National Consultancy on Social Determinants of Child Marriage

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading organization in the field of reproductive health and rights, established in 196

• Its mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to improve the lives of women and girls, and to promote gender equality. The organization focuses on providing access to reproductive health services, supporting family planning, and advocating for the rights of women and girls. UNFPA is committed to addressing the social determinants of health and well-being, particularly in vulnerable populations, and plays a crucial role in global efforts to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage.

Job Overview:
The National Consultancy on Social Determinants of Child Marriage aims to conduct a comprehensive research study to identify the root causes of child marriage in Liberia. The consultant will be responsible for developing evidence-based strategies to reduce the prevalence of child marriage by investigating key socioeconomic and cultural drivers. The study will focus on specific counties in Liberia that have high rates of child marriage, including Gbarpolu, Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, and Nimba. The consultant will employ qualitative research methods, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), to gather data from various stakeholders, including women of reproductive age, adolescents, men, and community leaders. The expected outcome of this consultancy is to produce a final report that outlines actionable interventions tailored to the Liberian context, contributing to the broader goal of eliminating child marriage by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough literature review on child marriage in Liberia and similar contexts to inform the research design.
• Develop a detailed research methodology, including the design of data collection tools for KIIs and FGDs.
• Identify and recruit participants for the study, ensuring a diverse representation of stakeholders.
• Facilitate KIIs and FGDs, ensuring that discussions are productive and that data is accurately captured.
• Analyze qualitative data collected from the field, identifying key themes and insights related to the drivers of child marriage.
• Prepare an Inception Report outlining the research plan and timeline.
• Draft a comprehensive final report that includes findings, recommendations, and strategies for reducing child marriage in Liberia.
• Present findings to stakeholders through workshops and other dissemination methods.
• Collaborate with the Data and Evidence Specialist for oversight and support throughout the consultancy. 1
• Ensure timely submission of all deliverables according to the established timeline.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• A seasoned social scientist with 5 to 10 years of experience in research related to social issues, particularly in the context of child marriage or gender studies.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, with a strong understanding of research methodologies.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills, with the ability to facilitate workshops and present findings effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and the capacity to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• A thorough knowledge of the United Nations system, particularly UNFPA, is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional language skills considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline, such as Demography, Sociology, Economics, Anthropology, Gender Studies, or Public Health. A PhD in a related field is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in social research, particularly in the areas of child marriage, gender studies, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting qualitative and quantitative research, as well as experience working with diverse stakeholders in community settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken in Liberia or the region would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 90 days, starting from the recruitment of the consultant until the final report is delivered. The consultant will be based in Monrovia but will be required to travel to the selected counties for data collection. The work will be delivered electronically, with hard copies provided as necessary. The consultant will be supervised by the Programme Specialist, Data and Evidence, who will oversee the implementation of the consultancy and ensure that all deliverables meet the required standards. The UNFPA Country Office will provide administrative support to facilitate the consultant's work.