Social and Behavior Change and Innovation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change and Innovation Specialist plays a crucial role in UNICEF's mission by providing technical and operational support for the development of a systematic, evidence-based strategy for Social and Behavior Change (SBC). This position involves engaging with stakeholders, communities, and government counterparts to promote measurable behavioral and social change, ultimately improving children's rights, survival, and well-being. The Specialist is expected to integrate innovative and technology-enabled approaches within SBC programming, utilizing digital tools and data-driven insights to enhance design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and monitoring. This role is vital in ensuring that SBC strategies are effectively implemented in both development and humanitarian contexts, leveraging social listening and digital engagement channels to foster community participation and improve the effectiveness of interventions, particularly among adolescents and caregivers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Generate & Use Evidence: Conduct research and utilize data to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC programs in both development and emergency contexts. Build the evidence base for SBC initiatives.
• Design, Plan and Implement: Create and execute SBC activities that are supported by social and behavioral evidence, ensuring strong engagement and participation mechanisms.
• Advocate & Build Partnerships: Mobilize resources and coordinate with stakeholders to operationalize SBC, advocating for its importance across sectors.
• Build Capacities: Promote continuous learning and capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners in SBC, ensuring scalability and effectiveness in both development and humanitarian settings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Economics, Communications, International Business Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Public Policy, or Social and Behavioral Sciences. They should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Social and Behavior Change, Communication for Development, Community Engagement, or Public Advocacy. Skills in designing and implementing evidence-based SBC strategies, working with multi-sectoral teams, and applying data and research to inform program design are essential.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a strong foundation in understanding social and behavioral sciences, which is critical for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in Social and Behavior Change, Communication for Development, or related fields. Experience in integrating innovative approaches, such as digital engagement and data-driven insights, into program design and implementation is highly desirable. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or international organization, especially in developing countries or fragile settings, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and background checks. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared for potential medical clearance and vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.