Social & Behavior Change Officer

The SBC Officer will lead the effective implementation of the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) component within the Nutrition Program in Sindh, including the Benazir Nashonuma Program. The officer will ensure that SBC interventions are strategically aligned with nutrition objectives to improve maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, enhance dietary diversity, and strengthen overall nutrition outcomes. Working in close collaboration with provincial and district-level partners—including government entities (BISP, DoH, PPHI), UNICEF, WFP, and community-based organizations (CBOs)—the officer will be responsible for the following key functions:

Strengthening Social Behavior Change (SBC) for Nutrition: This involves creating detailed BNP and nutrition program implementation plans for SBC strategies that promote optimal maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and caregiving practices. To raise awareness among mothers and caregivers, community-based platforms such as Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and social mobilizers will be leveraged for promotion and adaption of positive practices. Evidence-based interpersonal communication (IPC) tools will be utilized to reinforce healthy eating habits and nutrition practices at both the household and community levels.

Capacity Building and Capability Development: This includes conducting comprehensive training sessions for health workers, nutrition teams, and staff at health facilities and BNP facilitation centers on MIYCF counseling and effective communication techniques. Technical support will be provided to ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition counseling services are delivered, ultimately driving the desired behavioral outcomes.

Coordination and Partnership Management: Key partnerships will be fostered at provincial and district levels with BISP, BNP government departments, WFP, CBOs, and other partners working with UNICEF to integrate SBC activities seamlessly into the larger nutrition program. Collaborative action plans will be developed and reviewed to align SBC efforts with the program’s goals, while advocacy efforts will engage political, religious, and community leaders to amplify key nutrition messages.

Community Engagement and Social Mobilization: Community outreach and mobilization will be prioritized to engage caregivers, community members and informal/formal community structures in nutrition-focused initiatives. Peer support groups will be mobilized, and SBC messages will be promoted through Community engagement officers and LHWs. A tailored community engagement strategy will be developed to encourage widespread participation in nutrition activities.

Technical Support for SBC Tools and Approaches: SBC tools, training package, communication materials, and methodologies will be reviewed and developed to enhance behavior change initiatives. Ensuring that these tools are contextually appropriate and customized to meet local needs is essential.

SBC Performance Monitoring: A structured SBC performance monitoring plan will be implemented to track progress of SBC interventions in nutrition program, at BNP facilitation centers and in communities . Monthly and quarterly reports will be compiled to document SBC intervention statuses, achievements, and challenges. The effectiveness of SBC strategies will be regularly evaluated with partners, allowing for adjustments as needed.

Support for Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocacy campaigns will be organized to highlight the importance of maternal and child nutrition and the role of SBC in achieving improved outcomes. Engagement with policymakers, health professionals, and community influencers will drive forward advocacy for more robust nutrition policies and programs.

Development of Provincial SBC Action Plans: Working with the provincial nutrition team, localized SBC action plans will be developed to align with the overarching objectives of the BISP-BNP and overall Nutrition Program. Effective implementation and monitoring of these plans will be coordinated with all relevant partners to ensure sustained progress.

Reporting and Accountability: The SBC officer will report to Nutrition Specialist and will work in close collaboration with UN agencies, BISP, and other stakeholders. The SBC officer will submit monthly reports providing comprehensive updates on SBC activities, achievements, and challenges. Each report will clearly outline progress toward the BISP-BNP and Nutrition Program’s goals in Sindh, ensuring alignment with program objectives and accountability to stakeholders.

Additional duties as required and assigned by supervisor

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

Minimum requirements:

• A university degree (Bachelor’s) in one of the following fields is required: social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social  & behavior change program, social development Programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/577261