LTA consultants nationaux - Changement Social et Comportemental (CSC)/SBC Polio et Immunisation

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights as a vocation. UNICEF offers diverse professional and personal development opportunities.

Job Purpose

The consultant will support priority health districts in identifying, planning, implementing, and monitoring/evaluating Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) interventions. This aims to strengthen community engagement for immunizations, particularly the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The role involves providing technical assistance to the Niger State in formative research on barriers to high-risk group adherence and in identifying, planning, implementing, and monitoring innovative approaches that address inequalities. The focus is on promoting positive norms and improving the implementation environment for vaccination services. This consultancy is part of a long-term agreement (LTA) and will cover multiple regions of the country for three years, serving as a pre-selection process for candidates deployable for technical missions.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support to health districts in the identification, planning, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of SBC interventions for polio eradication and routine immunization. Conduct formative research to understand barriers and enablers to vaccine uptake among high-risk and underserved populations, including those in insecure areas, mobile populations, urban/peri-urban dwellers, migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. Develop and adapt SBC strategies and communication materials tailored to specific target groups and contexts, ensuring cultural appropriateness and effectiveness. Facilitate community engagement and mobilization activities to promote positive social norms and behaviors related to vaccination. Strengthen the capacity of local health workers and partners in implementing SBC strategies. Monitor the progress and impact of SBC interventions, collecting data and providing regular reports on activities, challenges, and lessons learned. Collaborate with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of SBC activities. Contribute to the development of proposals and work plans for SBC activities within the polio eradication and immunization programs. Ensure that interventions address inequalities and reach the most vulnerable children and communities. Support the evaluation of SBC programs and contribute to knowledge management by documenting best practices and innovative approaches.

Work Experience

At least two years of professional experience in social and behavioral change communication, public health, or program management, preferably in the context of immunization or polio eradication. Experience working with communities, particularly in challenging environments, is desirable. Experience in formative research and program monitoring and evaluation is an asset.

Skills

Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) strategies, Public health program implementation, Formative research, Community engagement, Monitoring and evaluation, Interpersonal communication, Report writing, Cross-cultural collaboration, Data analysis, Project management, Vaccination promotion, Risk communication

Explore related opportunities