The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

Since 1999, UNOPS has been a committed partner in Pakistan, supporting the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS focuses on delivering essential services, including strengthening health systems, expanding access to WASH facilities in remote areas, and improving infrastructure for schools and communities. We also support emergency response efforts, delivering critical medical supplies and essential services during times of crisis. Through close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, development partners, donors, and UN agencies, UNOPS works to build resilient, sustainable communities. Leveraging expertise in project management, procurement, human resources, and infrastructure, we provide tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and maximize development impact.

The UNICEF Pakistan office supports the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to improve the lives of children and women in the country. It focuses on key areas such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and child protection.

This position operates within a dynamic environment supporting the implementation of the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) component within the Nutrition Program in Punjab, including the Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP). The role is essential to ensuring that SBC interventions are aligned with nutrition goals and contribute to improving maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and overall nutrition outcomes. The officer will work closely with provincial and district-level partners, including government bodies (BISP, DoH, MNHC), UNICEF, WFP, WHO and NGOs.

The SBC Officer will be responsible for the effective implementation of the SBC component within the Nutrition Program in Punjab, including Benazir Nashonuma Program. The officer will ensure that SBC interventions are aligned with nutrition goals and contribute to improving maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and overall nutrition outcomes.

1. Strengthening Social Behavior Change (SBC) for Nutrition: This involves creating detailed 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/Community engagement workers will be leveraged for promotion and adaptation 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.

2. Funding management and support to partners.

Support partners in developing budgeting and activity plans, provide technical guidance for the implementation of activities, and regularly follow up to ensure efficient and timely utilization of funds. Ensure that expenditures align with the FACE form, budget planning, and agreed implementation timelines.

1. Capacity Building and Capability Development: This includes conducting comprehensive training sessions for health workers, nutrition teams, and staff at health facilities and facilitation centers on SBC, Early detection, Prevention, Referral, MIYCAN, ECD/KFCPs, counselling and effective communication techniques. Technical support will be provided to ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition counselling services are delivered, ultimately driving the desired behavioral outcomes.

2. Coordination and Partnership Management: Key partnerships will be fostered at provincial and district levels with government departments, WFP, WHO CBOs/NGOs, and other partner 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.

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

4. 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.

5. SBC Performance Monitoring: A structured SBC performance monitoring plan will be implemented to track progress. Monthly and quarterly/Campaigns reports will be compiled to document SBC intervention status, achievements, and challenges. The effectiveness of SBC strategies will be regularly evaluated with partners, allowing for adjustments as needed.

6. Support for Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocacy campaigns will be organized in close coordination with provincial BISP  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.

7. Development of Provincial SBC Action Plans: Working with the provincial nutrition team, SBC action plans will be developed to align with the overarching objectives of the BISP-BNP and overall Nutrition Program including focus on BISP DIP (Detail Implementation Plan). Effective implementation and monitoring of these plans will be coordinated with all relevant partners to ensure sustained progress.

8. Reporting and Accountability: Monthly reports will be submitted, 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 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring alignment with program objectives and accountability to stakeholders.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Education, Communication/Arts/Humanities, Nutrition, or another relevant technical field or related fields with 4 years of relevant experience OR

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience is required

Required

• Relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social & behavior change program and nutrition, social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
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• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

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• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
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