Senior Consultant (Expert), Social and Behavior Change

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 works tirelessly to ensure that children are protected and supported throughout their development. UNICEF employs thousands of individuals globally, focusing on various sectors including health, education, and child protection, and aims to create a world where every child can thrive.

Job Overview:
The Senior Consultant (Expert) in Social and Behavior Change (SBC) will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF’s initiatives in Nepal. This position involves providing strategic, technical, and operational support to the SBC Section, focusing on the development, implementation, and measurement of evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and gender-responsive SBC frameworks and strategies. The consultant will work on integrating SBC into various sectors such as nutrition, health, education, and child protection, ensuring that interventions are aligned with national priorities and UNICEF's global standards. The role requires a deep understanding of social and behavioral sciences, as well as the ability to adapt global guidance to the local context. The consultant will also be responsible for building capacity within UNICEF and among partners, facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine SBC strategies and frameworks, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNICEF's global model.
• Contextualize global guidance to fit the cultural and social context of Nepal.
• Oversee the commissioning and management of high-quality formative research and behavioral analysis.
• Document and disseminate key SBC results and best practices.
• Provide technical assistance and advisory support to UNICEF teams and government counterparts.
• Lead capacity-building programs for UNICEF staff and partners.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through business cases and proposals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in social and behavioral sciences, including fields such as sociology, anthropology, communication studies, or psychology. A minimum of 8 to 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in developing and managing social and behavioral change strategies is required. Experience working with the UN system or NGOs in Nepal is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in social and behavior change science, research methodologies, and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as social and behavioral sciences is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social norms and behaviors that influence child welfare and development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 to 10 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in developing, implementing, and evaluating social and behavioral change strategies. Experience with the UN system or NGOs in Nepal is considered a significant asset, and international experience is also valued.

Languages:
Excellent writing and speaking skills in Nepali and English are mandatory. Knowledge of other local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse communities in Nepal.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and candidates are encouraged to indicate their preferred area of technical expertise in their applications. They should also include their proposed professional fees in Nepalese currency. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from under-represented ethnic groups and individuals with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.