Consultant for EQUIP Project

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is associated with the KOICA-funded project, EQUIP: Equality and Quality in Disability-Inclusive Human Support Provision. This project aims to transform care and support systems for persons with disabilities in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The organization operates under the supervision of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of its objectives. The organization is committed to promoting human rights and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups, and works in various countries to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The consultant position is integral to the successful execution of the EQUIP project, which focuses on improving the quality of care and support for persons with disabilities. The consultant will be tasked with implementing a structured questionnaire aimed at gathering evidence on current practices among service providers in Moldova. This role requires the consultant to engage directly with public, private, and community-based service providers through in-depth interviews, ensuring that the data collected is both comprehensive and reflective of the realities faced by individuals with disabilities. The consultant will also be responsible for synthesizing the findings into reports that highlight key insights and recommendations for systemic change. This position demands a collaborative approach, as the consultant will work closely with the EQUIP team and OHCHR Moldova to address any implementation challenges and refine the research methodology as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: participating in a methodology and induction session provided by the EQUIP team; conducting at least 20 in-depth interviews with selected service providers; rigorously applying the EQUIP questionnaire, including conditional logic as per the research protocol; recording and systematizing responses, ensuring qualitative annotations and notes are captured; preparing summary reports for each interview, which should be 1-2 pages long and encapsulate key insights, contradictions, and the overall tone of the discussions; contributing to a synthesis report that summarizes trends, challenges, and opportunities for systemic change; collaborating in follow-up meetings with the EQUIP team and OHCHR Moldova to address any implementation issues; and delivering all materials in a structured format, including questionnaires, summary sheets, and field notes.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Human Rights, Disability Studies, or related fields. Additionally, postgraduate studies in human rights, disability, or social research methods are desired. Candidates must demonstrate at least 5 years of experience in qualitative research and structured interviews, as well as experience working on disability, care systems, or public policy specifically in Moldova. Previous work with UN agencies, NGOs, or public institutions is also desired. The ability to identify and mitigate selection biases and social desirability biases is crucial, along with experience using qualitative analysis tools such as NVivo or Atlas.ti and data tabulation software like Excel or SPSS.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Health, Human Rights, or Disability Studies. Postgraduate studies in human rights, disability, or social research methods are preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in the research and implementation processes related to disability and human rights.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in qualitative research and structured interviews. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience working on issues related to disability, care systems, or public policy in Moldova. This experience is essential to ensure that the consultant is well-versed in the local context and can effectively engage with service providers to gather meaningful data.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language used in Moldova. Knowledge of English and Russian is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse groups involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation. However, 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. This policy underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices.