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 a future

UNICEF Tanzania deploys Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) as 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, to engage them and increase their influence in the design of solutions for change using human-centred processes.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Zanzibar Office and with technical support provided by the country office SBC Manager and Chief Communication Advocacy and Partnership (CAP) , the SBC &Partnerships Officer provides i) technical and operational support for developing a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for S&BC as an integral part of programme development, planning and implementation to support the health and well-being of children in Zanzibar and ii) Support the Office in strengthening Partnerships with private sector, Civil Society Organizations and the media based in Zanzibar to advocate for the wellbeing of children and to support resource mobilization efforts (in coordination with CAP).

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

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

• Research and/or participate in conducting comprehensive S&BC situation analysis of social, communication, cultural, economic and political issues in Zanzibar. Collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the S&BC component of the 2027-2032 Country Programme of Cooperation (and UNDAF).
• Collect, synthesize, draft and/or organize materials and related documentation for evidence-based S&BC strategies and plans (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF Programmes) to ensure optimum impact, scale, and sustainability of achievements/results.
  Assess, select and/or recommend appropriate information and materials for S&BC initiatives verifying accuracy and quality for dissemination.
• Monitor and assess the impact of S&BC strategies and activities on the CO and UNICEF goals to achieve measurable behavioural 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 S&BC 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 S&BC 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 S&BC strategies and activities and recommend operational strategies, approaches, plans, methods and procedures to ensure community engagement and participation, and optimum outreach and impact.
• Using the designed SBC M&E framework ensure SBC indicators, monitor implementation of evidence based SBC interventions, Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources, and tools to support maximum impact and outreach of S&BC initiatives.
• Follow up and monitor the production of S&BC materials to ensure technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audience (e.g., individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc).
• Collect, assess, and organize information for budget planning and management of programme funds and prepare documentations and related materials for financial planning for S&BC 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. Provide cross sector support for SBC, Gender, adolescence and ECD programming in Zanzibar.

• Ensure SBC interventions are incorporated to address negative social norms that impend on community development and increase awareness of children and adolescent rights for boys and girls including those with special needs.
• Intensify gender-inclusive, child and disability sensitive SBC interventions through existing new platforms (CLTS, VHD, OOSC) approaches to scale up gender inclusive interventions in communities and Schools.
• Provide SBC technical support to nutrition, education, protection, social policy and health teams to enhance positive behaviour among parents and caregivers enhancing ECD practices and adolescent empowerment/development.

4. Support strengthening RCCE preparedness and response systems within Key ministries

• Work closely with the Ministry of Health to co-lead the RCCE pillar, and support coordination of other key ministries (MoEVT, MCDGEC, MOH, ZAWA, MWEM, 2nd VPO – DMC, as well as UN and development agencies in preparedness and responding to public health emergencies. Co-lead the RCCE pillar to ensure timely and accurate information exchange on RCCE interventions within UN system, empowering and building resilience of communities to shock and promotion of measurable behavioral and social change to reduce vulnerability and maintaining positive gains made in areas of WASH, health, nutrition, education, and child protection among others.

5. Advocacy, networking, and partnership and capacity 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 to pursue opportunities for greater advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.
• Collaborate with /Private Sector /Networks/Coalitions/UN/Donors in Zanzibar to harmonize, link and/or coordinate the promotion of Child Rights and Business Principles as well as leveraging and financing for scale and resource mobilization efforts with guidance from the Head of the Office and in coordination with CAP section.
• 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 S&BC and partnership priorities.

6. Innovation, knowledge management and Reporting

• 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.
• Provide technical support and leadership in M&E and AAP training for feedback generation and monitoring  and reporting  on SBC and Partnership  progress. mainstream AAP in emergency response and RCCE efforts.
• Support Office in social media handling, Field level documentation and developing Knowledge Products. Participate in budget planning and management of program funds, including Monitoring and following up DCTs as intended, compliance with guidelines, rules, regulations and standards of ethics and transparency of the organization and undertaking other functions including contributing to the development of SBC related PCAs.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [ TNZ26004 Social Behavior Change Officer ( Partnership) Zanzibar NOB.docx]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) in a social and behavioral science, including sociology, anthropology, communication studies/communication for development, psychology and/or related field is required.
• Work Experience:  A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development or social and behaviour change, public advocacy and partnerships or another related area and working experience with Government. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
• Language Requirements:  Fluency in English and Swahili is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

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. 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, eligible and suitable 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.

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