Social and Behaviour Change 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. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits to its staff.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behaviour Change Specialist will play a crucial role in designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative SBC strategies that support the UNICEF Ukraine country programme for 2025-202

• This position emphasizes the importance of equity, ensuring that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have the opportunity to thrive. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders to implement SBC activities that are informed by social and behavioral evidence, aiming to engage communities and enhance their participation in the design of solutions for change. The role requires a deep understanding of the cognitive, social, and structural determinants that influence individual practices and societal changes, particularly in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC programs and outcomes in both development and emergency contexts. This includes conducting SBC situation analyses and formative research, managing qualitative and quantitative research, and establishing community feedback mechanisms.
• Design, plan, and implement SBC activities that are backed by social and behavioral evidence, ensuring strong engagement and participation mechanisms. This involves collaborating with UNICEF specialists and partners to develop and monitor evidence-based SBC strategies.
• Support the operationalization of SBC by advocating for its importance, mobilizing resources, and coordinating across stakeholders. This includes managing partnerships and contributing to financial planning and resource mobilization efforts.
• Promote continuous learning and capacity building in SBC for UNICEF staff and partners, identifying training needs and developing materials to enhance SBC knowledge and skills.
• Ensure the integration of SBC in national systems and sectoral plans, advocating for community engagement and social and behavioral approaches in all relevant workplans.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in social and behavioral sciences, such as sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, or a related field. A minimum of two years of professional experience in social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change is essential. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, particularly in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of innovative approaches and technology in SBC, as well as experience in advocacy and communication to strengthen inclusion of marginalized groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as social and behavioral sciences, which includes disciplines like sociology, anthropology, communication studies, and psychology. Higher degrees are preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in areas related to social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change. Experience in humanitarian contexts and with UN agencies is highly desirable, as is prior involvement in advocacy efforts related to child rights and inclusion.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the incumbent will be expected to work on-site. However, depending on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security conditions, relocation within Ukraine may be required. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.