Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Chief of Communications and Advocacy, the incumbent will provide technical and operational support to Communication and Programme colleagues by developing, implementing, monitoring and/or evaluating a variety of SBC initiatives and activities to promote community engagement and participation, and measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization, requiring the application of technical and theoretical skills and thorough knowledge of organizational goals, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to complete tasks. The key functions and accountabilities are:

1. Support to strategy design and development of S&BC activities

Research and/or participate in conducting comprehensive SBC situation analysis of social, communication, cultural, economic and political issues in the country/region. Collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the SBC component of the Country Programme of Cooperation (and UNDAF).

Monitor and assess the impact of SBC strategies and activities on the CO and UNICEF goals to achieve measurable behavioral and social change resulting in the improvement of children’s rights and wellbeing. Submit qualitative report/synthesis of results for development planning and improvement.

2. Support to the implementation of SBC activities

Collaborate and/or consult with internal and external partners to provide operational and technical support to research, develop, and produce evidence-based strategies and test, produce and use quality SBC materials, organize events and activities to ensure community engagement and participation, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change.

Provide technical, administrative, and logistical support and background materials to carry out SBC strategies and activities and recommend operational strategies, approaches, plans, methods and procedures to ensure community engagement and participation, and optimum outreach and impact.

Collect, assess and organize information for budget planning and management of programme funds and prepare documentations and related materials for financial planning for SBC initiatives. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

3. Advocacy, networking and partnership building

Build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with national and international civil society organizations, community groups, leaders and other critical partners in the community and civil society to reinforce cooperation through engagement, empowerment, and self-determination and to pursue opportunities for greater advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.

Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging to enhance SBC outreach and contribution to programmatic outcomes

4. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned/products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners/users and disseminate products to key audiences including partners and donors.

Support the organization, administration and implementation of capacity building initiatives, including partnerships with training and academic institutions, to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/partners across programme sectors in SBC planning, implementation, and evaluation in support of programmes/projects. Develop training materials for training activities, and revise and update them as necessary.

Requirements: 

• A university degree in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of 2 (two) years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy, or another related area.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency, fund or program is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English and Portuguese is required. Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.