Social & Behavior Change Officer

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 has a long-standing reputation for its work in Sri Lanka, where it has been active for over 50 years, making significant strides in health, education, and protection standards for children. The organization collaborates with a vast network of partners to create environments that enable children to thrive and fulfill their potential, ensuring that all children have access to shelter, nutrition, protection, and education.

Job Overview:
The Social & Behavior Change Officer will work under the guidance of the Social & Behavior Change Officer and in close coordination with various specialists and officers. The role involves designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative Social & Behavior Change strategies that support the country program. The officer will generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform the design and measurement of Social & Behavior Change programs in both development and emergency contexts. This position requires collaboration with sectoral specialists, government officers, and other UN/NGO partners to conduct situation analyses and formative research that identify social and behavioral drivers. The officer will also support data collection, tracking, monitoring, and reporting of Social & Behavior Change results, ensuring that community feedback mechanisms are established and utilized effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Social & Behavior Change Officer include designing and implementing Social & Behavior Change activities backed by social and behavioral evidence, providing technical and administrative support for the development and monitoring of evidence-based strategies, engaging and mobilizing community structures, and advocating for the integration of community engagement and social and behavioral approaches in sectoral workplans. The officer will also represent UNICEF in partnerships, manage joint project agreements, contribute to resource mobilization, and support capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners. Additionally, the officer will identify and mobilize resources for capacity development, coordinate community engagement in humanitarian contexts, and promote continuous learning and scaling up of Social & Behavior Change initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in social and behavioral sciences, including sociology, anthropology, communication studies, psychology, or a related field. A minimum of one year of professional experience in social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change is required. Experience in strengthening community structures, collaborating with influence groups, and leveraging digital technology for child participation is essential. Relevant experience in a UN system agency is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in a relevant field such as social and behavioral sciences, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, or psychology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social and behavioral change and for effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of professional experience in areas such as social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change is required. Candidates should have prior experience in strengthening community structures and platforms, ensuring accountability to affected people, and collaborating with influential groups to advance child rights. Experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, indicating familiarity with international standards and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Sinhala/Tamil is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF is committed to safeguarding the rights of every child and adheres to strict policies regarding conduct and background checks. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background.