National Consultancy to Support SBC Interventions for Health and Education

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with various partners to implement initiatives that address critical issues affecting children and communities.

Job Overview:
The National Consultancy position at UNICEF focuses on supporting social and behavior change (SBC) interventions specifically in the health and education sectors. The consultant will be involved in initiatives that aim to improve WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) in schools and promote inclusive education. The role requires a deep understanding of communication strategies and the ability to apply behavioral theories to address challenges in these areas. The consultant will be expected to create targeted multimedia communication materials and develop mass media campaigns that resonate with the intended audience, ensuring that the interventions are effective and impactful. This position is office-based and is expected to last for a duration of 12 months, during which the consultant will work closely with UNICEF and its partners to achieve the desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies that promote social behavior change in health and education sectors.
• Creating multimedia communication materials tailored to specific health-related issues, particularly in WASH.
• Designing and executing mass media campaigns that effectively convey key messages to the target audience.
• Collaborating with UN agencies and national partners to ensure alignment and integration of SBC initiatives.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform the development of communication strategies and materials.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication interventions and making necessary adjustments based on feedback and results.
• Providing technical support and guidance to partners and stakeholders involved in SBC initiatives.
• Ensuring that all communication efforts are inclusive and consider the diverse needs of the target population.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (post-graduation, Masters or PhD) in social studies, health communication, or a relevant field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication, particularly in health/WASH communication and social behavior change interventions, is required. Experience working with UN agencies is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in applying behavioral theories to real-world challenges and possess strong skills in creating effective communication materials and campaigns.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a Master's or PhD, in fields related to social studies, health communication, or other relevant disciplines. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the initiatives undertaken by UNICEF.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication, with a strong focus on health/WASH communication and social behavior change interventions. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns, as well as experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and with international partners. Additionally, knowledge of Uzbek and Russian is required to effectively engage with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that communication efforts are culturally relevant and accessible.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is set for 12 months, and the position is office-based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains transparency in its hiring practices.