Social and Behavior Change/Demand Promotion for Vaccine uptake Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children around the world. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, employing more than 12,000 staff members. The organization is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, and it focuses on various areas including child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF's mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential, regardless of their circumstances.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on providing technical expertise in Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and demand promotion for vaccine uptake, particularly in the context of preparedness for future pandemics and the rollout of new vaccines. The consultant will work closely with various teams within UNICEF, including the Immunization/Health Section and the Public Health Emergencies (PHE) team, to ensure that SBC interventions are effectively integrated into vaccination strategies. The role involves mapping existing resources, developing global guidance, and documenting best practices to enhance vaccine demand and acceptance. The consultant will also participate in coordination mechanisms and provide technical support for SBC initiatives related to vaccine uptake during public health emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Mapping and systematizing existing global tools for vaccine demand related to COVID-19, malaria, and mpox vaccination.
• Establishing and maintaining rosters of SBC experts and standby Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs).
• Contributing to the development of global guidance and tools for vaccine demand promotion and SBC strategies.
• Facilitating the documentation of good practices and lessons learned from previous pandemics.
• Participating in internal and inter-agency coordination mechanisms related to vaccine demand and SBC.
• Providing technical support for country readiness on new vaccine introductions.
• Designing and conducting simulation exercises to test SBC strategies.
• Identifying capacity gaps in SBC and implementing internal capacity building activities.
• Strengthening knowledge management by maintaining a repository of SBC resources.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in social science or a relevant field. Additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree. The position requires fluency in written and spoken English, with proficiency in another official UN language being highly desirable. Candidates should have at least 5-7 years of experience in social and behavior change, risk communication, and community engagement, particularly in emergency response contexts. Experience in designing and implementing demand promotion strategies and capacity building on SBC is also essential. Knowledge of global and regional coordination mechanisms is required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social science or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to public health, social behavior change, or community engagement.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant work experience in social and behavior change, particularly in the context of public health emergencies. Experience in emergency response, designing demand promotion strategies, and implementing crisis communication plans on immunization is crucial. Candidates should also have a proven track record in capacity building and working within global or regional coordination mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in another official UN language is highly desirable, as it would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the global health community.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote and is expected to last from May 2025 to December 31, 202

• The consultant will be required to submit a completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system, along with academic credentials and a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel expenses if required. Selected candidates must have valid health insurance coverage and may be subject to background checks. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.