Social and Behavior Change Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to address the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. The organization focuses on equity, advocating for the rights of every child, and implementing programs that address health, education, protection, and participation.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change Specialist position at UNICEF is pivotal in embedding and strengthening operational social science within design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and delivery. This role involves providing technical guidance and strategic direction to national leadership on Social and Behavior Change (SBC) interventions. The specialist will utilize community-level data and social science intelligence to inform evidence-based decision-making, ensuring that programs are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. The incumbent will also be responsible for building the capacity of national staff in behavioral sciences and social analytics, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of UNICEF's initiatives in both development and humanitarian contexts. This position requires a deep understanding of socio-cultural systems and the ability to engage communities in the design of solutions for change, ultimately aiming to improve child rights and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions of the Social and Behavior Change Specialist include:

• Conducting rapid contextual analyses to identify factors impacting program design and implementation.
• Providing technical advice to enhance the collection and analysis of socio-behavioral data.
• Supporting partners in conducting ethnographic assessments to understand social norms and beliefs.
• Engaging with various sectors to gather information on social contexts relevant to program implementation.
• Developing culturally appropriate participation and engagement mechanisms.
• Contributing to knowledge management by ensuring tools and methodologies are accessible to partners.
• Assessing capacity needs among implementing partners and developing targeted training initiatives.
• Liaising with research colleagues to influence social research agendas and strengthen partnerships with academic institutions.
• Mapping socio-behavioral data needs across programmatic areas and advocating for community engagement in program design. 1
• Collaborating with monitoring and evaluation experts to adapt frameworks and ensure the inclusion of social science intelligence in programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Social and Behavior Change Specialist position must possess a strong background in social sciences, public health, or a related field. They should have proven experience in social and behavior change programming, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, and community engagement strategies. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in social sciences, public health, behavioral sciences, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline will be given preference. Additional training or certifications in social behavior change communication, community engagement, or related areas will be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in social and behavior change programming, with a focus on community engagement and capacity building. Experience working in complex humanitarian settings, particularly in Afghanistan or similar contexts, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a track record of successfully implementing programs that address social and behavioral determinants of health and well-being.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in local languages spoken in Afghanistan, such as Dari or Pashto, is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage effectively with communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Afghanistan, where UNICEF operates under challenging conditions. The role may require international staff to live within a secured compound due to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns, and movement may be restricted. Candidates must demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness, as well as a commitment to working in a complex and dynamic environment. The position is full-time, and while specific compensation details are not provided, UNICEF typically offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.