The UNICEF Pakistan office supports the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to improve the lives of children and women in the country. It focuses on key areas such as health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and child protection.
This position operates within a dynamic environment supporting the implementation of the Social and Behavior Change (SBC) component within the Nutrition Program in Punjab, including the Benazir Nashonuma Program (BNP). The role is essential to ensuring that SBC interventions are aligned with nutrition goals and contribute to improving maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and overall nutrition outcomes. The officer will work closely with provincial and district-level partners, including government bodies (BISP, DoH, MNHC), UNICEF, WFP, WHO and NGOs.
The SBC Officer will be responsible for the effective implementation of the SBC component within the Nutrition Program in Punjab, including Benazir Nashonuma Program. The officer will ensure that SBC interventions are aligned with nutrition goals and contribute to improving maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and overall nutrition outcomes.
Strengthening Social Behavior Change (SBC) for Nutrition: This involves creating detailed implementation plans for SBC strategies that promote optimal maternal, infant, and young child feeding (MIYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and caregiving practices. To raise awareness among mothers and caregivers, community-based platforms such as Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and social mobilizers/Community engagement workers will be leveraged for promotion and adaptation of positive practices. Evidence-based interpersonal communication (IPC) tools will be utilized to reinforce healthy eating habits and nutrition practices at both the household and community levels.
Funding management and support to partners.
Support partners in developing budgeting and activity plans, provide technical guidance for the implementation of activities, and regularly follow up to ensure efficient and timely utilization of funds. Ensure that expenditures align with the FACE form, budget planning, and agreed implementation timelines.
Capacity Building and Capability Development: This includes conducting comprehensive training sessions for health workers, nutrition teams, and staff at health facilities and facilitation centers on SBC, Early detection, Prevention, Referral, MIYCAN, ECD/KFCPs, counselling and effective communication techniques. Technical support will be provided to ensure consistent, high-quality nutrition counselling services are delivered, ultimately driving the desired behavioral outcomes.
Coordination and Partnership Management: Key partnerships will be fostered at provincial and district levels with government departments, WFP, WHO CBOs/NGOs, and other partner working with UNICEF to integrate SBC activities seamlessly into the larger nutrition program. Collaborative action plans will be developed and reviewed to align SBC efforts with the program’s goals, while advocacy efforts will engage political, religious, and community leaders to amplify key nutrition messages.
Community Engagement and Social Mobilization: Community outreach and mobilization will be prioritized to engage caregivers, community members/Gatekeepers and informal/formal community structures in nutrition-focused initiatives and SBC Campaigns. Peer/Adolescent Support groups will be mobilized, and SBC messages will be promoted through social mobilizers/CEWs and LHWs. A tailored community engagement strategy will be developed to encourage widespread participation in nutrition activities.
Technical Support for SBC Tools and Approaches: SBC tools, training package, communication materials, and methodologies will be reviewed and developed to enhance behavior change initiatives. Ensuring that these tools are contextually appropriate and customized to meet local needs is essential.
SBC Performance Monitoring: A structured SBC performance monitoring plan will be implemented to track progress. Monthly and quarterly/Campaigns reports will be compiled to document SBC intervention status, achievements, and challenges. The effectiveness of SBC strategies will be regularly evaluated with partners, allowing for adjustments as needed.
Support for Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocacy campaigns will be organized in close coordination with provincial BISP to highlight the importance of maternal and child nutrition and the role of SBC in achieving improved outcomes. Engagement with policymakers, health professionals, and community influencers will drive forward advocacy for more robust nutrition policies and programs.
Development of Provincial SBC Action Plans: Working with the provincial nutrition team, SBC action plans will be developed to align with the overarching objectives of the BISP-BNP and overall Nutrition Program including focus on BISP DIP (Detail Implementation Plan). Effective implementation and monitoring of these plans will be coordinated with all relevant partners to ensure sustained progress.
Reporting and Accountability: Monthly reports will be submitted, providing comprehensive updates on SBC activities, achievements, and challenges. Each report will clearly outline progress toward the BISP-BNP and Nutrition Program’s goals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring alignment with program objectives and accountability to stakeholders.
