Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist (Ebola Preparedness and Response)

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Public health, immunisation

Application deadline: 17/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

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.

Assignment context

As of May 2026, the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain represents a significant public health threat across Central and East Africa. The outbreak has affected several health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with confirmed cross-border transmission reported in neighbouring countries, highlighting the regional dimensions of the epidemic.
The Republic of Congo remains at risk of Ebola virus importation due to population movements, commercial exchanges, and transportation along river and air corridors linking high-risk areas with neighbouring countries. Recent preparedness assessments identified critical gaps in risk communication, community engagement, rumor management, trust building, early warning mechanisms and the promotion of protective behaviours.

UNICEF supports the Government of the Republic of Congo in strengthening Ebola preparedness and response capacities through a multisectoral approach covering Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), community health, WASH and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), child protection, continuity of essential services and accountability to affected populations.

The primary objective of this assignment is to strengthen UNICEF and Government capacities in Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to support Ebola preparedness and response efforts. The UN Volunteer will contribute to enhancing community engagement, strengthening feedback and accountability systems, supporting rumor management, promoting protective behaviours, and reinforcing trust between communities and health authorities.

The incumbent will work closely with UNICEF's Health, SBC, WASH, Nutrition, Child Protection and Education teams, as well as the Ministry of Health, technical partners, community networks and local authorities.

Task description

Under the delegated authority and supervision of the Chief Child Survival and Development (CSD) and in close collaboration with the SBC focal point, the UN Volunteer will:

SBC/RCCE Planning and Coordination
• Support the development, implementation and monitoring of Ebola SBC/RCCE preparedness and response plans.
• Participate in national and sub-national Ebola preparedness and response coordination mechanisms.
• Support integration of gender, child protection, inclusion, accountability and PSEA considerations into SBC interventions.
• Support mapping of community structures, local networks, community leaders, youth organizations and media outlets in high-risk areas.

Community Engagement and Risk Communication
• Develop and adapt Ebola communication messages and materials for different audiences.
• Support dissemination of harmonized messages through community, institutional and media channels.
• Promote community dialogue and participatory engagement approaches.
• Support the implementation of social listening and community-based surveillance initiatives.

Rumor Management and Accountability
• Support establishment and strengthening of community feedback mechanisms.
• Collect, analyse and document rumors, concerns, complaints and community perceptions.
• Facilitate the use of feedback data for programme adaptation and decision-making.
• Support accountability to affected populations initiatives.

Capacity Building
• Organize and facilitate trainings for community health workers, community volunteers, teachers, youth groups, religious leaders, media professionals and implementing partners.
• Support coaching and mentoring of frontline actors on interpersonal communication, rumor management and community engagement.
• Develop training materials, guidance documents and supervision tools.

Monitoring, Documentation and Reporting
• Monitor implementation of SBC/RCCE activities and indicators.
• Produce analytical reports on community perceptions, behavioural barriers and emerging issues.
• Document lessons learned, innovations, success stories and best practices.
• Contribute to situation reports, technical notes, donor reports and advocacy materials.

Support to Public Health Preparedness and Emergencies
• Participate in assessments, monitoring missions and emergency field deployments when required.
• Support rapid response communication activities during alerts or outbreaks.
• Contribute to preparedness activities in high-risk departments and border areas.

Other Tasks
• Perform any other related duties assigned by the supervisor.


Promotion of Volunteerism
UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of volunteerism.
• Participate actively in UNV activities and events.
• Engage with local volunteer networks and community initiatives.
• Produce stories, articles, and lessons learned from field experiences.
• Support newly recruited UN Volunteers.
• Promote online volunteering opportunities whenever applicable.


Results / Expected Outputs

As an active UNICEF team member, the UN Volunteer is expected to provide efficient, timely, responsive and high-quality support, including:
• Strengthened national and sub-national Ebola SBC/RCCE preparedness capacity.
• Improved community awareness and adoption of Ebola preventive behaviours.
• Strengthened community engagement and participation in preparedness activities.
• Functional community feedback and rumor management systems.
• Increased trust between communities and health authorities.
• Improved capacity of community actors and frontline workers in SBC/RCCE.
• Monthly analytical reports on community perceptions, rumors and behavioural trends.
• Communication materials and tools developed and disseminated.
• Documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
• Documented contribution to volunteerism for peace and development. Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspectives should be systematically integrated into all activities throughout the assignment.

Skills and experience

•Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience in SBC, RCCE, community engagement, emergency communication or public health.
•Experience supporting epidemic preparedness and response activities.
•Previous experience in Ebola, Marburg, Cholera, Mpox, COVID-19 or similar outbreak responses is highly desirable.
•Experience working with Ministries of Health, UN agencies, NGOs and community organizations.
•Experience in training, capacity building and community mobilisation is an advantage.

Competencies and values

a) Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Social and Behaviour Change (SBC).
• Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
• Community-based approaches and community mobilization.
• Rumor management and social listening.
• Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
• Behavioural analysis and community feedback systems.
• Training and capacity development.
• Monitoring, reporting and documentation.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

b) Competencies and Values
- UNICEF Values
• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

- Competencies Professionalism
Demonstrates strong technical expertise, sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in carrying out responsibilities.
- Integrity
Acts in accordance with UN and UNICEF values and ethical standards.
- Teamwork and Respect for Diversity
Works collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments while respecting diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
Demonstrates initiative and willingness to continuously develop professional skills and knowledge.
- Planning and Organizing
Effectively plans, prioritizes, and manages multiple assignments and deadlines.
- Communication
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Flexibility
Demonstrates adaptability and willingness to travel and work in different operational environments.
- Commitment to Volunteerism
Shows commitment to solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, self-reliance, and the principles of volunteer engagement.

Living conditions

The position is based in Brazzaville with regular travel to departments and field locations.
Basic infrastructure, telecommunications, health facilities, and transportation services are available in Brazzaville and most duty locations.
As this is a National UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and personal living arrangements.

The assignment is for the period indicated above and may be extended subject to:
• Availability of funding;
• Operational needs;
• Satisfactory performance.
The UN Volunteer will be entitled to benefits in accordance with UNV conditions of service, including:
• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA);
• Life and health insurance;
• Disability coverage;
• Applicable entitlements and allowances according to UNV policies.


United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender, nationality, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or cultural background.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.