JOB DESCRIPTION

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to HOPE!

Vacancy Announcement: Consultant

Consultancy Title: Social and Behaviour Change (with Health expertise) – SBC Data Analytics and Monitoring, Qualitative and Quantitative Insights for Community Health Workforce

Section/Division/Duty Station: Health Section, Programme Group – NYHQ

Duration: September 2025 – August 2026

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ/ Remote

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

The MNCAH Section in the Programme Group at UNICEF Headquarters is seeking an individual consultant to provide SBC data technical expertise to complete deliverables as related to:

1. Focus Group Discussions tools to integrate SBC data within CHW programme data: Standardized existing tools related to community health workers and Young People Perceptions for a career as Community Health Workers, focused around job satisfaction, motivation, and retention
2. Data analysis and reporting: Analyze and develop related materials (reports, data visualization) from the research/assessments with community health workers and young people data collection across 13 countries (UNICEF-Mastercard Foundation CH Workforce Programme)
3. Developing indicators and monitoring standards: Develop a set of products related to results framework for Community Health Workers and Social and Behaviour Change approaches in the area, that could be integrated in the Community Health workforce initiative data platforms.

Background:

Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is a key component of UNICEF’s work and one of its change strategies.  SBC’s focus on community engagement and social behavioral drivers that influence the lives of children are key to UNICEF results. The area is essential for long-term and sustainable social change and local ownership towards improving the well-being of children and adolescents, their families, and communities.  Furthermore, Social and Behavior Change results are central to the SDGs, and to UNICEF’s work and mandate, having been elevated as such on UNICEF’s Strategic Plan cycle 2022-2025 and continuing to play a central role for 2026-2030 plan.

Social and Behaviour change deploys a set of approaches that promotes positive and measurable changes toward the fulfilment of rights, including the right to health. It focuses on understanding and addressing cognitive, social and structural drivers of change – of individuals, within communities and diverse population, and institutions and systems. SBC is pivotal to strengthening primary health care, specifically to leaving no child behind, and resilience building efforts. It helps to generate evidence on how people interact and make decisions as well as to empower communities to demand services and be at the heart of the design of services.  SBC also supports service providers to better understand communities and diverse and unique populations, to apply people centered and human rights-based approach to service delivery.

Currently, in UNICEF there is a need to further measure those results at the community level, as well as institutional and systems levels, working with and empowering implementing partners to institutionalize SBC approaches and interventions, and monitor progress over time. In the health sector, SBC has substantively supported the design and implementation of global sectoral initiatives like that of strengthening Vaccine Confidence through the development of specialized M&E tools for monitoring and reporting.

Recently, UNICEF has been advancing efforts to invest in one of the most critical assets of primary health care, the community health workforce. Leveraging the strong existing partnerships and assets, this program will focus on accelerating some of the key elements of fostering the scale-up of community health worker programs that are mutually equitable – beneficial to the health system as well as the community health workforce – building their skills and providing pathways for their own social development – itself. Across an initial number of countries, the program aims to expand the CHW workforce with dignified and fulfilling work, including upskilling of existing CHWs, recruitment, accreditation, systems strengthening to support these CHWs and pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

This assignment will facilitate scaling data generation, analysis and use efforts from the implementation of qualitative and quantitative data that could provide insights on and inform implementation of interventions that could positively influence motivation, job satisfaction as well as retention/attrition of this workforce, for 1) CHWs, within the existing workforce, and 2) understanding the likelihood of young people, especially young women to be interested in becoming part of the CHW workforce.

This contract looks for talented individuals in the space of monitoring and data analysis with qualitative and mixed methods that are familiar with both Community Health and Social and Behaviour Change approaches, in particular related to inclusion of Young People and their perceptions towards being part of the Community Health workforce as community health workers. The consultant will report to UNICEF Community Health SBC Specialist and SBC Data and Monitoring specialist in the health and SBC sections correspondingly.

Scope of Work:

The work will entail the following areas of work, including the following deliverables:

1. Focus Group Discussions tools to integrate SBC data within CHW programme data for Community Health Workers and Young People Perceptions for a career as Community Health Workers
   • Deliverable I: Compilation and adaptation of Focus Groups Discussions tools for 1st pilot, including ToRs for implementing partners, implementation guides for participating countries, and standardized focus group guides and protocols from 2025 phase 1 in three COs
   • Deliverable II: Revision of Focus Groups Discussions tools for 2nd phase of rollout
   • Deliverable III: Final draft of Focus Groups Discussions standardized tools, including protocols, design guidance, TORs, methodology and data analysis guidance for scale-up in remaining countries
   • Deliverable IV: In-person training sessionon Focus Groups Discussions tools, including PPT slide deck, print learning materials, participatory learning exercises for training government partners, implementing partners, Community Health and/or SBC specialists.
2. Data analysis and reporting for Community Health Workers and Young People Perceptions data collection across 13 countries in 3 regions
   • Deliverable I: Conduct data analysis and prepare visualizations and findings PPT Deck report for 1st phase of Focus Groups Discussions across selected countries (3 countries)
   • Deliverable II: Review and draft a PowerBI proposal qualitative data dashboard including results from 1st phase and combined analytics with existing quantitative surveys (from digital surveys) with Community Health workers and other relevant studies for the participating countries.
   • Deliverable III: Conduct data analysis and prepare visualizations and findings PPT Deck report for 2nd phase of Focus Groups Discussions across selected countries (7 countries).
   • Deliverable IV: Prepare advanced analytics visualizations and results deck (for phase 1 and 2) for selected themes for a more in-depth view of key themes across all participating COs
   • Deliverable V: Prepare advanced analytics visualizations and results deck for phase 3 (remaining 4 countries)
   • Deliverable VI: Delivery and upload of monitoring dashboard to UNICEF PowerBI warehouse, including with existing quantitative surveys in Community Health workers and other relevant studies for the participating countries. (all 13 countries)
3. Developing a key set of indicators, monitoring, and reporting standards related to Community Health Workers and Social and Behaviour Change approaches in the area
   • Deliverable I: Draft an Applied SBC Theory of Change and related indicators and key results framework for a Performance Monitoring (Job satisfaction and Motivation) Framework for Community Health Workers and Young People Engagement.
   • Deliverable II: Webinar(s) for participating countries on the overall results of Focus Group Discussion results across all Countries with programmatic recommendations, key results, and recommended next steps for scaling up and monitoring integration. Including develop consolidated PPT deck with analysis, document feedback on the results and tools prior to finalization of the overall approach.
   • Deliverable III: Prepare and conduct a global webinar for the scaling-up of the approach presenting the approach and process, related monitoring, analytics, and reporting standards, analytics, and all resources created over the time of implementation of the contract.

Terms of Reference / Deliverables

Focus Group Discussions tools I

• Review of Focus Groups Discussions tools for 1st pilot

15 September  2025

Developing indicators and monitoring standards I

• Draft an Applied SBC Theory of Change and related indicators and key results framework (relevant to the CHW Development Program)

30 September 2025

Focus Group Discussions tools II

Prepare Focus Groups Discussions tools for 2nd phase

30 October 2025

Data analysis and reporting I

• Conduct data analysis and findings report for 1st phase (3 countries)

15 September 2025

Data analysis and reporting II

• Review and draft proposal for qualitative data dashboard

30 November 2025

Data analysis and reporting III

• Conduct data analysis and findings report for 2nd phase (4 countries)

15 January 2026

Data analysis and reporting IV

• Prepare advanced analytics visualizations and results deck

30 January 2026

Developing indicators and monitoring standards II

• PPT deck of overall results for all participating COs (phase 1 and 2)

28 February 2026

Focus Group Discussions tools III

• Final draft of Focus Groups Discussions standardized tools for scale up in remaining countries, phase 3 (tailored for different implementing partners) (remaining 4 countries)

15 March 2026

Data analysis and reporting V

• Prepare advanced analytics visualizations and results deck for phase 3 (remaining 4 countries)

30 April 2026

Data analysis and reporting VI

• Delivery and upload of monitoring dashboard to UNICEF PowerBI warehouse

30 April 2026

Developing indicators and monitoring standards III

• Global Webinar for Scaling-up of the approach

30 May 2026

Focus Group Discussions tools IV

• In-person training session on Focus Groups Discussions tools (with regional/country implementing partners)

15 July 2026/TBD

Qualifications

(1) Education

Advance University Degree (Master’s) in social science, Behavioural Sciences, International or Public Affairs, Monitoring and Evaluation, or similar areas is required.

Language Proficiency:

Oral and written proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French or Arabic is an advantage.

(2) Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• General Experience: 7+ years of experience in programme Monitoring and Evaluation
• Thematic Experience: Prior experience leading reporting for Community Health programming, including Community Monitoring approaches
• Organizational Experience: Prior experience in providing Monitoring frameworks for Community Health Work and Social and Behavioral Change programming in UNICEF or similar organizations
• Skills: Proven skills in having developed field Community Monitoring tools or programme guidances with monitoring tools (Ex. Playbooks, Toolkits, etc.).
• Technical Abilities: Proven ability to conduct mixed methods analysis, including integration and contrasting with national quantitative surveys, and advanced qualitative analysis; inductive-deductive themes identification and other approaches, across multiple countries
• Reporting: Experience developing reporting standards for international organizations or large International Non-Governmental entities in the field.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with UNICEF SBC M&E Frameworks and UNICEF monitoring and reporting standards.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF”s e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials
• Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :
  • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability
• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, are encourage to apply are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements