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Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, an opportunity

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was introduced in Guinea-Bissau in 1984 with the objective of making vaccinations accessible to all children aged 0 to 11 months. At that time, in developing countries, vaccine-preventable infectious diseases were among the top five causes of mortality in children under five. Today, the EPI remains a priority program of the Ministry of Health, aimed at contributing to the reduction of morbidity and mortality among children. The program is supported by UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which seeks to ensure better access to new or underutilized vaccines for children in the world's poorest countries.

Despite significant progress in increasing vaccination coverage and reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, a large number of children remain incompletely vaccinated. The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on health programmes and the continuity of primary health care services, worsening the backsliding in vaccination coverage in previous years. DPT3 coverage has been recovering, increasing from 67 per cent in 2021 to 85 per cent in 2023, declining slightly to 80 per cent in September 2024. Despite this progress, there are 14,000 children zero-dose children representing 19 per cent of the target population (EPI administrative data). Sustained efforts are needed to build on this recovery and achieve long-term stability in immunization coverage.

Considering the most recent behavior study conducted in 2018, including the Vaccination Equity Study and coverage survey, it is necessary to update the situation analysis concerning demand generation and ensure alignment of Social & Behavior Change interventions with other strategies and activities outlined in the EPI’s national multi-year plan and the National Health Development Plan (PNDS). A review of the Integrated Communication Plan 2024-2028 may also be undertaken as part of this process.

For this reason, the UNICEF Guinea-Bissau Country Office is seeking to recruit a Social and Behavior Change (SBC) specialist with expertise in behaviors and knowledge analysis to conduct behavioral study related to vaccination. The specialist will play a pivotal role in analyzing the behavioral and knowledge landscape surrounding vaccination in the post-COVID-19 context. This assignment requires specialized expertise to address emerging challenges and identify opportunities for strengthening vaccine demand, confidence, and uptake.

How can you make a difference? 

• Review the 2018 behavioral study on vaccination and situation analysis regarding vaccine demand, incorporating the latest (post COVID) data and behavior trends, including from the EPI external review and studies. Conduct a behavioral study on vaccination with specific section on vaccine introduction using a participatory methodology and quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches in low vaccine coverage areas, focusing on identifying barriers to vaccination in both Routine Immunization and campaigns (such as causes of low coverage and dropouts) and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• Develop a comprehensive chapter on HPV and Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Guinea-Bissau in the Behavioral Study, identifying and analyzing the anticipatory behaviors and the dynamics surrounding the introduction and rollout of the HPV and Malaria vaccines in Guinea-Bissau and propose appropriate social and behavior change (SBC) strategies through the development of a SBC plan for the introduction of these vaccine including a communication crisis management plan.
• Review and update the strategies outlined in the communication plan for routine immunization, ensuring their alignment with the National Immunization Strategy2024-2028 and the National Health Development Plan (PNDS). Propose appropriate tools and strategies to strengthen the motivation of families and communities while maintaining consistency with these strategic frameworks.
• Update the training module on interpersonal communication (IPC) tailored for healthcare workers and vaccination staff, integrating findings of the behavioral sutdy.
• Lead training/familiarization sessions with new IPC Module tailored for healthcare workers and vaccination staff.

Payment will be done upon submission and validation of deliverables as per the below workplan :

• Deliverables 1-2:   35%  (From March 10^th to April 19^th, 2025)
• Deliverables 3-4:   35%  (From April 20^th  to May 22^nd, 2025)
• Deliverables 5-7:   30 %  (May 23^rd  to  June 7^th 2025)

Work Assignments Overview 1:
1. Conduct a behavioral study on vaccination with specific section on vaccine introduction with a comprehensive chapter on HPV and Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Guinea-Bissau.
2. Development a SBC plan based on findings of the study with strategies and recommendations to overcome behavioral and structural obstacles faced during routine immunization and campaigns including a crisis management plan.
Deliverables/Outputs 1:
1. Behavioral study on vaccination with specific section on vaccine introduction with a comprehensive chapter on HPV and Malaria Vaccine Introduction in Guinea-Bissau available and validated.
2. SBC plan based on findings of the study with strategies and recommendations to overcome behavioral and structural obstacles faced during routine immunization and campaigns including a crisis management plan available
Delivery deadline 1: 30 days

Work Assignments Overview 2:
1. Development a SBC plan for the introduction of HPV and malaria vaccines including a communication crisis management plan.
2. Review and update the strategies outlined in the communication plan for routine immunization.
Deliverables/Outputs 2:
1. SBC plan for the introduction of HPV and malaria vaccines including a communication crisis management plan
2. Recommendations based on findings of the study for review of the strategies outlined in the communication plan for routine immunization available
Delivery deadline 2: 24 days

Work Assignments Overview 3:
1. Update the training module on interpersonal communication (IPC) tailored for healthcare workers and vaccination staff
2. Lead training/familiarization session with new IPC Module tailored for healthcare workers and vaccination staff
3. Compile final report at the end of the contract highlighting findings and recommendations for SBC

Deliverables/Outputs 3:
1. Revised training modules based on findings of the study and other documentation based on feedback, available.
2. 1 training session at central level conducted.
3. Training session report including feedback available.
4. Final report submitted and approved
Delivery deadline 3: 10 days

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social and behavioral science, including public relations, sociology, anthropology, communication studies/communication for development, psychology, and/or a related field is required.
• At least five years of professional work experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, communication for development or social and behaviour change, public advocacy or another related or relevant areas.
• Experience in conducting behavioral studies and utilizing behavioral insights to inform programme design and decision-making.
• Experience in developing training manuals and modules including, audio, visual and print contents on diverse areas of such as IPC for Immunization, Social & Behavior Change, Community and Adolescent Engagement.
• Experience supporting consultative processes with communities particularly with adolescents. 
• Ability to analyze complex data, lead participatory research processes, and produce clear, concise, and well-structured reports.
• Good knowledge of the health/immunization system in Guinea-Bissau is an asset.
• Good knowledge of gender and power dynamics in communities of Guinea-Bissau is an asset.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and qualitative research skills
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in the UN Common System is desirable.
• Language:  Fluency in Portuguese. Knowledge of English, French and creole asset

Interested consultants should provide the following:

1. Cover letter describing the candidate’s relevant experience with similar type of assignments (max 300 words).
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae

           Include with your application:

1. A Technical proposal 

The candidate should submit a proposal explaining a short description of methodology or approach on how to deliver the results of the assignment as per the TORs including field visits.  

2. A financial proposal

The applicant should submit a financial offer including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees (including professional fees, travel, and other cost).

The final selection will be based on the principle of “best value for money” i.e. achieving desired outcome at lowest possible fee.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.