Social and Behaviour Change Specialist for Emergency Response
Organizational Context
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is dedicated to building a world where every child's rights are realized, providing humanitarian and developmental assistance in 191 countries. In South Sudan, UNICEF focuses on protecting vulnerable children and communities affected by emergencies like conflict, displacement, disease, and climate shocks. This role supports UNICEF's emergency preparedness and response efforts, aiming to deliver inclusive and evidence-informed Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) support.
Job Purpose
This UNV assignment supports UNICEF's emergency preparedness and response in South Sudan, focusing on critical areas such as risk communication, community engagement, social listening, and accountability to affected populations. The role is designed to contribute timely, evidence-based, and inclusive SBC interventions for priority emergency response needs, including disease outbreaks, population displacement, and natural disasters. The specialist will work collaboratively with government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society, community structures, and affected populations to ensure effective communication and engagement strategies are implemented, ultimately enhancing the reach and impact of humanitarian action for children and families in crisis.
Responsibilities
The UNV Social and Behaviour Change Specialist for Emergency Response will support the design, implementation, monitoring, and documentation of SBC and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) interventions for emergency preparedness and response. This includes providing technical support to ensure community engagement approaches are evidence-based and inclusive, and coordinating with partners to collect and analyze behavioral data to inform programming. The specialist will develop and adapt communication materials, strengthen community engagement platforms, and contribute to emergency planning and reporting. Capacity building for staff, partners, and community actors on SBC in emergencies, RCCE, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) is a key responsibility. The role also involves monitoring and reporting on SBC and AAP results, documenting lessons learned, and promoting voluntary engagement within the community.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), emergency preparedness and response, or public health promotion is required. Experience supporting emergency operations, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected settings, is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to develop SBC strategies, communication plans, and training materials, along with strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, is essential.
Skills
Key competencies include professionalism, integrity, and teamwork, with a strong ability to work collaboratively in diverse environments. The role requires effective planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to manage workload under pressure. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for reporting and stakeholder engagement. Flexibility and adaptability to work in challenging conditions, a genuine commitment to volunteerism, and a strong understanding of child rights and emergency response principles are also crucial.