Social behaviors Change Consultant, Juba, Office-based, Internationals only, #594451

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to develop a national Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy and implementation framework to boost demand for Early Childhood Education (ECE), enhance caregiver engagement, promote positive gender norms, and improve equitable participation in early learning. The core objective is to assess behavioral determinants, decision-making processes, social norms, perceptions of value, aspirations, self-efficacy, and service-related factors influencing caregiver decisions regarding the enrollment and retention of children in ECE. The findings will provide actionable evidence to guide the strategy's development and ensure its effective implementation, ultimately contributing to improved early learning outcomes for children.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive assessment to inform the development of a national Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy for Early Childhood Education (ECE). This includes identifying and analyzing behavioral determinants, decision-making processes, social norms, perceptions of value, aspirations, self-efficacy, and service-related factors that influence caregiver decisions regarding ECE enrollment and retention. The consultant will generate actionable evidence to guide the strategy's formulation and the creation of an effective implementation framework. Key tasks involve designing and executing research methodologies, engaging with stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, and developing strategic documents and communication materials. The consultant will also be responsible for designing training packages and dialogue guides suitable for low-literacy and multilingual environments, ensuring the strategy is adaptable and accessible. The final output will be a robust national strategy and implementation framework that addresses the identified behavioral and social factors to improve equitable participation in early learning opportunities.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in designing and leading Social and Behavior Change (SBC) programs, behavioral research, or education programming, preferably with UN agencies, bilateral donors, or reputable international NGOs in low-resource or fragile contexts. Proven experience in developing national-level strategies or frameworks adopted by government counterparts is required.

Skills

Social and Behavior Change (SBC) program design and leadership, Behavioral research methodologies, Education programming, National strategy development, Stakeholder engagement and facilitation, Development of communication and advocacy materials, Design of training packages, Adaptation for low-literacy and multilingual environments, Early childhood education expertise, Play-based learning knowledge, School readiness programming, Foundational learning programming

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