UN Children's Fund Chief, Social & Behavior Change Jobs in Nigeria

UN Children's Fund Chief, Social & Behavior Change Jobs in Nigeria

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

Generating demand for immunization is a pillar of the UNICEF Immunization Roadmap and an area of UNICEF’s comparative advantage. UNICEF has extensive experience in providing technical leadership in social and behavioral change and leading inter-agency partnerships to address social and behavioral barriers to improving vaccination coverage and increasing equitable access to quality immunization services.

Effective Social and Behavior Change (SBC) communication encompasses a strategic and innovative mix of communication approaches, platforms, and channels (mass, digital and social media, community and social mobilization, and interpersonal).

Key Responsibilities:

Support to strategy design and development of SBC activities

Conduct, participate, and manage a comprehensive SBC situational analysis that considers social, cultural, communication, economic and political influences. Assess and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to establish comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the SBC component of the Country Program.

Participate in country program planning and reviews to determine and discuss the underlying and contextual issues to be addressed (e.g., policies, gender/children inequality, cultural/social behavior, etc.), ensure successful and sustainable delivery of program results, and provide technical advice on evidence-based approaches, strategies and plans of action for SBC.

Provide strategic and operational guidance for more effective urban interventions based on research on urban social networks, sources of information, and influences.

Contribute to strengthening the position of SBC results in key Nexus approaches as well as strategic documents (both internal programming documents and national policies/operational strategies) and lead cross-sectorial initiatives on community engagement and Community-based Approaches.

Develop and build capacities both internally and externally (government counterparts, other implementing partners) with a focus on rights-based, nexus strategies, and measurable SBC interventions in support of program sustainability.

Collaborate/consult with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of SBC activities, including in humanitarian response.

Develop, implement, and monitor the annual work plan of the SBC section and provide support and guidance to the team to ensure objectives are met. This entails the identification of human resource requirements, performance planning, and monitoring of the use of SBC's resources. Also support in leveraging adequate resources (HR and funding) for SBC to ensure that expected results can be met.

Implementation of SBC activities

Carry out SBC advocacy activities with a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage and promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self-determination, and participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral, and cultural change to achieve sustainable program results on children’s and women’s rights, equity, and well-being. Develop/select materials and other communication tools for SBC events.

Identify, establish, and maintain active interaction/relations with media, academia, research and implementing organizations, and other strategic partners and networks to communicate and advocate for UNICEF’s competencies and achievements to also ensure their engagement, interests, and support in promoting social and political engagement for political action on children’s rights.

Conduct and participate in evaluation exercises, including country program previews, meetings, and mid-term/annual reviews to assess and report on the efficacy of SBC outcomes on UNICEF and CO Strategic Plans and Goals. Take timely action to ensure the achievement of results as planned and allocated.

Assist in developing and implementing research tools (qualitative and quantitative) for monitoring, evaluating, and documenting SBC interventions based on

applied communication research and frequent visits to project sites.

Technical and operational support

Collaborate with internal CO and RO colleagues to provide expert advice on the development of evidence-based strategies, approaches, policies, and the planning of SBC social and resource mobilization initiatives in support of programs and project implementation and delivery of results.

Participate in CO strategic discussions to collaborate on policy and agenda setting for SBC advocacy, investments, and related external relations and resource mobilization initiatives.

Participate in budget planning and management of program funds and submit financial plans for SBC initiatives. Approve the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations, and standards of ethics and transparency.

Ensure that strategic planning processes, sectoral and cross-sectoral SBC strategies, partner’s SBC strategies, and other relevant processes conform to the evidence-based quality and technical standards as defined by UNICEF’s program guidance.


Specific Technical Knowledge Required

Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research, and evaluation of communication interventions.

Knowledge of interdisciplinary approach in program development and implementation in behavior and social change communication, social mobilization, and behavioral change.

Knowledge of and experience in emergency operations and management and familiarity with SOPs related to emergency response to outbreaks.

Knowledge of and skills in behavior and social change communication networking, advocacy, and negotiation.

Knowledge of training/facilitation and impact evaluation of communication intervention.

Knowledge and experience to organize and implement training, including the development of curricula and methodologies. Knowledge of community capacity building.

Knowledge and experience in the methods of communication to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form and to listen to and acknowledges others' perspectives and views.

Computer knowledge, skills, and practical experience, including internet navigation, network, telecommunications, and various office applications.

Gender equality and diversity awareness. Knowledge of good management, advocacy, and visual presentation skills.

Effective facilitation skills for workshop planning and facilitation.

Understanding of useful M&E tools and action research methodologies for assessing and documentation procedures

To Qualify as an Advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

An Advanced University (Master's or higher) in social and behavioral science (sociology, anthropology, psychology, and health education) with emphasis on participatory communication, community development, communication planning, social mobilization, participatory research, and training and impact evaluation of communication interventions

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively professional experience in areas of social development program planning, communications, and public advocacy and/or related areas at the international and/or large organization, some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required.

Practical experience in adapting and applying communication planning processes to specific programmes.

Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and French (verbal and written) are required.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; UN Children's Fund Chief, Social & Behavior Change Jobs in Nigeria

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