TERMS OF REFERENCE
The assessment will generate actionable evidence to inform the development of a national Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy and implementation framework aimed at increasing demand for Early Childhood Education (ECE), strengthening caregiver engagement, promoting positive gender norms, and improving equitable participation in early learning opportunities.
Objective: Assess the behavioral determinants, decision-making processes, social norms, perceptions of value, aspirations, self-efficacy, and service-related factors influencing caregiver decisions regarding enrolment and retention of children in ECE.
Minimum requirements
- Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Education, Social Sciences, behavioral Sciences, Communication for Development, Social Sciences, Education, Public Health or related disciplines. A PhD in a relevant field constitutes an added advantage.
- Work Experience:
- A minimum of five (05) years of progressively responsible professional experience in designing and leading Social and Behavior Change (SBC) programs, behavioral research, or education programming, for UN agencies, bilateral donors, or reputable international NGOs, preferably in low-resource and fragile contexts.
- A proven track record of developing national-level strategies or frameworks that have been adopted and operationalized by government counterparts.
Skills:
- Substantive experience in early childhood education, play-based learning, school readiness, and/or foundational learning programming.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, including working effectively with government counterparts at national and sub-national level
- Proven ability to develop strategic documents and to design communication and advocacy materials, training packages, and dialogue guides suitable for low-literacy and multilingual environments.
- Language Requirements:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of Juba Arabic or other South Sudanese languages is an added advantage.
- Desirables: Demonstrated integrity, cultural sensitivity, and ability to operate effectively in insecure and logistically challenging environments, in full compliance with UN security protocols.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.