Health Specialist – Social & Behavioral Change (Polio)

About the role

The Health Specialist will lead the design, implementation and evaluation of social and behavioural change (SBC) interventions that support Nigeria’s polio eradication plan. Working from the UNICEF office in Abuja, the role focuses on generating demand for vaccination, addressing vaccine hesitancy and supporting sustained community engagement between immunisation rounds.

Key responsibilities

• Design, manage and monitor evidence‑based SBC and social‑mobilisation interventions to interrupt poliovirus transmission.
• Generate demand for polio vaccination and routine immunisation, addressing refusals, missed children and other behavioural barriers.
• Provide technical assistance during polio outbreak responses and support campaign activities.
• Contribute to other health interventions as needed, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s broader health strategy.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Social and Behavioural Change Communication, Public Health, Health Promotion, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology or related field.
• Minimum eight years of progressively responsible experience designing and managing SBC or social communication programmes, with specific experience in immunisation or polio programming.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of another UN language or a local language is desirable.

Required skills

• Knowledge of communication theory and behavioural analysis.
• Understanding of motivational psychology and adult‑learning principles.
• Experience with community organisation, indigenous and community media, and digital communication.
• Strategic communication planning, formative and participatory research, and monitoring & evaluation of communication interventions.