Consultant for Qualitative Research

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. Established in 1946, UNICEF is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, and it is a place where careers are built. The organization is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing staff with opportunities for professional and personal development while serving children and communities worldwide. UNICEF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, and its culture is characterized by passion and a sense of purpose.

Job Overview:
The consultant position at UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight focuses on providing expert technical services related to qualitative research activities. The role requires individuals who can support various aspects of qualitative research, including research conceptualization and design, implementation and oversight of data collection activities, coding and analysis of qualitative data, and development of research outputs. Consultants will work on a deliverables-based contract, which may involve developing research designs, tools, and protocols, conducting data collection and analysis, training vendors and staff, and producing reports and presentations. This position is crucial for advancing UNICEF's mission by generating qualitative evidence that informs policy and programmatic decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Developing and submitting comprehensive research designs and protocols tailored to specific research questions.
• Creating research tools, guidance documents, and toolkits, which may include analysis plans, coding books, and implementation plans.
• Conducting qualitative research in various countries, including data collection and analysis.
• Providing training and support to vendors, UNICEF staff, and internal/external researchers involved in the research process.
• Writing detailed analyses and interpretations of qualitative data.
• Producing reports and other research outputs that effectively communicate findings.
• Engaging in dissemination activities, including presentations and workshops to share research insights with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a minimum of a Master’s degree in a social science discipline, or a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant qualitative research experience. Essential skills include at least two years of demonstrable experience in qualitative research, particularly with children in diverse contexts. Candidates should have strong written, verbal, and presentation skills in English, along with a solid understanding of qualitative research methods such as interviews, observational studies, and participatory research. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are also essential for managing work independently and collaborating with partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree, one year of relevant qualitative research experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. A PhD in a relevant subject area is considered an additional asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in qualitative research, with a preference for candidates who have experience working in complex settings and with sensitive topics. Experience in managing or training research staff, as well as conducting research in development, fragile, or humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF programs and thematic areas such as education, child protection, and social policy is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Additional proficiency in other UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is remote, and contracts will be deliverables-based. Selected candidates will not be considered staff members under the UN regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. Consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Candidates must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 if they are expected to work on-site or interact with communities. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion and offers reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities. The organization adheres to strict child safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.