Social and Behavior Change Specialist, NOC #133370

Social and Behavior Change Specialist, NOC #133370

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

January 20, 2026January 26, 2026ConakryGuinea
Job Description
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 has a strong presence in Guinea, working since 1984 to improve conditions for children in a country facing significant challenges in child development and deprivation.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change Specialist will report to the Deputy Representative and is responsible for providing technical and operational support for developing a systematic, planned, and evidence-based strategy for Social and Behavior Change (SBC). This role involves promoting measurable behavioral and social change through communication and engagement with stakeholders, communities, and government counterparts. The specialist will work to improve children's rights, survival, and well-being in Guinea, particularly in the context of ongoing humanitarian challenges such as natural disasters. The position requires generating and utilizing research and data to inform SBC programs, designing and implementing SBC activities, advocating for SBC, and promoting continuous learning and capacity building within UNICEF and among partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform SBC programs and outcomes. This includes conducting SBC situation analyses, establishing community feedback mechanisms, and developing research tools for evidence generation.
  • Design, plan, and implement SBC activities based on social and behavioral evidence, ensuring quality and integration of innovative approaches.
  • Support operationalization of SBC by advocating for it, mobilizing resources, and managing partnerships.
  • Promote continuous learning and capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners, including developing training materials and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science is required. A minimum of five years of professional experience in social development program planning, social and behavior change, or public advocacy is necessary. Relevant experience in a UN agency or working in a developing country is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social and behavior change in the context of UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in areas related to social development program planning, social and behavior change, or communication for development. Experience in a UN system agency or organization is advantageous, as is experience working in a developing country, which provides valuable insights into the challenges faced in such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Conakry, Guinea. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.
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