese is required, with knowledge of another official UN language being desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social and behavioral sciences, which may include sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, public health, development studies, or social work. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social behavior and community engagement, which are central to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in areas such as social development programme planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change. Experience in both development and humanitarian settings is highly valued, as is familiarity with the socio-cultural diversity of Myanmar and its implications for health and nutrition initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Burmese is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in both development and humanitarian contexts. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Background checks will be conducted for selected candidates, and medical clearance may be required.