Consultant for Early Childhood SBC Strategy, Programme Effectiveness, Quito, Ecuador - Remote, 7 Months, National

About UNICEF

UNICEF operates across more than 190 countries and territories to save the lives of children, defend their rights, and support their full development from early childhood through adolescence. Our dedication goes beyond just work—it is a vocation focused on promoting each child's rights and well-being.

Position Overview

This consultancy opportunity aims to design a comprehensive methodology for social and behavioral change (SBC) tailored to foster integral early childhood development. The goal is to encourage sustainable practices and environments that positively impact early childhood.

Specific Objectives

• Identify key behavioral determinants and social barriers affecting early childhood to develop an SBC methodology aligned with the local context.
• Create a pilot plan to implement the methodology collaboratively with relevant institutions to test its feasibility, relevance, and adaptability across varied environments.
• Conduct a participatory technical evaluation of the pilot, extracting lessons learned and recommendations to refine the methodology for broader application across different contexts and themes.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Education in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Communication, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in designing and executing Social and Behavioral Change strategies or campaigns linked to health, social inclusion, or early childhood sectors.
• Proven experience collaborating with public entities, international organizations, UN agencies, or international cooperation bodies.
• Demonstrated skills in generating, analyzing, visualizing, and applying evidence for decision-making in SBC interventions.
• Expertise in designing and implementing SBC strategies and methodologies.
• Experience facilitating participatory processes and training technical teams within institutions.
• Proficiency in Spanish and advanced English.

Preferred Qualifications

A doctorate in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Communication, health communication, or related areas is considered an advantage but not mandatory.

UNICEF Values

UNICEF upholds values including care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability, and sustainability (CRITAS). Applicants are encouraged to embrace these principles.

Application Details

• Submit a complete profile including a detailed CV.
• Provide a cover letter explaining motivation for applying.
• Include a financial proposal using the specified template.

Additional Information

UNICEF encourages diverse applications regardless of gender, nationality, religion, ethnicity, or disability status, including neurodivergence. Reasonable accommodations are available during recruitment and assignment phases for persons with disabilities.

UNICEF strictly prohibits employment of persons married to minors and enforces zero tolerance for misconduct including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and any behavior contrary to UN and UNICEF principles. All selected individuals will undergo thorough background and reference checks.

UNICEF does not charge fees at any recruitment stage and does not request banking information from applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection steps.