Social & Behaviour Change Specialist (P-3)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 to its staff. UNICEF operates with a mission to ensure that every child has the right to results, focusing on the most marginalized children and adolescents. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, fostering a sense of belonging and growth among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Social & Behaviour Change Specialist (P-3) position at UNICEF Mexico involves providing technical leadership and operational support for the development and implementation of evidence-based Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies across various program sectors and field offices. The role is crucial in addressing individual, community, and structural determinants of change in both development and humanitarian contexts. The specialist will report to the Deputy Representative and will be responsible for leading SBC situation analyses and formative research to inform programming, designing and implementing SBC strategies in collaboration with program sections, and strengthening community engagement and feedback mechanisms. Additionally, the specialist will build the capacity of government counterparts, partners, and UNICEF staff on SBC approaches, supervise SBC personnel and consultants, and support advocacy and resource mobilization related to SBC initiatives. This position is integral to achieving results for children at scale, particularly focusing on marginalized groups, and requires a deep understanding of SBC principles and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead SBC situation analyses and formative research to inform programming decisions and strategies.
• Design and implement evidence-based SBC strategies in close collaboration with program sections to ensure alignment with UNICEF's goals.
• Strengthen community engagement, social listening, and feedback mechanisms to enhance program effectiveness.
• Build the capacity of government counterparts, partners, and UNICEF staff on SBC approaches to ensure sustainability and local ownership.
• Supervise SBC personnel, consultants, and vendors to ensure high-quality implementation of SBC initiatives.
• Support advocacy efforts, partnerships, and resource mobilization related to SBC to enhance program reach and impact.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SBC strategies and make necessary adjustments based on evidence and feedback.
• Collaborate with other sectors within UNICEF to ensure an integrated approach to child development and protection.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or related fields.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in social development planning, SBC, Communication for Development (C4D), advocacy, or social sciences research.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• Two years of additional relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if gained after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience in leading and managing complex projects and teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, or Political Science. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of social behavior and development policies that impact children and communities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to social development planning, SBC, C4D, advocacy, or social sciences research. Candidates with supervisory experience are preferred, and additional relevant work experience gained after obtaining a bachelor's degree may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree. Experience working within the UN system, particularly with UNICEF, and relevant experience at the country level, especially in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess additional language skills relevant to the Latin American context may have an advantage, particularly those with experience in SBC strategies in this region.

Additional Notes:
This is an international position, and national candidates from Mexico cannot be considered. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from indigenous backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.