UNICEF Programme Associate - Social and Behaviour Change

Job Posting Organization:
The UNICEF organization, established to promote the rights of every child globally, focuses on equity and aims to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. UNICEF operates in numerous countries and employs thousands of individuals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, particularly those who are disadvantaged or marginalized. The organization emphasizes the importance of investing in health, education, and protection to combat inequalities and foster sustainable growth and stability in nations.

Job Overview:
The position of UNICEF Programme Associate for Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is crucial in supporting the implementation of integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives within the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria. The role involves working closely with community structures and partners to enhance child survival and development during the critical early years of life. The Programme Associate will engage in various activities aimed at promoting positive parenting, responsive caregiving, and optimal nutrition practices among caregivers. This position is designed to strengthen community-level delivery of ECD and SBC interventions, ensuring that children, particularly those from conception to five years of age, thrive and reach their full developmental potential in a humanitarian context. The Programme Associate will also contribute to maternal and child health and nutrition programming, ensuring a holistic approach to child development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support community-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Nurturing Care initiatives by implementing interventions across the five refugee camps, focusing on children aged 0-6 years. Facilitate parenting groups, caregiver learning sessions, and community dialogues to promote positive parenting and responsive caregiving. Adapt and test ECD counseling materials and strengthen community awareness of child development milestones.
• Engage in Social and Behaviour Change activities for maternal and child nutrition, promoting breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and dietary diversity. Assist community health workers in delivering participatory counseling and facilitate breastfeeding support groups.
• Promote gender-responsive and inclusive caregiving practices, encouraging the involvement of fathers and male caregivers in childcare. Support the participation of adolescents and vulnerable groups in parenting initiatives.
• Strengthen the capacity of frontline workers and partners through training and mentoring on ECD, nurturing care, and nutrition. Participate in field monitoring activities and promote the use of approved communication tools.
• Support monitoring, learning, and documentation of activities, collecting data on ECD and community feedback, and developing human-interest stories in compliance with UNICEF standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A demonstrated commitment to child rights and development is essential, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and adaptability to changing circumstances. Candidates should also have a good understanding of community engagement and participatory approaches in development work.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public health, nutrition, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in Early Childhood Development, Social and Behaviour Change communication, or community health would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in community development, health, or nutrition programming, particularly in humanitarian settings. Experience working with vulnerable populations, such as refugees or marginalized communities, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's mission and values, as well as experience in implementing ECD or nutrition programs, will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and French is mandatory, while knowledge of English is considered an asset. Proficiency in local dialects spoken in the Sahrawi refugee camps would be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Tindouf, Algeria, which is classified as a non-family humanitarian duty station with challenging living conditions. The role requires adherence to UNICEF's child safeguarding and ethical standards. The contract includes a pre-assignment entry lump sum, relocation costs, a volunteer living allowance, access to learning resources, annual leave, and comprehensive insurance coverage. The assignment also includes a Danger and Hardship Differential (DHD) and an exit allowance upon successful completion.