Social and Behaviour Change in UNICEF is a cross-cutting programme strategy that analyses and addresses the cognitive, social and structural determinants of individual practices and societal changes in both development and humanitarian contexts. SBC uses the latest in social and behavioral sciences to understand people, their beliefs, their values, the socio-cultural norms and the economic and institutional contexts that shape their lives, with the aim of engaging them and increasing their influence in the design of solutions for change. SBC brings social and behavioral evidence generation together with participation in community-led and human-centered processes. SBC is at the core of UNICEF’s mandate, with corporate results across sectors revolving around behaviors like immunization, feeding practices, learning, hygiene, and positive discipline, as well as transformations across sectors needed to make societies more inclusive, equitable and peaceful.

UNICEF SBC employs a mix of approaches including community engagement, strategic communication, applied behavioral science, service delivery improvement, systems strengthening, social mobilization and policy advocacy to advance child rights, survival, development, protection and participation.

Under the general guidance of the Social & Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist, P3 and in close coordination with sectoral and cross-sectoral specialists, the SBC Officer (Research and Evidence) contributes to the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of evidence-based, inclusive and innovative SBC strategies, with a particular focus on supporting behavioural insights initiatives in support of the Ghana country programme.

Key Task

1. 1. Generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC programs and outcomes in both development and emergency contexts and to build the evidence base for SBC.
   2. Design, plan and implement SBC activities that are backed by social and behavioural evidence and strong engagement and participation mechanisms in both development and humanitarian contexts.
   3. Support operationalization of SBC by advocating for SBC, mobilizing resources, coordinating across stakeholders, sectors and teams, and partnership building.
   4. Promote continuous learning, strengthening and scaling up in SBC for both development and humanitarian contexts through capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: Social and Behaviour Change Officer (Research and Evidence) Level 2 (002).pdf

Requirements: 

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, market research, sociology, anthropology, communication for development, communication, psychology, marketing or other relevant field.
• Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas is required: behavioural science research, social science research, market research, social and behaviour change, marketing or another related area
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and at least one local language is required

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.