Health Specialist (Social & Behavioral Change) Polio, P-4, TA (364 days), #138134, Abuja, Nigeria - 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, from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Purpose

The Health Specialist is responsible for designing, managing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating social and behavioural change (SBC) and social-mobilization interventions crucial for supporting Nigeria’s polio eradication plan. This pivotal role focuses on interrupting poliovirus transmission through evidence-based SBC strategies, generating robust demand for polio vaccination and routine immunization across communities. A key aspect involves proactively addressing vaccine hesitancy, managing refusals, reaching missed children, and overcoming other significant behavioural barriers that impede immunization efforts. The specialist will also provide vital support for vaccination campaigns and foster sustained community engagement between vaccination rounds. Additionally, the role includes offering technical assistance during polio outbreak responses and contributing to other essential health interventions when required, ensuring a holistic approach to child health and protection.

Responsibilities

The role encompasses several key tasks and responsibilities, starting with the strategic design and development of comprehensive social and behavioural change (SBC) strategies tailored to the Nigerian context. This involves leveraging advanced communication theory, in-depth behavioural analysis, and motivational psychology to create highly effective interventions that address specific challenges in polio eradication. The specialist is then responsible for the meticulous implementation of these SBC interventions, ensuring they reach target populations and achieve desired behavioural shifts, such as increased vaccine uptake and reduced hesitancy. This includes applying adult-learning principles, fostering robust community organization and participation, and utilizing a mix of indigenous, community, and digital media for broad reach. Furthermore, the position provides crucial technical and operational support to partners and field teams, ensuring the smooth and effective execution of programmes. Advocacy, networking, and fostering strong partnerships are also central to the role, building alliances with government, civil society, and other stakeholders to amplify impact. Finally, the specialist holds significant decision-making responsibilities regarding programme direction, resource allocation, and adaptation of strategies, ensuring efficient and impactful polio eradication efforts while contributing to broader health outcomes.

Work Experience

At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience is required. This must include experience designing and managing SBC or social communication programmes. Relevant experience in immunization and/or polio programming is also a mandatory requirement for this position.

Skills

Communication theory, Behavioural analysis, Motivational psychology, Adult-learning principles, Community organization and participation, Indigenous and community media, Digital communication, Strategic communication planning, Formative and participatory research, Monitoring and evaluation of communication interventions

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