[Hiring] Individual Consultancy for Academia 4 SBC Network in Africa @AGORA

Role Description

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

The 1st of July 2025 UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (UNICEF ESARO) launched the Academia for Social and Behavioural Change Network, a landmark initiative bringing together 26 leading universities from across 16 countries to accelerate progress on children’s rights through evidence generation, capacity building and policy influence. From 1st February 2026, the initiative is coordinated at technical level by the GPD SBC team, through the Nairobi Centre of Excellence.

The Network includes renowned institutions such as:

• University of Zambia
• Makerere University in Uganda
• University of Nairobi in Kenya
• WITS University in South Africa

Through the Network, UNICEF and academic partners will drive four key strategic priorities:

• Skills building through curriculum integration and continuous learning on social and behavioural science.
• Evidence generation and dissemination to influence policies and programmes with localized, rigorous research.
• Network and Centre of Excellence development to strengthen collaboration and capacity across countries.
• Policy influences and practice to bridge the gap between academic insight and real-world implementation.

A dedicated digital platform - www.academia4sbc.net - will support the Network by hosting resources, connecting experts, and facilitating peer learning, co-creation, and knowledge exchange.

Over the coming months, the Network will roll out key deliverables, including:

• Managing the secretariat
• Coordinating an Annual Symposium
• Managing a dedicated digital platform
• Developing a flagship publication

This initiative builds on more than five decades of UNICEF’s leadership in social and behavioral change and reflects its ongoing commitment to harness partnerships to ensure that every child survives, thrives, and is protected.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Social and Behavioral Science, Anthropology, or any related field
• At least 8 years of experience working in the field of social and behavioral change evidence
• Previous experience with UNICEF and academia sectors in Africa
• Proven editorial skills
• Familiarity with digital platforms content management
• Familiarity with the Africa Academia landscape
• Familiarity with publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in facilitating workshops and co-creation processes
• Coordination and virtual facilitation skills
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective partnerships within and outside the organization

Requirements

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS)
• Commitment to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status
• Encouragement of applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities
• UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18)
• Zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

Benefits

• Attractive compensation and benefits package
• Diverse opportunities for professional and personal development

Company Description

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.