Social and Behavior Change Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global organization that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child and ensuring their well-being. The organization employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of inclusivity and commitment to its mission. UNICEF is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, which supports its staff in their efforts to serve children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Social and Behavior Change Specialist position at UNICEF involves contributing to the design, management, monitoring, and evaluation of evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies that support the country program. The role requires close coordination with Sectoral and Cross-Sectoral Specialists and Officers, and it is essential for the incumbent to generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform SBC programs and outcomes in both development and emergency contexts. The specialist will design, plan, and implement SBC activities that are grounded in social and behavioral evidence, ensuring strong engagement and participation mechanisms. Additionally, the role includes advocating for SBC, mobilizing resources, coordinating across stakeholders, and building partnerships to operationalize SBC initiatives. Continuous learning and capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners are also key components of this position, aimed at strengthening and scaling up SBC efforts in various contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Social and Behavior Change Specialist include:

• Generating and utilizing research, data, and evidence to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC programs and outcomes.
• Designing, planning, and implementing SBC activities that are evidence-based and engage communities effectively.
• Advocating for SBC initiatives and mobilizing resources to support these efforts.
• Coordinating with various stakeholders, sectors, and teams to ensure successful implementation of SBC strategies.
• Promoting continuous learning and capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners to enhance SBC practices.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of SBC programs and making necessary adjustments based on findings.
• Building partnerships with local organizations and communities to foster collaboration and support for SBC initiatives.
• Contributing to the development of communication strategies that align with UNICEF's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Social and Behavior Change Specialist position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in Sociology, Anthropology, Communications, Psychology, Marketing, Advertising, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Communication Studies, Development Communication, or related fields.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in Social and Behavior Change, strategic communication, social development, program planning, communication development, public advocacy, or related areas.
• Strong skills in data analysis, research design, community engagement, capacity building, and resource mobilization are essential for this role.
• Proficiency in both Ukrainian and English is mandatory, with a requirement for fluency in both languages.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a minimum educational background of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Sociology, Anthropology, Communications, Psychology, Marketing, Advertising, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Communication Studies, Development Communication, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of social and behavior change initiatives and effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Social and Behavior Change, strategic communication, social development, program planning, and public advocacy. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in designing and implementing programs that engage communities and utilize evidence-based strategies. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is highly desirable, as the role may involve working in fragile settings and responding to emergencies.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position, with candidates expected to demonstrate fluency in both languages. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered a desirable asset that can enhance communication and collaboration within diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the incumbent will be expected to work on-site. However, depending on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security conditions and advisories, relocation within Ukraine may be required. The role has been assessed as an elevated risk for Child Safeguarding purposes, necessitating additional vetting and assessment for candidates. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. UNICEF provides a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.