Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. Established with the mission to ensure that every child is educated, healthy, and free from abuse and violence, Save the Children operates in numerous countries, including Vanuatu. The organization is known for its ambitious and creative approach to addressing children's rights and welfare. With a workforce that values diversity and inclusion, Save the Children strives to reflect the communities it serves. The organization is committed to child safety, requiring all employees to undergo background checks and adhere to strict safeguarding policies.

Job Overview:
The SBCC Consultant position is a critical role within Save the Children Vanuatu, focusing on the development and implementation of a Social Behaviour Change Communication strategy as part of the Helti Pikinini, Helti Vanuatu (HPHV) project. This four-year initiative, funded by the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and DFAT, aims to enhance nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security across 20 communities in Shefa and Sanma Provinces. The consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive strategy that addresses key messages and delivery methods, ensuring inclusivity and engagement of fathers in child care practices. The role also involves the design and production of print-ready IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials that are culturally sensitive and effective in conveying important health messages to low-literacy audiences. The consultant will work closely with community members to test and refine these materials, ensuring they meet the needs of the target population.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Reviewing existing resources such as the HPHV Barrier Analysis and project baseline to inform the development of a strategy brief.
• Outlining key messages, framing guides, target audiences, and modes of delivery with a focus on gender equality and disability inclusion.
• Leading the review of existing IEC materials and identifying gaps in current resources.
• Developing new or refreshed SBCC materials, including flipcharts, posters, and nutrition tools, ensuring they align with national guidelines.
• Conducting focus group testing with diverse caregiver groups to gather feedback on the materials.
• Producing a final print-ready package of IEC materials that incorporates community feedback.
• Engaging with local communities through participatory approaches to ensure the materials are relevant and effective.
• Coordinating with government and non-government stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Health, to align efforts and share resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in designing behaviour change strategies and communication approaches. They should possess a solid understanding of psychology or behavioural science, particularly in relation to sustainable nutrition behaviour change. Experience in designing and producing print IEC materials is essential, along with strong graphic design skills tailored for low-literacy audiences. Familiarity with the fields of nutrition, WASH, or health is required, with a preference for candidates who have experience in Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) and child wellbeing. The ability to work in culturally sensitive environments, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings in Vanuatu, is crucial. Candidates should also have experience engaging communities through participatory methods and managing relationships with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced qualifications or certifications in behaviour change communication, graphic design, or related disciplines will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a strong understanding of health communication principles and practices, particularly in the context of nutrition and child health.

Experience:
The ideal candidate or team should have substantial experience in consultancy roles, particularly in developing and implementing behaviour change strategies. A proven track record of working in the fields of nutrition, health, or WASH is essential, with specific experience in MIYCF and child wellbeing preferred. Experience working in Vanuatu or similar Pacific contexts is highly desirable, as is the ability to lead and manage consultancy projects effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Bislama is highly desirable. The ability to communicate effectively with local communities and stakeholders is crucial, and candidates who can work with local translators will be favored.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to run from March to May 2026, and candidates should be prepared to commit adequate resources and skilled personnel during this period. The role may require flexibility to adapt to project changes as they arise. Save the Children is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The organization offers a supportive work environment and is dedicated to child safety, requiring all employees to adhere to strict safeguarding policies.