Social Behaviour Change Communication – SBCC Associate

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.

In 2021, Oman’s GDP per capita stood at $19,4791 while its rank of 54 on the Human Development Index (HDI) indicates demonstrates the country’s very high level of human development (indeed, putting it also is among the top six Arab countries in the HDI rankings). The country’s “Vision 2040” provides an ambitious framework for growth, spelling out goals related to human capital and well-being for all as the basis for future socio-economic growth and development. Yet continued global economic uncertainty related to the price of oil, as well as a predicted demographic boom combined with some slippages in social indicators related to the impact of COVID-19, mean that close attention to and continued – if not enhanced – investment in children’s issues is required to maintain and indeed improve children’s well-being in Oman.

Founded on a solid collaboration with the Government, UNICEF has contributed towards numerous achievements on children and women in Oman since 1971. Given the high-income status of Oman, the operational modality of UNICEF is a unique experience. The programme is of an upstream nature focused on providing support to the government in the areas of strategic policy development, institutional capacity building as well as development of state-of-the-art models aimed at children’s development.

The Government of Oman – UNICEF Country Programme is centred around two priority outcome areas: 1) OUTCOME 1. Strengthened evidence-based policies for children: by 2025, improved public finance analysis, data and evidence are used to inform social policies and programmes for children, adolescents and young people and to progress towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. 2) OUTCOME 2. Enhanced systems and services for children, adolescents and young people: All children, adolescents and young people in Oman, including those with disabilities, benefit from improved social service systems and services

Underpinning both these components is a “Social Behaviour Change Communication” Strategy. Since 2019, Oman Country Office / SBCC has embarked on a national SBC-CE strategy on parenting that was built around a detailed qualitative research and behavioural analysis conducted through a consultative process. 23 behaviours were identified and prioritized that are critical to driving Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD), Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC), and Inclusion in Oman. The SBC strategy suggests addressing these behaviours via 7 themes that are vital to increasing the IECD index in Oman, among other critical objectives related to child development. Addressing violence against children, particularly during early childhood years, and improving gender equality require improving understanding and engagement of parents on creating safe environments for the children in Oman.

National UN Specialist Volunteers in Oman are entitled to: - Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of 2869.24 USD - Annual and learning leaves. - Free life and medical insurance; and - Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements, and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

UNICEF Oman is made up of a small dynamic team whereby the SBCC Associate (National UN Volunteer) would be an integral part of the Communication and Programme team, assisting with varied tasks to support the team and the programme to support the work done by the program and UNICEF Oman and will focus primarily on the communication for development mandate.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Communication Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the SBCC Associate will:

1. Support the delivery of the SBC strategy for the country office • Updating the SBC annual workplan and liaising with the SBC Taskforce • Monthly updates shared with MENARO and OCO on SBC work plan progress

2. Support in managing the strategic cross-sectoral task force created from lead ministries • Facilitated events for the SBC Taskforce to accelerate the implementation inputs for the SBC strategy and other related efforts. • Meeting minutes and other documents produced shared with all relevant personnel and saved in common shared drive .

3. Support the activation of the SBC implementation among nationals and international partners. • Manage regular updates on SBC latest trends and reports and disseminate with national partners (CSO’s, Private sector & Government counterparts)

4. Support the delivery of the SBC national campaign(s) and interventions among the corss-sectoral taskforce and other partners

5. Support the efforts in the expansion of the communication channels and touchpoints to increase advocacy and outreach of the SBC implementation workplan

6. Work and support the efforts to strengthen the Monitoring and Evaluations framework of the SBC Strategy

7. Support the Communication, Advocacy and Partnership team

8. Support and manage the maintenance and populating of UNICEF Oman website with both Arabic and English content

• Manage and support updating internal staff and other relevant stakeholders with local media updates and establish a media monitoring mechanism. • Provides pre-event, on-site and post-event assistance to key UNICEF events • Preparation of briefing/concept notes, logistical coordination, maintaining event documents and providing meeting summaries • Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

9. The SBCC Associate will be required to report on a daily basis to the Supervisor. The individual will be entitled to the same work hours, weekends & UN holiday schedule as UNICEF staff, based on the work schedule agreed with the supervisor. 10 The SBCC Associate will arrange his/her own insurance, such as life, health and other forms of insurance, covering the term of this contract when in Oman, and will provide proof of insurance. 11 Any in-country travel related to a work assignment will be arranged for and covered by UNICEF. 12 UNICEF will not provide the SBCC Associate with any equipment unless it is requested by the individual and approved by the Operation Unit with the completion of the necessary forms. 13 Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

the national and/or international level in communication or behavior science, working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • 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. • Highly engaged and self motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and ability to work with tight deadlines.

Muscat, the capital, is a peaceful city with over two million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily-available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Muscat. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Muscat is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Muscat have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Muscat is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Oman is a family duty station.