Consultant for Interagency SEA Risk Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has been at the forefront of global health initiatives, responding to health emergencies, and providing guidance on health policies and practices. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, working collaboratively with governments and partners to improve health outcomes worldwide. In Syria, WHO has been actively involved in addressing the health impacts of the ongoing crisis, focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring access to essential health services.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is aimed at supporting the WHO Country Office in Syria (WCO) in conducting a comprehensive interagency Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Risk Assessment (IARA). The consultant will leverage their expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to analyze data, conduct desk reviews, and synthesize findings into a coherent report. This role is critical in shaping the strategies and action plans of the WCO and the interagency PSEA network, particularly in the context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The consultant will work closely with WHO personnel and interagency partners to ensure that the assessment aligns with global methodologies and addresses the unique challenges faced in the region. The ultimate goal is to enhance the understanding of SEA risks and improve the overall response mechanisms within humanitarian and development operations in Syria.

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

• Conduct a desk review and secondary data analysis based on the previous IARA conducted in Aleppo.
• Engage in key informant interviews (KIIs) with WHO colleagues and PSEA interagency network co-chairs in Damascus and Qamishli.
• Review and synthesize quantitative data collected by a data collection firm, integrating it with secondary data to generate a comprehensive final report.
• Collaborate with the WHO PRS Coordinator and respective focal points to ensure effective communication and data sharing.
• Draft and finalize the report, incorporating feedback from WHO and interagency stakeholders.
• Present findings and recommendations to the humanitarian country team, including UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs, to enhance SEA mitigation efforts in Syria.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or PhD in international relations, gender studies, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or a related field. Essential qualifications include over 10 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly in large-scale research projects within international organizations and the MENA region. Familiarity with the UN system and accountability frameworks such as AAP and PSEA is highly desirable. Proven ability to develop high-quality research products, supported by evidence such as academic publications, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or PhD in relevant fields such as international relations, gender studies, or international law. Additional certifications or training in gender in humanitarian action, PSEA, or AAP are considered strong assets and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, with a proven track record in managing large-scale research projects, particularly in the context of international organizations and the MENA region. Familiarity with the UN system and its accountability frameworks is preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research outputs.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to draft reports and communicate findings effectively. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's understanding of the context in which they are working.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote, allowing the consultant to work from any location, provided they can align their working hours with the WHO Syria Country Office (GMT 3). The contract duration is flexible, with a maximum of 11 months per calendar year. The consultant is not expected to travel, and remuneration details will be discussed upon selection. WHO emphasizes diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.