UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, especially the most disadvantaged and those hardest to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.

We provide and advocate for education, health and nutrition services. Protect children from violence and abuse. Bring clean water and sanitation to those in need. And keep them safe from climate change and disease.

How can you make a difference?

The Health Specialist is responsible for designing, managing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating social and behavioural change and social-mobilization interventions supporting Nigeria’s polio eradication plan. The role focuses on:

• Interrupting poliovirus transmission through evidence-based SBC interventions. 
• Generating demand for polio vaccination and routine immunization.
• Addressing vaccine hesitancy, refusals, missed children and other behavioural barriers.
• Supporting campaigns and sustained engagement between vaccination rounds.
• Providing technical assistance during polio outbreak responses.
• Contributing to other health interventions when required. Impactpool 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• SBC strategy design and development
• Implementation of SBC interventions 
• Technical and operational support 
• Advocacy, networking and partnerships 
• Decision-making responsibilities

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following or a related field is required: Social and behavioral change communication, public health, Health promotion or health education, Community health, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Biomedical sciences, Social or behavioral sciences. The academic background should preferably include participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization or participatory research.
• Work Experience: At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience is required. Experience designing and managing SBC or social communication programmes is required. Relevant experience in immunization and/or polio programming is required
• Skills: Knowledge and practical understanding of the following is required:Communication theory, Behavioural analysis Motivational psychology, Adult-learning principles, Community organization and participation, Indigenous and community media, Digital communication, Strategic communication planning, Formative and participatory research, Monitoring and evaluation of communication interventions
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirables:

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish or a local language
•  Strong public-health knowledge and management experience are highly desirable. Experience in public health or community health is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.