UNICEF Consultant - Qualitative for Children and AI Research Digital Engagement

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The purpose of this consultancy is to design qualitative research methodology for consultation workshops with children in China regarding AI. The consultant will support a local implementing research partner by reviewing findings, conducting quality control of research analysis, and writing up the UNICEF Innocenti report with complete analysis, discussion, and recommendations. This project spans 2.5 years and involves a mixed-methods study capturing children's real-life experiences with AI tools in China. The project will be delivered in two phases: the first phase consists of qualitative consultative workshops with children to understand their interactions and perceptions of relational AI systems, followed by a quantitative survey to delve deeper into key findings and enable targeted recommendations. UNICEF China will lead the project, with UNICEF Innocenti as the research lead, and a local institution in China will be recruited as the research partner and implementer.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The qualitative research consultant will be responsible for several key areas: setting up the project, designing the research methodology, piloting the research, conducting child consultations, and analyzing the data. The consultant will also be involved in forming and managing an expert advisory group to ensure the research is comprehensive and meets the objectives outlined in the Terms of Reference. Specific tasks include developing research methodologies, managing child consultations, conducting data analysis, and writing reports that reflect the findings and recommendations based on the research conducted.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify as an advocate for every child, candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant social science or technology discipline. A Bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of four years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at national or international levels, specifically in conducting qualitative research related to technology or children's issues. This includes developing research methodologies, managing child consultations, conducting data analysis, and writing reports. Experience in qualitative research with children and writing policy or industry recommendations is considered an asset, as is experience working on topics related to children’s Digital Engagement and Protection, such as AI.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s degree in a relevant social science or technology discipline. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree will be accepted if accompanied by four years of relevant work experience. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct qualitative research effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience at national or international levels. This experience should specifically involve conducting qualitative research related to technology or children's issues, including developing research methodologies, managing child consultations, conducting data analysis, and writing reports. Experience working with children in a research context is highly valued, as is familiarity with topics related to children’s Digital Engagement and Protection, such as AI.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and for the documentation produced. Fluency in Chinese is considered an asset, as the research will involve consultations with children in China and understanding their perspectives on AI tools.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is part of a larger project that spans 2.5 years and involves a mixed-methods approach. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF China and a local research partner in China. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a multicultural environment. UNICEF promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.