Batch recruitment of 2 positions: Social & Behavior Change Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term Position, Malawi

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. It offers diverse professional and personal development opportunities, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally. UNICEF welcomes individuals committed to a diverse and passionate culture, promoting the rights of every child.

Job Purpose

The Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist provides technical assistance and supports the effective design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of SBC programmes. Under the guidance of the SBC Specialist (Gender) and in coordination with sectoral programmes, this role strengthens policies and develops systematic, evidence-based strategies. The specialist also supports the operationalization of accountability to affected population (AAP) mechanisms across all SBC and sectoral programs. This position engages internal and external partners, including government, development partners, and civil society, to facilitate programming and mobilize resources. The role also supports evidence generation to demonstrate measurable results for positive and transformative change, enhancing programme quality, reach, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

As an SBC Specialist, you will contribute significantly to achieving programme results by applying participatory and localized social and behaviour approaches, demonstrating technical excellence, and fostering strong community engagement. Your responsibilities include supporting the comprehensive design, meticulous implementation, and ongoing monitoring of SBC interventions across various sectors. A crucial aspect of this role is strengthening community engagement, enhancing social mobilization efforts, advocating for child rights, and promoting active participation to achieve positive social and behavioural outcomes for children. You will provide essential technical leadership in generating and utilizing robust social and behavioural evidence. This evidence will be instrumental in developing people-centered interventions specifically designed to address existing barriers, strengthen enabling environments, and foster sustainable behaviour change within communities. Furthermore, the role actively promotes meaningful community participation, ensuring that individuals and communities are not just beneficiaries but actively engaged in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of solutions that directly affect their lives. This engagement is vital for increasing local ownership, enhancing accountability, and ultimately maximizing the effectiveness of development programmes.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience is required in one or more of the following areas: social development programme planning, social and behavior change, communication for development, public advocacy, or another related field.

Skills

Programme Design & Implementation, Monitoring & Reporting, Technical Assistance, Community Engagement, Strategic Communication, Applied Behavioural Science, Policy Advocacy, Social Mobilization, Evidence Generation, Partnership Building, Resource Mobilization, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

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