READVERTISEMENT: Internship – Social & Behavior Change, 6 months, Colombo Sri Lanka (Sri Lankan nationals only)

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. 

For every child, how can you make a difference? 

Background

UNICEF Sri Lanka, Social & Behavior Change (SBC) programming is in need of short-term support for ongoing interventions, mainly related to the crisis response. Currently Social & Behavior Change (SBC) programming is managed by one officer. With the ongoing crisis, there is a high demand from internal and external stakeholders to further strengthen Social & Behavior Change (SBC) interventions, and to timely implement within the tight time frames receiving from the emergency grants.  Therefore, Social & Behavior Change (SBC) programming is looking for an intern to help the programming in the next six months, which are deemed to be crucial.

The overall purpose of this internship is to support the Social & Behavior Change (SBC) officer in carrying out the Social and Behavior Change, Community Engagement interventions, mainly related to the crisis response

 

Key tasks and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the  Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Officer,

The intern will be responsible for implementing following tasks:

• Identify the possible finetuning that can be made to the ongoing Social & Behavior Change (SBC) interventions in coordination with Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Officer, and relevant internal and external stakeholders
• With the guidance and support of the Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Officer, coordinate with the existing partners to monitor the progress of the ongoing interventions through virtual and in person meetings, and through reporting tools
• Follow up with the individual and organizational contractors (e.g., illustrators, translators, video producers, content writers etc.) to obtain their deliverables on time, in alignment to the feedback/inputs received from  Social & Behavior Change (SBC) officer and other technical experts
• Document the success stories, case studies and human-interest stories of the  Social & Behavior Change (SBC) interventions in coordination with the partners
• Coordinate with the relevant Programme Associate during the low value procurement processes by identifying potential vendors that can be reached, and by developing the brief of activities
• Support to implement the regional office led interventions (e.g. Internet of Good Things) that are implemented in coordination with the country office.
• Perform other tasks as required.

 

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

Required Education, Skills and Experiences:

• Recently completed a University Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Communication, or any other relevant area
• At least one year experience (full time/ part time) in the fields of Social & Behavior Change, Community Engagement, Child and Youth Participation
• Experience in developing communication assets and publications; and basic understanding about the digital landscape in the country
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills
• Excellent computer literacy (Microsoft Office products)

 

Functional Competencies:

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines
• Accuracy and professionalism during the documentation and content production
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels
• Experience of working with UN is an asset but not a prerequisite
• Recent leadership in child/youth/CSO movements and networks is an asset

 Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Fluency in spoken and written Sinhala or Tamil is required

Duration :  6 months (Tentative start date 01 September 2023)

Learning Opportunities for the Intern:

• General understanding of the work and mission of the UNICEF programme in Sri Lanka  
• Insight and hands-on experience on UNICEF related to  Social & Behavior Change (SBC)
• Become more familiar with working in a United Nations / international organization and in a multicultural environment

Cost/Expenses:

Interns receive a stipend from UNICEF and must make own arrangements for living expenses. Living accommodations and other expenses are also their own responsibilities.

Insurance:

• UNICEF accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, the intern must have adequate medical insurance.
• Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work.

 

 

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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. 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.

 

Remarks:  

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable applicants are encouraged to apply.

Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

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

If you think this position might be for you, please take the time to review our Country Office Mutual Agreements before you apply.

If you believe you can team member that can uphold these everyday, then we look forward to receiving and reviewing your application.