Research Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for children's rights and ensuring their protection across 190 countries and territories. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, viewing this mission as a calling rather than just a job. UNICEF prides itself on fostering a culture that supports staff development and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. The organization is known for its attractive compensation and benefits package, which reflects its commitment to its employees and the mission of protecting children's rights.

Job Overview:
The position of Research Consultant at UNICEF focuses on conducting a comprehensive study on the situation of children in return processes, particularly in the context of Germany. The consultant will be responsible for analyzing the current asylum and returns context, identifying key trends and challenges related to children's rights, and assessing existing child protection services. The role requires a deep understanding of the legal frameworks governing child rights and return processes, as well as the ability to develop realistic policy recommendations that ensure the protection of children's rights during these processes. The consultant will engage in extensive research, including literature reviews, interviews, and data analysis, to inform advocacy efforts and improve practices related to child returns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the current German asylum and returns context, focusing on demographic profiles, key trends, and challenges to children's rights.
• Evaluate existing child protection services and systems that support children engaged in voluntary return and deportation.
• Document children's experiences during voluntary and forced return processes, identifying obstacles and challenges they face.
• Analyze findings in relation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and relevant German and EU legal frameworks, identifying gaps and proposing child-rights-based policy options.
• Assess government cooperation on returns and the implications of current political narratives on child rights advocacy.
• Develop policy recommendations to ensure safe returns based on the CRC, and identify key advocacy messages to support these efforts.
• Collaborate with UNICEF and other stakeholders to disseminate findings and recommendations effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in political science, anthropology, sociology, social work, psychology, economics, public health/social policy, or relevant fields related to UNICEF's work.
• A minimum of eight years of professional research experience with a defined publication record in child migration issues, particularly within the European/German context.
• Specific expertise in German and EU asylum and return/reintegration policies and procedures is strongly desirable.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including experience in mixed-methods study design, literature review, key informant interviews, and data collection.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience in group facilitation and presentation.
• Proven coordination and program management skills, with a track record of successful project coordination and workflow management.
• Strong fundraising skills and experience in donor engagement and resource mobilization.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as political science, sociology, social work, psychology, or public health. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of child rights and migration issues, as well as for conducting high-level research and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional research experience, particularly focused on child migration issues within the European and German contexts. Candidates should have a strong publication record and demonstrated expertise in analyzing asylum and return policies, as well as experience working within UNICEF or similar international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and German is essential for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as 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 communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexible working arrangements. UNICEF promotes a diverse workforce and is committed to supporting the full realization of children's rights. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must confirm their vaccination status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to remote consultants.