Consultant for Qualitative Research Methodology

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that no child is left behind, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on various issues including child protection, education, health, and nutrition. The organization employs thousands of staff members globally, working tirelessly to advocate for children's rights and improve their well-being in diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in proposing and implementing a qualitative research methodology aimed at understanding the drivers of corporal punishment in child-rearing within the Brazilian context. This position involves replicating a formative qualitative diagnosis previously conducted in Rio de Janeiro, expanding the research to include Recife and Manaus. The consultant will be responsible for developing culturally adapted interventions that respect regional specificities and promote child protection. The research will target various stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, and professionals from public services, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issue across different demographics. The consultant will also engage in dialogues and participatory activities, facilitating discussions that validate local perceptions and inform the development of effective strategies to prevent violence against children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include defining methodologies and tools for the research, conducting dialogues and participatory activities in Recife and Manaus, and analyzing qualitative data collected during these sessions. Specific tasks involve developing scripts and activities tailored to local needs, facilitating discussions with participants, and ensuring the validation of local perceptions. The consultant will also prepare a final report that includes conclusions and recommendations based on the findings from the dialogues, comparing data across the three cities studied. Additionally, the consultant will be required to conduct virtual coordination meetings with stakeholders, manage logistics for the dialogues, and collaborate with local UNICEF partners to ensure the successful implementation of the research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communication, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, public relations, or a related field in social or behavioral sciences. A minimum of eight years of professional experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating behavioral change strategies and research at national or international levels is required. Proven experience in qualitative research design and implementation is essential, along with a portfolio showcasing relevant research work. Experience in child protection research, particularly related to Ending Violence Against Children in Latin America and the Caribbean, is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to stay current with developments in the SBC field and have familiarity with emerging approaches such as behavioral insights and human-centered design.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as communication, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, or public relations is required. The educational background should be complemented by extensive knowledge in social or behavioral sciences, particularly in relation to child protection and behavioral change strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of professional experience in the field of behavioral change strategies and research. Candidates should have a strong background in qualitative research design and implementation, with a proven track record of managing research projects and collaborating with various stakeholders, including government and civil society partners.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for conducting research and engaging with local communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is six months, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined for each phase of the research. The consultant will be required to conduct in-person field research in Recife and Manaus, with an expected travel plan that includes five working days in each city. Travel costs should be included in the final proposed fee. The consultant must ensure that they have valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Selected candidates will need to confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to the assignment.