Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Officer UNV

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.

The recent 2021 NDHS survey revealed that 4% of Nepal’s annual birth cohort did not receive any vaccine demonstrating that this portion of the children remain unreached and unprotected against the recommended doses of vaccines. Furthermore, with the current need to sustain the efforts in immunization, the goal is to credibly reach over 90% coverage of all antigens at all levels with focus in areas with the highest number of unimmunized children. To achieve this target, the NIP needs to ensure communication and social mobilization activities are well planned, tailored and effective to bring about intended impact. The proposed UNVs will be positioned in the Technical Support Units (Immunization) of the four Provincial Health Directorates (Provinces: Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim) to strengthen capacity of provincial and local governments and provide technical assistance on advocacy, communication and social mobilization for routine immunization, introduction of new vaccines and supplementary immunization activities.

The objective of having SBC Officer is to strengthen capacity of provincial and local governments and provide technical assistance on advocacy, communication, risk communication and community engagement and social mobilization for routine immunization as well as COVID-19 vaccine, introduction of new vaccines, supplementary immunization activities and child health activities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Health Officers in UNICEF’s Field Offices and technical supervision from Health/Immunization Specialists in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV SBC Officers will:

• Provide technical support to the Provincial Health Directorate and local governments in evidence-based planning, budgeting implementation and monitoring of advocacy, social mobilization, risk communication and community engagement activities for routine immunization and child health-related activities • Support the Provincial Health Directorate and local governments in development of training modules, content for print materials and mass media for routine immunization introduction of new vaccines and supplementary immunization activities. • Strengthen capacity of provincial and local governments including training to health workers, FCHVs, social mobilization focal points, media and relevant stakeholders on social mobilization and community engagement including RCCE for routine immunization, introduction of new vaccines, supplementary immunization activities and other child health related activities • Support in establishing linkages between the Provincial Health Directorate and other social development sectors within the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD)/Ministry of Health and local government to strengthen and integrate social mobilization and community engagement for child health and development. • Technical support to UNICEF’s local implementing partners on implementation of SBC interventions including engagement of child/youth clubs etc. • Support implementation of digital health and monitoring of communication, social mobilization activities for routine immunization. • Coordination with provincial and local governments/mechanism for adaptation and implementation of the National Communication Strategy for Routine Immunization • Support UNICEF NCO and FO in collecting, collating, and analysing data from the districts and provide timely feedback for course correction in support to Routine EPI strengthening initiative. • Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources, and tools to support the maximum outreach of SBC initiatives. • Propose evidence-based programs and activities for addressing social and behavioural issues related to immunization, particularly for missed children and zero-dose cases, based on current data, evidence, and trends. Advocate for the adoption of new innovative approaches and technologies in the program to improve social and behaviour change (SBC) and promote them among various stakeholders • Promote continuous learning, strengthening, and scaling up in SBC for both development and humanitarian contexts through capacity building for Provincial and local government and implementing partners • Document human interest stories/case study from the ground and sharing with the Field office and Communication team to show the SBC intervention is effective in routine immunization strengthening. • Work along with TSU members to synergize team effort in routine immunization strengthening at province and local level • Accountable reporting to supervisor on key performances on monthly, quarterly, half yearly and yearly basis • 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. • As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Submission of a situation analysis report on the status, of communication and social mobilization including submission of bi-monthly activity report covering specific tasks on advocacy, communication, and social mobilization. One case study to be attached in each report.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

managing social behaviour change/social impact interventions at sub-national level. Prior experience of working closely with government, media and private sector preferable. Knowledge of socio-cultural practices and language in relevant province will be an asset. Updated knowledge on immunization program and new vaccine introduction and experience working on EPI is an advantage; 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.); e-LMIS; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The SBC Officers UNV will be based in in Provincial Health Directorates in Janakpur (Madhesh Province); Bhalubang/Dang (Lumbini Province); Surkhet (Karnali Province); and Dhangadi (Sudurpaschim Province) with frequent visits to the field within provinces. The security situation in all locations is normal and have both road and air access. Moreover, all basic services/facilities are also available in all locations.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Fluency in local language is an advantage