Social and Behavior 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 passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change Specialist will work under the guidance of the Chief of the SBC Section, collaborating closely with Sectoral and Cross-Sectoral Specialists and Officers. The role involves designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative SBC strategies that support the country program. The specialist will be responsible for generating and utilizing research and data to inform SBC programs, ensuring that activities are backed by social and behavioral evidence. This position requires a strong focus on community engagement and participation mechanisms in both development and humanitarian contexts, advocating for SBC, mobilizing resources, and building partnerships across various stakeholders.

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 evidence-based and ensure strong engagement and participation mechanisms. This involves providing technical and administrative support for the development and monitoring of SBC strategies, selecting appropriate SBC activities, and ensuring quality integration of evidence-based approaches.
• Support the operationalization of SBC by advocating for its inclusion in sectoral workplans, mobilizing resources, and coordinating with stakeholders. This includes financial planning and management for SBC activities and advocating for community engagement in humanitarian actions.
• Promote continuous learning and capacity building in SBC for both development and humanitarian contexts, including the design of training materials and opportunities for staff and partners, and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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 one year of professional experience in social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change is required. Relevant experience in a UN system agency is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability.

Educational Background:
A university degree (Bachelor’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 and behavioral change and for effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in areas related to social development program planning, communication for development, or social and behavior change. Experience within a UN agency or organization is advantageous and will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with an intermediate level of English required. Proficiency in English is desirable, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, necessitating additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory. The role may require medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.