International Consultant on Early Child Marriages in Roma Communities

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations, which was established to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates globally, with numerous offices and agencies dedicated to various humanitarian and developmental issues. The mission of the UN includes the promotion of human rights, sustainable development, and the provision of humanitarian assistance. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various sectors and has a presence in almost every country around the world, working towards improving the lives of people in need and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant on Early Child Marriages in Roma Communities involves conducting in-depth research to understand the prevalence, causes, perceptions, and consequences of early and child marriage specifically within Roma communities in Moldova. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive research methodology that is human rights-based, gender-responsive, and culturally sensitive. This role requires the consultant to provide technical expertise throughout the research process, including the analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Human Rights Officer and will be guided by the Head of Office, ensuring that the research adheres to international human rights standards and ethical considerations, particularly when engaging with children and vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks as part of their responsibilities:

• Development of Research Methodology: This includes 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 mitigation measures, as well as develop a data analysis plan that includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Development of Research Tools: The consultant will create various research instruments such as questionnaires for individual interviews, focus group discussions, and key-informant interviews. They will also develop 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 and interpretation of the collected 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:
The position requires a first degree in sociology, research methodology, social sciences, anthropology, public policy, human rights, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must 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 into early child marriage, is essential. Experience in qualitative research methods and a demonstrated ability to work with Roma communities are also required. Furthermore, the consultant must possess the ability to analyze and interpret research findings and formulate evidence-based recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a first degree in a relevant field 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 human rights issues, particularly in the context of early child marriage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in relevant fields such as sociology, social research, research methodology, or human rights. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing research methodologies and data collection tools, as well as conducting research focused on early child marriage. Experience in qualitative research methods is also necessary, along with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with Roma communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the Roma communities or the context of the research.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing the consultant to work from their home country. The expected duration of the consultancy is from July 15, 2026, to November 30, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.