Consultant to Conduct Research on the Misuse of Technology to Facilitate Child Marriage

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Consultant to Conduct Research on the Misuse of Technology to Facilitate Child Marriage
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, while also promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will conduct research on the misuse of technology that facilitates child marriage, aiming to generate evidence-based programming. This role is crucial in understanding how technology can be misused to groom and target girls for early marriage, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the digital divide and the rise of online platforms. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive desk review, developing a study methodology, and engaging with various stakeholders to gather data. The research will explore both interpersonal and societal levels of technology misuse, aiming to document practices that counteract the vulnerabilities of girls to online grooming for marriage. The consultant will also facilitate a webinar to share findings with UNFPA and UNICEF teams, contributing to the broader goal of ending child marriage and promoting gender equality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a desk review to identify relevant materials and studies on the misuse of technology for child marriage, including social media and dating apps. They will develop a study methodology and data collection tools, focusing on the means and actors involved in technology misuse, the impact of socioeconomic factors on girls' vulnerability, and existing interventions addressing these issues. The consultant will work with UNFPA and stakeholders to access commonly used platforms for targeting girls and conduct focus group discussions and key informant interviews. They will travel to five selected countries for data collection and produce a comprehensive report analyzing findings, identifying patterns and risks, and providing recommendations for policy and programming. The consultant will also facilitate an online webinar to disseminate findings and foster discussions among country offices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, gender studies, or social work. They should have at least seven years of specialized experience in research related to gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices. A strong understanding of the gender norms and socioeconomic factors driving child marriage is essential, along with demonstrated experience in data science, digital analysis, or online threat analysis. Excellent research, interviewing, and writing skills are required, as well as the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural environments. Previous experience with UNFPA and working in the Asia Pacific region is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences, gender studies, or a related field is required for this consultancy position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to conduct research on the misuse of technology in the context of child marriage and gender-based violence.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of seven years of specialized experience in research related to gender-based violence and harmful practices. This experience should include a demonstrated understanding of the factors contributing to child marriage, as well as practical experience in conducting research and analysis in relevant contexts. Familiarity with the Asia Pacific region and previous work with UNFPA will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia Pacific region may be considered an asset, as it could facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the research process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with a total duration of 80 working days, concluding on October 31, 202

• The consultant will develop a work plan in consultation with the UNFPA APRO GBV team. Travel to UNFPA Country Offices will be required for data collection and consultations, with travel expenses covered by UNFPA according to official travel regulations. The consulting fee will be paid based on deliverables, with payments made in two installments upon acceptance of the deliverables by UNFPA. The consultant will report to the UNFPA APRO GBV Technical Specialist and will be expected to adhere to a monitoring and progress control schedule established at the outset of the consultancy.