UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

Social and Behaviour Change in UNICEF is a cross-cutting programme strategy that addresses the cognitive, social and structural determinants of social change in both development and humanitarian contexts. SBC uses the latest in social and behavioral sciences to understand people, their beliefs, values, and the socio-cultural norms that shape their lives, with the aim of engaging them and increasing their influence in the design of solutions for sustainable behavior and social change. SBC is at the core of UNICEF's mandate, with corporate results across sectors revolving around social and behavioral practices like immunization, breastfeeding, hygiene, and positive discipline.

UNICEF SBC employs a mix of approaches including community engagement, strategic communication, applied behavioural science, service delivery improvement, systems strengthening and policy advocacy and social mobilization to advance child rights, survival, development, protection and participation.

As a Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist, you will be responsible for the provision of technical assistance, and supporting the effective design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of SBC programme. With the overall guidance and direct supervision of the SBC Specialist (Gender), and in close coordination with other sectoral programmes, you will contribute to strengthening policies and supporting the development of systematic, planned and evidence-based strategies. In addition, you will support operationalization of accountability to the affected population (AAP) mechanisms and strategies in all SBC and sectoral programs.

Your role engages internal and external partners, including government counterparts, development partners and civil society, to facilitate and coordinate programming, and to mobilize and leverage resources. In this role, you will also support evidence generation that will demonstrate interventions that have measurable results to bring positive and transformative change. Through proactive coordination and strong drive for results, you will help strengthen programme quality and reach, while at the same time maximizing effectiveness and efficiency.

UNICEF is seeking a dynamic, qualified, innovative and highly committed person to contribute to advancing social transformation outcomes for children and communities. You will contribute to the achievement of programme results through the application of participatory and localized social and behaviour approaches, technical excellence, and strong community engagement. As an SBC Specialist, you will support the design, implementation and monitoring of SBC interventions across sectors. You will play a key role in strengthening community engagement, social mobilization, advocacy and participation to promote social and behavioural outcomes for children. In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical leadership in generating and utilizing social and behavioural evidence to develop the people centered interventions that address barriers, strengthen enabling environments and foster sustainable behaviour change. The role will also promote meaningful community participation by ensuring that individuals and communities are actively engaged in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of solutions that affect their lives, thereby increasing ownership, accountability, and the effectiveness of development programmes.

Minimum Requirements

Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, social and behavior change, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.

Skills:

• Experience in Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) programme design and implementation
• Experience in evidence-based programme planning
• Experience in data analysis and use of research to inform programmes
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships
• Experience in public advocacy and programme support
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of programmes
• Experience in report writing and preparation of programme documents

Language Requirements: Knowledge of English language at a Proficient/Fluent level is required.

Desirables

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset
• Experience in managing large partner programmes such as GAVI
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts

UNICEF Core Values (CRITAS)

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

UNICEF Competencies Required

1. Builds and maintains partnerships
2. Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
3. Drive to achieve results for impact
4. Innovates and embraces change
5. Manages ambiguity and complexity
6. Thinks and acts strategically
7. Works collaboratively with others

Important Note

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

Application Link: jobs.unicef.org

Advertised: 02 Jul 2026 South Africa Standard Time

Deadline: 13 Jul 2026 South Africa Standard Time