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International Consultant to Review Violence against Children in South Asia, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, Nepal

Kathmandu

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Children's rights (health and protection)
    • Gender-based violence
    • Drugs, Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism and Human Trafficking
  • Closing Date: Closed

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a systematic review on violence against children in South Asia and progress made on SDG 16.2 in the region. While the paper will focus on the past five years, since the SDGs were adopted, it will also reflect on any progress since 2005, the time of the regional consultation on violence against children.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Rationale:

Violence against Children threatens not only children’s emotional well-being, survival and health but also their future prospects. Violence against children is widespread and pervasive and remains a harsh reality for millions of children in South Asia. Over half of the world’s children experienced severe violence last year of whom 64 per cent are in South Asia. Violence can be physical, sexual, and emotional and also manifest itself as neglect. It can occur in homes, schools, care and justice systems, workplaces and communities. Perpetrators include parents, family members, teachers, caretakers, law enforcement authorities and other children.  Violence can be interpersonal and also a result of structures that allow or promote violent behaviour. As internet access expands, violence against children is taking on new dimensions such as cyber-bullying and online sexual exploitation, with damaging and life-changing consequences. Many countries of the region are highly vulnerable to natural hazards. The risks of violence especially increase during emergencies that weaken the abilities of families and communities to protect children. Girls, in particular, face grave risks of gender-based violence during emergencies. Violence also perpetuates cycles of exclusion and poverty and has long-term social and economic costs for society as a whole.

The protection of children from all forms of violence is a fundamental right enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The inclusion of a specific target (SDG 16.2) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end all forms of violence against children gives renewed impetus towards the realization of the right of every child to live free from fear, neglect, abuse and exploitation. Several other SDG targets address specific forms of violence and harm towards children, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (target 5.3) and the eradication of child labour, including the recruitment and use of child soldiers (target 8.7).   

There have been a number of ‘events’ which reviewed the extent of violence against children in South Asia against which to mark progress. In 2005 there was a regional consultation on violence against children which contributed to the UN Secretary-General’s world report on violence against children. In 2012 there was a follow up consultation on the UN study. In 2016 there was a high-level round table in South Asia, organised by the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children in partnership with the South Asia Coordination Group to End Violence Against Children, to discuss the implementation of the sustainable development goals relating to violence against children. In 2019, there will be an in-depth review of Goal 16, including target 16.2 to end all forms of violence against children. 2019 also marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This provides a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive picture of how far we have come in ensuring children’s safety and protection, and how to best accelerate progress to end all violence against children.

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a systematic review on violence against children in South Asia and progress made on SDG 16.2 in the region. While the paper will focus on the past five years, since the SDGs were adopted, it will also reflect on any progress since 2005, the time of the regional consultation on violence against children.

The review will seek to answer:

What is the nature, magnitude and consequences of violence against children in South Asia?

Is there any reduction or increase in violence against children over the past 15 years?

What are the drivers and factors that perpetuate violence and acceptance of violence?

What are protective factors and interventions that are proven or promising to end violence against children?

 
Key Assignments and Tasks:
  • Develop a clear methodology for the systematic review. This review will consider recent country and regional research and data, studies and evaluations conducted in South Asia on violence against children. It will in particular review the recent evidence generated by member of the South Asia Coordination Group to End Violence against Children.
  • Draft systematic review which identifies the nature, magnitude and consequences of violence against children in South Asia and identify if there has been any change over the page 15 years.
  • Final Report
  • Summary report that draws from the paper and can be used for high level policy discussions (Maximum 10 pages)
  • Based on the regional paper and its findings, develop a short PowerPoint presentation and participate in one webinar.

For this assignment ‘child’ will refer to anyone under the age of 18. Violence will be inclusive of physical, psychological/emotional, sexual, and neglect. It will be inclusive of all settings and specific reference will be made to alternative care and juvenile justice settings. It will also specifically consider gender based violence and structural violence.

The review should include specific reference to progress made against the SDG indicators related to violence against children. It will not, however specifically refer to child marriage, which is covered in other recent reviews. In the review, if the original data used in the literature is easily available, reference will be made to the original source. Specific reference will be made to relevant South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children (SAIEVAC) and/or South Asia Coordinating Group (SACG) members-led or contracted research, studies and evaluations.

Key Deliverables:

Methodology  - 5 days; 15 September 2019

Draft paper, in academic style including references and bibliography – 40 days, 13 January 2020

Draft summary report – 10 days, 14 February 2020

Final report of publishable quality, and  PowerPoint presentation – 10 days, 23 March 2020

Working Conditions:

The consultant is expected to independently source both the quantitative and qualitative material for the literature review, and therefore have access to a variety of relevant journals and search channels. Some resources may be provided by the regional advisor, specifically those related to the SACG.

The consultant will be home based. The consultant will provide her/his own computer and software required to complete the work activities outlined in this TOR. It is expected that the consultant has internet and is able to communicate with the regional office via Skype, telephone or other communication devise. No travel is expected within the context of this assignment.

A reference group will be established for this assignment. The reference group will be given 2 weeks to review the methodology and 3 weeks to review the draft report. The consultant would then revise methodology accordingly, and use the inputs on the draft report to finalise the report.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: 

A post-graduate qualification in social sciences or related disciplines. An MA is essential, and a PhD is desirable.

Work Experience:

  • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proven knowledge in the area of violence against children and/or child protection research
  • Demonstrated understanding of gender based violence and structural violence.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the South Asian context, and research on violence against children is desirable.
  • Strong track record of peer reviewed publications and research on violence against children. Published research on violence against children in South Asia is desirable.
  • Knowledge of and experience working in South Asia desirable

Competencies:

  • Analysing, Applying Technical Expertise, Communication
  • Excellent written and communication skills.
  • Strong research and analysis skills, including an ability to reflect and synthesis research, studies and evaluations.
  • Demonstrated track record in preparation of high-quality reports, briefings and research papers and articles.
  • Proven ability to meet deadlines, work with a minimum of supervision, and deliver quality products.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Experience in and/or knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals is desirable.

Language Proficiency:

Excellent written and spoken English required. Desirable to know other languages in South Asia. Working knowledge of Dropbox desirable.

Duration: 1 September 2019 to 31 March 2020 (65 days)

Note: Please quote your daily rate while submitting the application. In addition to the daily rate, please also submit proof of written work, and a high level sketch of the methodology you are going to put forward. Application without these information will not be entertained.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

 

 

This vacancy is now closed.
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