UNICEF Consultancy for Technical Support for Regional Advocacy and Social Behaviour Change

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission 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, fostering a culture of belonging and growth. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on improving access to assistive technology (AT) for school-aged children in Pacific Island Countries, addressing barriers such as service availability, awareness, stigma, and integration into policy and financing systems. The consultant will support the implementation of the ATscale-supported programme 'Unlock Healthy Learning in the Pacific,' which aims to enhance access to assistive products like eyeglasses, hearing aids, and mobility devices. The role involves strengthening advocacy and social behaviour change (SBC) strategies to raise awareness and promote equitable uptake of AT, particularly for children with disabilities. The consultant will work closely with the Pacific Disability Forum and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based tools and strategies that are inclusive and adaptable across different contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a regional package of evidence, tools, and strategies for advocacy and SBC that are disability-inclusive and gender-responsive.
• Generate behavioural evidence to inform advocacy efforts.
• Co-develop advocacy and SBC tools in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Facilitate inclusive consultations with diverse groups, including persons with disabilities.
• Produce practical outputs that support coordinated advocacy and system strengthening efforts across participating countries.
• Ensure all outputs are accessible and suitable for various formats, including screen readers.
• Conduct stakeholder consultations and facilitate participatory workshops.
• Collaborate with governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote inclusive methods.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy and SBC initiatives. 1
• Provide technical support throughout the consultancy period, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's mission and values.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in social and behaviour change, communication, public health, disability inclusion, international development, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing and implementing advocacy, communication, and/or SBC initiatives, particularly in disability inclusion.
• Strong understanding of disability inclusion and rights-based approaches.
• Proven ability to develop evidence-based communication strategies and advocacy frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills in English.
• Experience in producing accessible communication materials and deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as social and behaviour change, communication, public health, disability inclusion, international development, or social sciences. This educational background is essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in advocacy, communication, and social behaviour change initiatives, with a focus on disability inclusion. Experience in the Pacific region or similar multi-country contexts is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities present in these environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other Pacific languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote with a contract duration of 4.5 months, involving travel to Fiji as necessary. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all. Candidates are required to submit an up-to-date TMS profile, CV, cover letter, and a separate financial proposal in the specified format. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.