Title: Social and Behaviour Change Specialist
Level: NOC-D/P-3/P-4
Reports to: Deputy Representative Programmes, P5
Duration: 3/4 months
Section: SBC Section, WCAR
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 1 May 2025 until 31 July/August 2025.
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.
Background
The UNICEF Sierra Leone Country Office will launch a new Country Programme (2025-2030), which will enhance the role and capacity of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) by expanding its scope within a newly integrated social transformation section, including ADAP and Gender. To facilitate this transition, the CO is seeking a stretch assignment to oversee, coordinate and provide technical and operational support for ongoing SBC activities, and to ensure smooth shift by guiding the development of the 2025 Social Transformation/SBC work plan.
Purpose of the Position
Under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Representative for Programmes, the SBC Specialist will provide technical and operational support in developing a systematic, planned, and evidence-based SBC strategy as part of programme development, planning, and implementation. The goal is to promote measurable behavioural and social change through communication, engagement, empowerment, and participation of stakeholders, communities, and civil society. In line with UNICEF Sierra Leone's mission, the SBC Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Provide technical and operational support to the SBC section to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Support resource mobilization efforts to ensure sustainable funding for SBC initiatives.
• Lead the design and coordination of SBC campaigns and interventions.
• Enhance knowledge management, capacity building, and innovation for SBC across national and district-level partners.
Summary of Key Functions, Accountability and Tasks
Objective 1: Technical and Operational Supervision of the SBC Section
Objective 2: Support Resource Mobilization
Objective 3: Lead and Support SBC Campaigns and programming
Objective 4: Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, and Innovation
Please see attached ToR for detailed information. 
ToR - SBC Manager, Stretch Assignment.pdf
Duration
This stretch assignment will be for a period of 3/4 months.
Key expected results
SBC Campaigns and Preparedness
• Updated national RCCE Mpox preparedness and response plan based on insight from the rapid KAP assessment.
• Pre-tested and disseminated communication materials for specific target groups, including students, teachers, and persons with disabilities.
SIA-4 Social Mobilization Budget
• Rumours, Misinformation, and Concerns Platform
• NPHA rumours reporting tool and dashboard ready for testing.
• Terms of Reference (ToR) for a consultant to support Social and Community Listening (SCL) systems and tools, including for transitioning the piloted Rumours platform for broader use within UNICEF and other sectors.
Strategic Support
• ToR for a consultant to develop an integrated UNICEF Social Transformation Programme Strategy.
• Draft Social Transformation Rolling Work Plan 2025-2026
Capacity Building
• Implementation plan for 2025 applied HCD training for immunization in key locations.
Minimum Qualifications and Competencies
An advanced university degree (Master or higher) in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, international relations, or another relevant technical field. A first University degree (Bachelor) in a relevant field combined with ten years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University degree.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in SBC programme/project development and management. Proven experience in implementing social and behavioural change strategies and activities, resource mobilization, strategy design, partners coordination and management of partnership is required.
Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
Knowledge and experience of UNICEF administrative, financial, and supply processes is required.
Good coordination and collaboration skills with Government counterparts and partners.
Fluency in written and spoken English language is required.
Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).
The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.
Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.
Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.
