Experto en Emergencias, Cambio Social y de Comportamiento
Organizational Context
UNICEF's core mission is to promote the rights of children, focusing on equity by directing resources to the most disadvantaged. In Venezuela, UNICEF has worked since 1967, collaborating with national and local authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Following recent earthquakes, UNICEF is actively involved in the emergency response, coordinating with various partners and providing technical leadership in key areas. Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) are crucial cross-cutting approaches in this context.
Job Purpose
This assignment aims to integrate Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) principles into UNICEF's emergency response in Venezuela. The volunteer will provide technical leadership to establish community listening systems, strengthen feedback mechanisms, and guide evidence-based interventions. The role seeks to address an immediate capacity gap, ensuring these critical approaches are embedded throughout the humanitarian response cycle, from immediate communication and community engagement to early recovery and system strengthening. The ultimate goal is to promote life-saving behaviors, build trust, and ensure effective two-way communication with affected communities, contributing to resilient recovery and development.
Responsibilities
The volunteer will lead the integration of SBC, RCCE, and AAP across various response sectors including WASH, health, nutrition, education, child protection, and cash transfers. This includes validating and supporting an integrated SBC/RCCE strategy aligned with humanitarian commitments and coordination mechanisms. The role involves supporting rapid social and behavioral assessments to identify priority behaviors, barriers, and information needs, and strengthening accessible feedback and complaint mechanisms with timely community responses. Establishing rumor management systems and designing/adapting culturally relevant communication materials are key tasks. The volunteer will also participate in inter-agency coordination for RCCE and AAP, build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and strengthen capacities of government officials, UNICEF staff, and partners in SBC and related approaches. Mentoring focal points, supporting field missions, and collaborating with M&E for indicator development and intervention adaptation are also required. Ensuring cross-cutting issues like gender equality, disability inclusion, and child safeguarding are integrated is essential. Finally, documenting best practices and lessons learned will contribute to knowledge management.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in SBC, Communication for Development (C4D), RCCE, social mobilization, or community engagement is required. Proven experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring SBC strategies in humanitarian contexts, public health emergencies, or natural disasters is essential. Demonstrated ability to integrate SBC, RCCE, and AAP into multi-sectoral responses, particularly in health, WASH, nutrition, education, and child protection, is necessary. Experience in social and behavioral assessments, community feedback mechanisms, and behaviorally informed intervention design is also required. Experience in capacity building, partnership coordination, and working in dynamic, high-pressure environments is crucial. Experience with gender equality, disability inclusion, and adolescent participation is valued.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, creativity, judgment, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. The ability to work collaboratively, build partnerships, innovate, think strategically, and drive impactful results is essential. Skills in communication, advocacy, public information, community development, emergency preparedness, and crisis response are also important. The role requires managing ambiguity and complexity, demonstrating resilience, and making sound decisions in emergency contexts.