Health Specialist (Social & Behavioral Change) Polio, P-4 at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Health Specialist (Social & Behavioral Change) Polio, P-4

Job no: 594824
Duty Station: Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Level: P-4
Categories: Health

Description

• 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

Requirements
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.

Desirable:

• 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. 

Application Closing Date
9th August, 2026; W. Central Africa Standard Time.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online