Research Manager - Prevention of Harmful Practices (P-4)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF has a strong focus on creating a diverse and inclusive culture, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Research Manager position at UNICEF Innocenti is crucial for providing evidence, research, and strategic support to the Centre of Excellence on the Prevention of Harmful Practices. This role involves managing a dedicated research portfolio focused on preventing harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). The Manager will report to the Chief of Research Gender Equality, Rights and Protection and will be responsible for overseeing complex research initiatives, engaging with various stakeholders, and ensuring that research aligns with UNICEF's strategic priorities. The position requires a strong emphasis on evidence generation, synthesis, and translation to inform policies and programs aimed at protecting children and promoting gender equality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Manager include:

• Managing and overseeing the harmful practices research portfolio, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic objectives.
• Conducting and supervising social science and mixed-methods research initiatives.
• Engaging with governments, UN agencies, donors, and civil society to promote research findings and influence policy.
• Leading global research agenda-setting processes and ensuring high-quality outputs.
• Collaborating with UNICEF country and regional offices to implement research findings in programs.
• Producing technical reports, publications, and evidence products that communicate research outcomes effectively.
• Supporting evidence dissemination and uptake to influence strategic decisions and actions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in social sciences, public policy, gender studies, international development, public health, sociology, anthropology, economics, or a related field. They should have at least 8 years of relevant work experience in social science research, particularly in areas related to harmful practices, gender equality, and child protection. Proven experience in managing complex research portfolios and multi-country initiatives is essential, along with strong skills in evidence synthesis and research-to-policy translation. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including governments and civil society organizations.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in a relevant field such as social sciences, public policy, gender studies, international development, public health, sociology, anthropology, or economics is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social issues affecting children and adolescents.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in social science research, particularly focusing on harmful practices, gender equality, and child protection. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing complex research portfolios and multi-country research initiatives, as well as proven capabilities in conducting and overseeing social science and mixed-methods research. Experience in evidence synthesis, implementation research, and translating research into policy is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communicate research findings effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is a temporary appointment at the P-4 level, and UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must comply with medical clearance and vaccination requirements.