Result of Service

A comprehensive, evidence-based study on violations of children’s rights in the Bolama-Bijagós Region is produced and validated, with particular attention to sexual exploitation and other forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and harmful practices affecting children. The study will provide practical recommendations to strengthen prevention, child protection, referral mechanisms, accountability and institutional responses in Guinea-Bissau, supporting OHCHR programming, government action and advocacy efforts under the PAPEV Project.

Work Location

Guinea Bissau

Expected duration

Three (3) months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of OHCHR-WARO/PAPEV, the International Consultant, as Team Leader, will plan, organize and lead the implementation of the study and coordinate closely with the National Consultant.

Provide overall technical leadership for the study and ensure effective coordination and division of responsibilities with the National Consultant throughout the assignment.
Conduct a desk review of relevant legislation, policies, studies and available data relating to children’s rights violations in Guinea-Bissau, including sexual exploitation and other forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and harmful practices.
Develop the study methodology, research tools and workplan in close consultation with the National Consultant and OHCHR.
Ensure that the methodology and research tools are appropriately adapted to the national and local context, drawing on the contextual knowledge and inputs of the National Consultant.
Plan and lead the field research in the Bolama-Bijagós Region, including the technical arrangements necessary for data collection in accordance with the approved methodology.
Conduct and/or supervise interviews, focus group discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders in accordance with ethical standards.
Coordinate and supervise all technical aspects of the study, ensuring quality, consistency and timely delivery of outputs.
Ensure integration of child protection, human rights and gender equality perspectives throughout the study.
Lead the analysis of data collected, working closely with the National Consultant to ensure that findings on children’s rights violations are grounded in the national and local context.
Lead the preparation of the draft analytical report and final report, incorporating relevant inputs from the National Consultant and consolidated comments from OHCHR and stakeholders.
Lead the presentation of preliminary findings and facilitate the technical validation meeting with relevant stakeholders, in collaboration with the National Consultant.
Ensure compliance with ethical standards for research involving children, including safeguarding, informed consent, confidentiality and referral procedures where necessary.
Prepare and submit all agreed deliverables within the established timeframe.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Human Rights, Social Sciences, Criminology, Development Studies, Public Policy, Sociology, Anthropology or a related field. At least ten years of extensive relevant professional experience in child protection, human rights, research or related fields.

Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research.
Demonstrated experience producing policy-oriented analytical reports.
Proven knowledge of child rights, child protection systems and sexual exploitation issues.
Previous experience in West Africa or similar contexts is highly desirable.
Experience working with United Nations agencies or international organisations is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary or mixed national/international research teams is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in Portuguese is required.

Working knowledge of English or French is required.
Knowledge of Creole would be an asset.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

International Consultant (Team Leader) – Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children in Guinea-Bissau: Focus on the Bolama-Bijagós Region.