UN Volunteer - Social & Behaviour Change

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF operates globally, focusing on the most vulnerable populations and ensuring that the survival, protection, and development of children are prioritized in all development efforts. The organization mobilizes political will and resources to support countries, particularly in the developing world, to create policies and deliver services that benefit children and their families. UNICEF is committed to non-partisanship and discrimination-free cooperation, ensuring that the most disadvantaged children receive special protection and support. The organization works with various partners to achieve sustainable human development goals and promote gender equality, particularly in the political, social, and economic spheres.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer for Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) at UNICEF. The role involves supporting the design and dissemination of actionable information for affected communities, enhancing community participation in humanitarian decision-making processes, and coordinating the Accountability to Affected People (AAP) Working Group. The volunteer will also be responsible for monitoring the progress of partners against common indicators, strengthening complaints and feedback mechanisms, and managing AAP-related data. This position requires generating and utilizing SBC evidence for response planning and recovery efforts, participating in program monitoring, and providing technical support for the development and implementation of evidence-based SBC strategies. The volunteer will engage with community influencers to implement SBC in both humanitarian and development contexts and will be expected to adapt to any additional SBC/AAP-related needs that may arise during the assignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the design and dissemination of timely and relevant information for affected communities.
• Strengthening meaningful community participation in humanitarian decision-making.
• Coordinating the AAP Working Group and supporting partner capacity building.
• Monitoring the progress of HPP partners against common indicators.
• Strengthening complaints and feedback mechanisms in collaboration with government counterparts.
• Facilitating coordination processes among partners.
• Supporting emergency reporting and managing AAP-related data, including systematic analysis and use of findings for response planning.
• Generating and utilizing SBC evidence, data, and assessments for response, recovery, and resilience.
• Participating in program monitoring exercises and making recommendations for program revisions. 1
• Providing technical and administrative support for the development, implementation, and monitoring of evidence-based SBC strategies and activities. 1
• Identifying, documenting, and disseminating best practices and innovative approaches. 1
• Engaging and sustaining collaborations with influencers for SBC implementation in humanitarian and development actions. 1
• Providing flexible support for any additional SBC/AAP-related needs that arise during the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess strong competencies in accountability, adaptability, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Strong communication skills are essential, as the volunteer will be engaging with community members and partners.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically in fields related to social sciences, public health, international development, or a related discipline. Candidates should have a solid understanding of social and behavioral change principles and practices, as well as familiarity with humanitarian response frameworks.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in community engagement, social and behavioral change initiatives, or humanitarian programming. Experience working with vulnerable populations and understanding the dynamics of community participation in decision-making processes is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation practices in development or humanitarian contexts will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNICEF. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Sri Lanka would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better communication with affected communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer assignment under the Special Programme Initiative (SPI) by UNV, which responds to specific needs within the United Nations system. Candidates will be subject to background checks and must pass security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearance provided by the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) to serve as a UN Volunteer for UNICEF in Sri Lanka. The role may involve full-time commitment, and the duration of the contract will be specified in the offer.