Research Consultant Roster (Adolescent Well-being) UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti

The purpose of this call is to build the roster of mid and senior level consultants from which to draw candidates for work planned in 2017 and 2018. Selected candidates will be recruited as consultants to support an ambitious research agenda around adolescent well-being and related areas of work (including in areas such as gender, migration, child marriage, education, SRH, well-being, violence, food security and nutrition, social protection, child rights, participation, or related areas) as well as research assistance in developing new areas of work.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

1. Background:

The Office of Research-Innocent is the dedicated research office of UNICEF. It undertakes and commissions research on emerging or current issues of relevance for children in order to inform the strategic directions, policies and programmes of UNICEF and its partners.  The Office explores emerging issues, identifies research gaps, brings together existing researchers and support or undertake new research and data collection to address critical questions and to inform global debates.
Consultants will work under the technical guidance and supervision of staff at Innocenti and in collaboration with different research teams. They will be responsible for providing research support including to: the development of primary research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications; contributing to expanding or developing new conceptual and methodological approaches related products, contributing to conceptual and methodological approaches; reviewing and synthesizing existing research and evidence; qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, identifying critical gaps and questions; convening meetings; and developing proposals for new areas of research focused on adolescents. Where necessary, consultants will travel to UNICEF HQ, Regional or Country Office locations to present findings and/or provide technical assistance in research design, analysis and field work.

The purpose of this call is to solicit applications from individuals who are interested in working with UNICEF Innocenti in a consulting capacity. Consultancy arrangements may range from 6 weeks to 11.5 months, depending on demand, project specifications and funding availability.

2. Qualifications and/or specialized knowledge/experience required and desirable for being included in the  roster:

Candidates should research experience in fields relevant to the Office of Research-Innocenti, understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and particular expertise in at least one, have some relevant publications, excellent analytic and writing skills, be responsive and able to work within a dynamic team.

• Master degree or PhD in developmental studies, gender studies, public health, nutrition, economics,  public policy, social sciences, education, demography, statistics, or related field
• Excellent quantitative/statistical and analytical skills, including ability to ability to carry out statistical  analyses autonomously and/or high capability in qualitative data and literature review
• Substantive knowledge of adolescents, gender and issues affecting children in low and middle income  countries and the SDG agenda as it relates to adolescents.
• Ability to organize own work and to carry out a research project with limited supervision according to  deadlines
• Ability to speak and write fluently in English; good working knowledge of French, Arabic or Spanish an  asset;
• Excellent knowledge of Stata, SPSS and other statistical packages and/or qualitative methods and rigorous  literature review approaches.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working  relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Commitment to UNICEF principles and mandate.

Desirable:
Demonstrated experience at analyzing household and/or other survey data, preferably with a focus on  children
Current knowledge of key debates around adolescent well-being, and policies to support families and  children in low and middle income countries
Experience with field work and data collection, including with vulnerable groups

3. Duration of roster-based consultancies:

Consultants who are selected from the roster will work an average of between 18-20 days per month and will be issued a contract which is subject to UNICEF General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants / Individual Contractors. The length of the contract will depend on project needs and funding availability. The Roster will remain valid for 24 months.

4. Supervision and work arrangements:

Consultants who are selected from the roster will work under the supervision of lead researchers working on adolescent well-being.  Consultants may be requested to work onsite in Florence, or remotely as determined by the specification of the project. The work may include incidental travel to participate in field work, workshops or conferences; such travel will be governed by UNICEF travel policies for consultants.

5. Application procedure

Interested candidates are requested to send together with their application the following documents:
1) Recent CV (max 4 pages)
2) Cover letter along with the information requested below (max 1 page)

Name:  
Preferred start date: 
Preference of contract duration (up to 11.5 months): 
Proposed all-inclusive daily fees in USD: 
Preference for home-based or at Innocenti: 
Nationality: 
Main research area of interest (if any) related to adolescent well-being: 

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.