UNICEF India is seeking a dynamic Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist to provide technical and operational support in developing evidence‑based strategies that drive measurable social and behavioural change across three states. Working under the supervision of the Chief Field Office and in close collaboration with the Chief of SBC, the Specialist will design and implement SBC programmes, including in states without dedicated SBC presence. By engaging communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, the role will empower stakeholders, foster participation, and promote sustainable change. This position directly contributes to advancing children’s rights, survival, and wellbeing in India.
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For every child, the right to a Champion
How can you make a difference?
The SBC Specialist post based in Hyderabad field office covers Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. The SBC Specialist will lead on SBC strategies in these states and in coordination with the SBC Chief will also provide technical support to other Field Offices where there is no SBC Specialist, especially those classified under differentiated programming context.
In terms of reporting lines, a matrix management approach will be applied. The SBC Chief based in New Delhi will contribute to the performance review of the SBC Specialist and will provide technical guidance including coordination with other Field Offices as required. Day-to-day supervision and reporting will be to the Chief of Field Office in Hyderabad.
SBC strategies in UNICEF Hyderabad Field Office are central for the programmes, policies and investments, at all levels. With the aim to enhance the efficiency of its resources and effectiveness of its programs, UNICEF has been considering different approaches, including the categorization of states for differentiated programming and “Convene-Converge-Catalyse for Every Child” (3C4eC) to accelerate results for children. The SBC Specialist will support SBC knowledge management and learning across the states in the area of their work.
Purpose for the job:
The Specialist provides technical and operational support for developing a systematic, planned and evidence-based strategy and process for SBC as an integral part of programme development, planning and implementation in the three states. In collaboration with the Chief of SBC and respective Chiefs of Field office, the SBC Specialist will also support the development of SBC program design in States with no SBC specialist presence. Through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, s/he promotes measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization through an upstream approach. This subsequently contributes to the achievement of sustainable and concrete results in improving children’s rights, survival and wellbeing in the country.
Key functions/accountabilities:
- Generate and utilize research, data, and evidence to inform the design, measurement, and monitoring of SBC programs and outcomes in both development and emergency contexts and to build the evidence base for SBC in a differentiated program approach in line with the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029.
- Design, plan and facilitate implementation of SBC activities that are backed by social and behavioral evidence and strong engagement and participation mechanisms in both development and humanitarian contexts.
- Support operationalization of SBC by advocating for SBC, mobilizing resources, coordinating across stakeholders, sectors and teams, and partnership building.
- Promote continuous learning, strengthening, and scaling up sustainable SBC programs for both development and humanitarian contexts through capacity building for UNICEF staff and partners.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: 
Social Behavioral Change Specialist NOC Hyderabad Final.pdf
To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…
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Minimum Requirements:
- Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Economics, Social Science, Political Science, Public policy, International Relations and any other relevant technical field.
- Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: Social and Behavior Change, Social Development Programming Planning, Communication for Development, Public Advocacy and any other related fields.
- Skills: Experience in SBC Strategy Design, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Coordination, Behavioural Science Approaches. Proven capacity to lead, design, and deploy program modalities across multiple teams and complex scenarios.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.
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Desirables:
- Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language
- Previous knowledge of SBC Strategy, Upstream Systems Building, Government engagement, UN system experience is considered as an asset.
- Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
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.
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Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
Visa residence requirements: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
- This position is based in Hyderabad, India.
- This position is open for Indian Nationals or candidate who possess a valid work permit for India.
- The selected applicant will have an initial one (1) year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
- UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. Eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.
- 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.
- UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.