Consultant for Research on Early and Child Marriage

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations, which was established to promote international cooperation and maintain international order. The UN operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on various global issues including human rights, social development, and humanitarian assistance. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various sectors and has a mission to foster peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development globally.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research to understand the prevalence, causes, perceptions, and consequences of early and child marriage specifically within Roma communities in Moldova. This role requires the development of a robust research methodology that is human rights-based, gender-responsive, and culturally sensitive. The Consultant will also provide technical expertise throughout the research process, including the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings. The position emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, particularly when engaging with children and vulnerable populations, ensuring that all research activities are conducted with appropriate safeguards in place. The Consultant will work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer and will receive overall guidance from the Head of Office, ensuring alignment with the organization's objectives and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake several key tasks as outlined in the Terms of Reference, including:

• Development of Research Methodology: This involves outlining research objectives and questions, creating a conceptual framework, identifying data sources, determining sampling strategies and sample sizes, defining target groups, establishing geographical scope, selecting data collection methods, and implementing data protection and confidentiality measures. The Consultant will also need to address ethical safeguards, study limitations, risks, and develop a data analysis plan.
• Development of Research Tools: The Consultant will create various research instruments such as questionnaires for individual interviews, focus group discussions, and key-informant interviews. Additionally, they will prepare interview guides and consent forms to ensure ethical compliance.
• Validation and Finalization of Methodology and Tools: The Consultant will present the developed methodology to the project team and relevant stakeholders, revise documents based on feedback, and submit a final methodology package.
• Analysis, Presentation, and Dissemination of Findings: The Consultant will review and provide input on the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, offer recommendations for improvement on draft analytical products, and present the research methodology and key considerations during public presentations of the findings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first degree in sociology, research methodology, social sciences, anthropology, public policy, human rights, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least three years of professional experience in sociology, social research, research methodology, human rights, or a related field. Proven experience in developing methodologies and data collection tools, as well as conducting research specifically related to early child marriage, is essential. Experience with qualitative research methods and a demonstrated ability to work with Roma communities are also required. Furthermore, candidates should have the ability to analyze and interpret research findings effectively and formulate evidence-based recommendations.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first degree in relevant fields such as sociology, research methodology, social sciences, anthropology, public policy, human rights, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social research and the specific issues surrounding early and child marriage.

Experience:
The Consultant should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in relevant fields, including sociology, social research, research methodology, and human rights. This experience should include proven capabilities in developing research methodologies and data collection tools, as well as conducting research focused on early child marriage. Familiarity with qualitative research methods and experience working with Roma communities are also critical components of the required experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it relates to the communities being studied, but English is the primary language of communication for this role.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from July 15, 2026, to November 30, 202

• The position allows for teleworking from the Consultant's home country, providing flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.