National Consultancy for the Costed Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy for Adolescents and Youth in Mongolia

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a strategic plan for 2022-2025 that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that all individuals have access to essential health services and that their rights are respected, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive, Costed Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategic plan that is evidence-based, culturally relevant, and aligned with national policies and global priorities. The consultant will focus on influencing behaviors and fostering positive social norms among adolescents and youth in Mongolia, addressing critical health issues such as sexual and reproductive health (SRH), mental health, substance use, bullying, and gender-based violence (GBV). The plan will be informed by existing research and will aim to enhance knowledge, shift attitudes, and drive sustainable behavioral changes among the target population. The consultant will also ensure the plan includes financial sustainability, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and actively involves youth in its design and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will conduct a desk review of relevant studies and national policies, engage in stakeholder consultations, and develop a detailed Costed SBCC strategic plan for 2025-203

• Key responsibilities include defining objectives, developing audience-specific messages, selecting appropriate communication channels, and ensuring youth participation in the process. The consultant will also create an implementation roadmap, including a detailed work plan, costing, and resource mobilization strategies. Additionally, the consultant will propose a monitoring and evaluation framework with measurable indicators and data collection methodologies, and will develop training materials for capacity building among local stakeholders. The final deliverables will include a draft and final version of the SBCC strategic plan, along with a presentation of findings to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Communication, or Health Promotion. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in public health or health communication is required, with demonstrated expertise in developing behavior change communication strategies or campaigns. Proven experience in designing and implementing communication strategies aimed at promoting health behavior change, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health and adolescent health, is essential. Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, along with the ability to analyze data and adapt messaging to diverse audiences, are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Communication, or Health Promotion is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop effective communication strategies that promote health behavior change among adolescents and youth.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in public health or health communication. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing behavior change communication strategies, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health and adolescent health. Experience working with educational institutions, community organizations, and government agencies is highly desirable, as is a strong understanding of integrating communication approaches into health service delivery.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Mongolian and English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the development of materials that will be used in the implementation of the SBCC strategy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy period is scheduled for 60 days, from April 1 to May 30, 202

• The consultant will work closely with UNFPA Mongolia and government stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. The consultancy will be governed by an individual consultancy contract under standard UNFPA terms and conditions, with a payment schedule based on the completion of deliverables. UNFPA will provide logistical support for workshops and stakeholder meetings, and the work environment promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.