Social Behaviour Change Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF has grown to employ thousands of staff members worldwide, working tirelessly to promote the rights of every child. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, providing opportunities for professional and personal development, and ensuring that every child has the right to education. UNICEF's mission is not just a job; it is a calling that drives its employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and communities around the globe.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is part of the European Commission's Technical Support Instrument (TSI) project, which focuses on the education desegregation of Roma children in Slovakia. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth (MoERDY) to address the persistent segregation of Roma children within the education system. The project aims to tackle three main types of segregation: the disproportionate placement of Roma children in special schools, school segregation in mixed environments, and residential segregation. The consultant will apply social behaviour change approaches to promote inclusion and challenge stereotypes about Roma communities, ultimately fostering social cohesion and cultural diversity. The consultancy will involve preparing a repository of good practices, conducting webinars, and drafting a communication strategy to support the project's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key activities:

• Developing a comprehensive repository of good practices and evidence-based approaches related to social behaviour change, specifically tailored to the Slovak context. This includes outlining the structure of the repository, collecting relevant resources, and finalizing the repository based on feedback from MoERDY.
• Presenting the repository and good practices through two webinars, focusing on effective measurement, implementation, and evaluation of social behaviour change strategies, as well as in-depth training on selected approaches.
• Drafting a proposal for a communication strategy and plan in both English and Slovak, ensuring alignment with MoERDY's feedback. The consultant will also be expected to engage in discussions and training sessions with stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of these practices.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must possess a Master's Degree in Social Behaviour Change, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Anthropology, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in social behaviour change, preferably within the education or social sector, is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing communication strategy frameworks and knowledge management initiatives, as well as conducting training and stakeholder consultations. Familiarity with the Slovak education system and experience in Roma inclusion or the inclusion of marginalized groups are highly desirable. Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in Slovak is considered an asset. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of social behaviour change approaches related to education and inclusion, along with the ability to synthesize information into accessible formats.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in a relevant field such as Social Behaviour Change, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social behaviour change and its application in educational contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in social behaviour change, particularly within the education or social sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing communication strategies and conducting training sessions, as well as experience working with marginalized groups, including Roma communities. Familiarity with the Slovak education system is highly desirable, as it will enable the consultant to effectively address the specific challenges faced by Roma children in education.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as the consultant will be expected to draft documents and communicate effectively with stakeholders in English. Fluency in Slovak is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local authorities and the Ministry of Education. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with an estimated duration of 24 working days between September 1, 2026, and March 15, 202

• One travel opportunity is foreseen during the consultancy period. Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice and satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if performance is unsatisfactory or if deadlines are not met. All materials developed during the consultancy will remain the copyright of UNICEF, which retains the right to adapt and modify them in the future. Candidates are advised that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles.