Batch of 3 positions : Social & Behavior Change Specialist (RCCE), NO-3, TA (6 Months), Butembo, Bunia, Beni, DR of the Congo - WCAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is responding to its 17th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, requiring UNICEF's support through a multi-sectoral approach focusing on community engagement and surveillance.

Job Purpose

The Social and Behaviour Change Specialist reports to the Ebola RCCE Coordinator and leads the design and implementation of RCCE strategies for the Ebola response in affected areas. Through communication, community engagement, and the meaningful participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, the incumbent promotes measurable social and behavioural change. This work strengthens UNICEF’s ability to influence behaviours, attitudes, beliefs, norms, policies, and practices, and contributes directly to the realization of children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. The role requires strong coordination, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity to support effective and equitable response efforts, particularly for children and at-risk communities in a complex and evolving health emergency context.

Responsibilities

The Social and Behaviour Change Specialist is responsible for strategic leadership and coordination of RCCE activities for the Ebola response. This includes designing, implementing, and monitoring evidence-based social and behaviour change strategies, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's mandate and the overall emergency response plan. The incumbent will lead community engagement initiatives, fostering dialogue and participation with diverse stakeholders, including affected communities, local leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies. A key responsibility is generating evidence through assessments, monitoring, and evaluations to inform programme adjustments and demonstrate impact. The specialist will also focus on capacity building, training local partners and government counterparts on RCCE principles and practices. Programme delivery involves managing resources, ensuring timely implementation of activities, and reporting on progress. The role requires working effectively in challenging environments, including insecure or hard-to-reach areas, and coordinating with UN agencies, cluster mechanisms, and implementing partners to achieve measurable results in strengthening health-seeking behaviors and protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience is required in social development programme planning, social and behaviour change, communication for development, public advocacy, or another related field. Experience working in humanitarian or emergency settings is also required.

Skills

Stakeholder Coordination, Government Engagement, UN Coordination, Partnership Management, Results Delivery, Hard-to-Reach Area Operations, Community Engagement, Social and Behaviour Change Communication, Programme Planning, Public Advocacy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building

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