National Social & Behavioural Research Coordinator – 14‑month consultancy

About the role

The consultant will work closely with UNICEF programme sections, government counterparts, academic institutions, research partners and development stakeholders to embed behavioural insights, social listening and community intelligence into UNICEF programming in Sierra Leone.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate behavioural insights, social listening and community intelligence into programme design and implementation.
• Coordinate and support formative research, behavioural assessments, social norms studies and other evidence‑generation processes.
• Develop key messages, communication materials and awareness‑raising campaigns based on research findings.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, focus‑group discussions and coordination meetings.
• Design and utilise communication channels such as social media, multimedia and community outreach methods.
• Prepare work plans, budgets and technical assistance packages for government and development partners.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social and Behavioural Change, Social Sciences, Public Health, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Gender Studies, Development Studies or a related field.
• Minimum two years of progressive professional experience in social and behaviour change, community engagement, behavioural science, public health, gender equality or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating or supporting formative research, social norms studies and qualitative research.
• Strong background in developing communication materials, campaigns and conducting stakeholder consultations.
• Proficiency in using various communication channels, including social media and community outreach.
• Understanding of child rights, gender equality, participation principles and gender‑based violence in education contexts.