International Consultant Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to advancing human rights standards and addressing violations. The organization engages in advocacy, provides technical assistance, and supports the implementation of international human rights laws and standards.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant Team Leader involves leading a comprehensive, evidence-based study focused on violations of children's rights in the Bolama-Bijagós Region, particularly concerning sexual exploitation and other forms of violence, abuse, and harmful practices affecting children. The consultant will work under the supervision of OHCHR-WARO/PAPEV and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the study, ensuring that it aligns with OHCHR programming and government actions. The role requires a strong emphasis on producing practical recommendations to enhance prevention, child protection, and institutional responses in Guinea-Bissau, thereby supporting advocacy efforts under the PAPEV Project. The consultant will also coordinate closely with a National Consultant to ensure effective collaboration and integration of local knowledge into the study.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Consultant Team Leader include:

• Planning, organizing, and leading the implementation of the study on children's rights violations.
• Providing overall technical leadership and ensuring effective coordination with the National Consultant.
• Conducting a comprehensive desk review of relevant legislation, policies, and available data related to children's rights violations in Guinea-Bissau.
• Developing the study methodology, research tools, and workplan in consultation with the National Consultant and OHCHR.
• Adapting the methodology and research tools to the local context, utilizing insights from the National Consultant.
• Leading field research in the Bolama-Bijagós Region, including technical arrangements for data collection.
• Conducting and supervising interviews, focus group discussions, and consultations with stakeholders while adhering to ethical standards.
• Coordinating and supervising all technical aspects of the study to ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs.
• Integrating child protection, human rights, and gender equality perspectives throughout the study. 1
• Analyzing data collected and preparing draft and final reports, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. 1
• Presenting preliminary findings and facilitating technical validation meetings with stakeholders. 1
• Ensuring compliance with ethical standards for research involving children, including safeguarding and confidentiality. 1
• Preparing and submitting all deliverables within the established timeframe.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Criminology, Development Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field.
• A minimum of ten years of extensive professional experience in child protection, human rights, research, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research.
• Proven ability to produce policy-oriented analytical reports.
• Strong knowledge of child rights, child protection systems, and issues related to sexual exploitation.
• Previous experience in West Africa or similar contexts is highly desirable.
• Experience working with United Nations agencies or international organizations is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary or mixed national/international research teams is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or its equivalent, in relevant fields such as Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Criminology, Development Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively lead the study and address complex issues related to children's rights and protection.

Experience:
The position requires at least ten years of extensive relevant professional experience in areas such as child protection, human rights, and research. This level of experience is crucial for the consultant to effectively navigate the complexities of the study, lead a multidisciplinary team, and produce high-quality analytical reports that inform policy and practice. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting research and working in contexts similar to that of Guinea-Bissau, particularly in relation to children's rights and protection.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, a working knowledge of English or French is required to facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of Creole would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for three months, during which the consultant will be engaged in intensive research and analysis. The role is likely to be full-time, given the nature of the responsibilities and the need for close coordination with the National Consultant and other stakeholders. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the selection is based solely on merit and qualifications.