International Home-based Consultancy Opportunity: Research Consultant for Communities Care UNICEF
International Home-based Consultancy Opportunity: Research Consultant for Communities Care UNICEF
Introduction: The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is a renowned organization committed to improving the lives of children worldwide. In South Sudan, a country facing numerous challenges, UNICEF plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting the rights and well-being of children. As part of its ongoing efforts, UNICEF South Sudan is seeking a Research Consultant to support its Communities Care initiative.
This initiative aims to combat harmful social norms contributing to GBV and create safer communities for women and girls. The Research Consultant will play a pivotal role in managing research activities, monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, and providing technical guidance to partners. This document provides an in-depth overview of the consultancy opportunity, outlining its purpose, responsibilities, qualifications, and application process.
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Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The primary goal of the consultancy is to support UNICEF South Sudan in implementing the Communities Care model. This model seeks to address GBV by transforming harmful social norms into norms that promote gender equality, safety, and dignity for women and girls. The Research Consultant will be responsible for managing all aspects of the research component of Communities Care, including planning, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Additionally, the consultant will provide technical support and guidance to UNICEF partners on evidence-based programming using qualitative and quantitative methods. The ultimate aim is to generate practice-based evidence that informs program adaptations and contributes to the prevention and mitigation of GBV in South Sudan.
International Home-based Consultancy Opportunity: Research Consultant for Communities Care UNICEF
Main Duties and Responsibilities: The Research Consultant’s role encompasses a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, all geared towards supporting the effective implementation of the Communities Care model. Key duties include:
- Research Management: The consultant will oversee the planning, implementation, and analysis of research activities related to Communities Care. This includes revising and adapting program tools, conducting baseline and endline surveys, and documenting progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Capacity Building: The consultant will provide technical support and capacity-building assistance to UNICEF partners and stakeholders. This may involve conducting trainings, workshops, and mentoring sessions on research methodologies, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) techniques, and data analysis.
- Program Monitoring and Evaluation: The consultant will collaborate with UNICEF partners to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Communities Care interventions. This involves collecting, collating, and analyzing data to measure the impact of the program on the general population and identify areas for improvement.
- Learning Platforms: The consultant will support the establishment of learning platforms where organizations implementing Communities Care can share experiences, challenges, and best practices. By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, these platforms will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of program interventions.
- Process Evaluation: The consultant will design and implement a process evaluation to assess the implementation of Communities Care and document changes in beliefs, attitudes, and social norms among community members and service providers.
- Report Writing: The consultant will produce comprehensive reports documenting research findings, evaluation outcomes, and recommendations for program adaptation and improvement. These reports will serve as valuable resources for UNICEF and its partners, guiding future programmatic efforts.
Qualifications and Experience: To effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the role, the Research Consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:
- A Master’s degree in Sociology, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience working on GBV in humanitarian settings, with a strong understanding of Communities Care implementation and GBV service delivery.
- Proven expertise in planning and facilitating trainings, workshops, and capacity-building activities.
- Demonstrable experience in conducting and analyzing field research, including baseline and endline surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and the ability to adapt to program-specific databases and tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality research documents and reports.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment, with a strong commitment to UNICEF’s mission and values.
Application Details: Interested candidates should submit a detailed technical and financial proposal, outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and proposed approach to the consultancy. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
Important Information:
- Application Deadline: April 19, 2024
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.
- Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and complying with local laws and regulations.
- The selected candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-endorsed vaccine and provide proof of vaccination prior to starting the assignment.
- Remote work is available for this consultancy, and consultants are not expected to travel to UNICEF premises or interact directly with communities.
Conclusion: The Research Consultant position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to UNICEF’s efforts to combat gender-based violence and promote the rights and well-being of women and girls in South Sudan. By managing research activities, providing technical guidance, and documenting program outcomes, the consultant will play a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the Communities Care initiative. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and join UNICEF in making a positive impact on the lives of children and communities in South Sudan.