Social and Behaviour Change Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Under the supervision of the Social and Behavioral Change officer and guidance from the Chief of Social and Behavior Change, the UN Volunteer will provide technical support to colleagues and partners by administering, implementing, monitoring and/or evaluating a variety of Social and Behavioral Change initiatives and activities to promote community engagement and behaviour change which will include participation, measurable behavioural and social change/mobilization, emergency response that would require the application of technical and theoretical skills, through knowledge of organizational goals, rules, regulations, policies and procedures to complete tasks

In this framework the UNV will contribute to promote participatory and integrated engagement of national and local partners and stakeholders, community based organizations, key influencers, decentralized institutions, and religious leaders, aiming at increasing demand generation for quality services, as well at strengthening the uptake of healthy and protective behaviours and practices for the most vulnerable children, caregivers and communities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Social and Behavior Change officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

Support the strategy design and development of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) activities

• Conduct research, and/or participate in conducting comprehensive Social and Behavior Change (SBC) situation analysis of social, communication, cultural, economic, and political issues in the country. Collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information and data to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) component of the Country Program of Cooperation.

• Collect, synthesize, draft and/or organize materials and related documentations for evidence based Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies and plans to ensure optimum impact, scale, and sustainability of achievements/results. Assess, select and/or recommend appropriate information and materials for Social and Behavior Change (SBC) initiatives verifying accuracy and quality for dissemination.

• Monitor and assess the impact of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies and activities on the Country Office and UNICEF goals to achieve measurable behavioral and social change resulting in the improvement of children’s rights and wellbeing. Submit qualitative report/synthesis of results for development planning and improvement.

Support to the implementation of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) activities

• Collaborate and/or consult with internal and external partners to provide operational and technical support to research, develop, and produce evidence-based strategies and test, produce and use quality Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials and/or organize events and activities to ensure community engagement and participation, and maximum outreach and impact on behavioral and social change.

• Provide technical, administrative, and logistical support and background materials to carry out Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies and activities and recommend operational strategies, approaches, plans, methods, and procedures to ensure community engagement and participation, and optimum outreach and impact. Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources and multiple/social/digital media and tools to support maximum impact and outreach of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) initiatives.

• Follow up and monitor the production of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) materials to ensure technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communications materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audience (e.g., individuals, communities, government officials, partners, media etc.).

• Collect, assess, and organize information for budget planning and management of program funds and prepare documentations and related materials for financial plan for Social and Behavior Change (SBC) initiatives. Monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organizational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

Advocacy, networking, and partnership building

• Build and maintain partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with national and international civil society organizations, community groups, leaders and other critical partners in the community and civil society to reinforce cooperation through engagement, empowerment, and self-determination and to pursue opportunities for greater advocacy to promote UNICEF mission and goals for child rights, social equity and inclusiveness.

• Collaborate with internal global/regional communication partners to harmonize, link and/or coordinate messaging to enhance Social and Behavior Change (SBC) outreach and contribution to programmatic outcomes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Institutionalize/share best practices and knowledge learned/products with global/local partners and stakeholders to build capacity of practitioners/users and disseminate products to key audiences including partners and donors.

• Support the organization, administration and implement capacity building initiatives, including partnerships with training and academic institutions, to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders/partners across programme sectors in Social and Behavior Change (SBC) planning, implementation, and evaluation in support of programs/projects. Develop training materials for training activities, and revise and update them as necessary.

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

areas of social development program planning, communications and public advocacy or related areas at the international and/or large organization some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Have affinity with or interest in Communication for Development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Lebanon Beirut with travel to UNICEF field offices within Lebanon when needed. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.