SBC System Strengthening Specialist

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Position Title: SBC System Strengthening Specialist
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children's Fund, is a United Nations agency that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in 192 countries and territories, making it one of the most widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations globally. The agency's mission includes providing immunizations, disease prevention, treatment for children and mothers with HIV, enhancing childhood and maternal nutrition, improving sanitation, promoting education, and providing emergency relief in response to disasters. UNICEF's fundamental mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does, translating this commitment into action through its equity strategy, which emphasizes the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families.

Job Overview:
The SBC System Strengthening Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) regional team at UNICEF ESARO. This position is focused on institutionalizing SBC within the region and advancing ESARO’s Thought Leadership. The specialist will support the establishment of a consortium of academic institutions dedicated to social and behavioral science, which is a strategic priority for UNICEF in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). The role involves facilitating collaboration among various stakeholders, enhancing evidence-based programs, and promoting children's rights at scale. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing the Consortium’s Secretariat, which will be hosted by UNICEF ESARO for a minimum of three years, and will engage in various activities aimed at strengthening SBC initiatives across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the SBC System Strengthening Specialist include:

• Supporting the Consortium’s secretariat, facilitating taskforce coordination, and implementing the shared annual plan throughout the year.
• Drafting essential documents such as Memorandum of Understanding, concept notes, rules of engagement, roles and responsibilities, event agendas, human interest stories, and talking points for senior leadership.
• Assisting in the official launch of the Consortium.
• Developing a digital platform to operationalize the Consortium and managing content and community interaction on this platform.
• Supporting a network-building strategy, including organizing an annual symposium and publishing best research and skills-building opportunities.
• Reviewing existing capacity-building tools related to SBC and developing a summary document to introduce these tools in ESARO.
• Providing knowledge management support for documenting the Consortium's development and maintaining a library of content on the digital platform.
• Supporting an external capacity assessment for institutions joining the consortium.
• Engaging in additional support activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational and communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. They should demonstrate a deep understanding of social and behavioral change principles and practices, as well as experience in managing partnerships and networks. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in project management, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively. Additionally, proficiency in digital platforms and knowledge management systems is essential.

Educational Background:
A relevant advanced university degree in social sciences, public health, international development, or a related field is required. Candidates with a strong academic background in behavioral science or a related discipline will be preferred. Additional certifications or training in project management or partnership development will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social and behavioral change, project management, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of children's rights and development, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a track record of successfully managing complex projects and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Eastern and Southern Africa region, such as French or Swahili, would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of at least three years. The selected candidate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may be required to travel within the region as part of their duties. The role is open to both national and international applicants, and UNICEF offers a competitive compensation package along with various benefits, including health insurance and opportunities for professional development.