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International Consultant to lead the research on online and technology-facilitated violence

Istanbul | Ankara

  • Organization: UNWOMEN - United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
  • Location: Istanbul | Ankara
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Information Technology and Computer Science
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Gender-based violence
    • Managerial positions
    • Drugs, Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorism and Human Trafficking
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality are translated into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts while building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors

 

The four-year Strategic Note (SN), covering 2022-2025 of the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) and guided by the corporate Strategic Plan (SP), outlines strategic direction, objectives and approaches to support efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls across the region in key areas: women’s leadership and political participation; women’s economic empowerment; elimination of violence against women and girls; peace, security and humanitarian action; and support to intergovernmental processes.

 

To end violence against women, UN Women supports the development of an enabling legislative and policy environment on eliminating violence against women and all forms of discrimination; promotes favorable social norms and attitudes to prevent gender discrimination and violence against women; and pursues empowering women and girls who have experienced discrimination or violence to advocate for and use available, accessible, and quality services. It also works on analysis, research, and knowledge management to provide an evidence base to inform UN Women partners’ and teams’ policy and programming interventions.

 

As highlighted in the Secretary General’s report to UNGA77, more needs to be done to effectively prevent and respond to new and escalating forms of online violence, including by governments and technology intermediaries. Online and technology-facilitated violence[1] is becoming a global problem with negative effects on the health and well-being of women as well as serious economic, social and political impacts. It has also rapidly escalated in the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online and technology-facilitated VAWG share the same root causes and many of the drivers of offline forms of VAWG: systematic structural gender inequality, deep seated cultural and social norms as well as patterns of harmful masculinities. However, there are specific features of digital spaces that create a conducive context for VAWG. Existing laws, policies, and frameworks to prevent and respond to VAWG have not kept pace with technological developments, and there are significant gaps in knowledge and evidence of what works in preventing online VAWG which is crucial to inform evidence-based prevention and response frameworks and interventions. Cybercrime remains still largely gender neutral, to the extent that crimes against women perpetrated online are not conceptualized in cybercrime frameworks.[2]

 

As the importance of the internet in economic, social and civil participation continues to grow, so does the need to ensure that women and girls are able to participate safely and equally in the digital space.

 

In this context, UN Women is seeking to hire an experienced international consultant to lead action-oriented research on online and technology-facilitated violence in 12 countries of the ECA region – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo[3], Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Ukraine – in order to better understand the prevalence and types of violence, their consequences on women and women’s attitudes towards them, as well as to produce concrete recommendations to address the findings.

 

The consultant will work under the supervision of the EVAW Programme Specialist and in close collaboration with UN Women ECARO Gender and Statistics Specialists and relevant staff.

 

Purposes:

 

The primary purpose of this assignment is to produce a research report on online and technology-facilitated violence in the ECA region, including concrete recommendations to address the findings.

The research is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

  • Encourage governments to recognize online and technology-facilitated VAW as a human rights violation and include it in laws to criminalize and prohibit all forms of cyber-violence;  
  • Advocate and provide support to develop prevention strategies and action plans at regional and country levels as needed/required; 
  • Raise awareness among users, both female and male, and country-level decision-makers and regional institutions and development partners on the phenomena and its consequences. 
  • Inform the development of online platforms and applications, regulatory frameworks and other safety measures to prevent and respond to online violence with a view of holding platforms accountable; 
  • Inform the policy development of targeted strategies and interventions, and associated budgeting to address the issue.

 

[1] Brief Accelarating efforts to tackle online and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (VAWG) https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/Accelerating-efforts-to-tackle-online-and-technology-facilitated-violence-against-women-and-girls-en_0.pdf

[2] http://www.marinacastellaneta.it/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Violence-COE.pdf

[3] References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work, research methodology, and responsibilities:

 

Against this background, UN Women ECARO, supporting 12 UN Women Country Offices in the Europe and Central Asia region, intends to procure the service of an individual consultant to conduct an analysis and produce a research paper on online and technology-facilitated violence with concrete recommendations for action.

 

The research aims to investigate the nature and scale of online and technology-facilitated violence; to explore women’s experiences of safety and violence in the online space; to develop through the voices of women and girls a greater understanding of the consequences of various manifestations of online VAW and the continuum between offline and online violence; and to produce strategic recommendations for its prevention and response. It is envisaged that the results of this research will bridge knowledge gaps on online violence which can subsequently inform holistic regional, subregional and eventually country level approaches and initiatives to strengthen protection systems and prevention and response mechanisms related to online VAW. 

 

 The specific objectives of the research are to:

  • Provide up-to-date, reliable and robust empirical data and evidence on the nature, scale and consequences of the phenomena; 
  • Produce key findings on topic areas related to the issue, including but not limited to normative frameworks, service provision, social norms
  • Explore existing mechanisms that support women and girls subjected to online and technology-facilitated VAW, and to recommend new ones;  
  • Explore the current legal and policy framework related to online VAW and recommend areas for improvement;
  • Outline the existing provision of services to support survivors as well as service providers’ perceptions and capacities to address the issue; and
  • Provide specific recommendations  for each stakeholder group (governments, online platforms, civil society, regional institutions, private sector, and development partners) to address the findings and prevent online VAW; 

 

 

 

Outline of methodology

The research will include both quantitative and qualitative methods.

  • In depth analysis of the results of a quantitative web-based survey, examining the prevalence, factors, perceptions and implications of online violence. The consultant will not be responsible for any task related to the survey other than the in-depth analysis of the findings based on output tables to be provided by ECARO.
  • Conceptualize and develop the qualitative research tools (KII guide, FGD protocols, etc.) to explore experiences of online violence through:
  • the lens of CSOs, women activists and service providers by conducting an online survey and interviews and/or focus groups discussions with key informants, aiming to look at service providers’ current understanding, responses and capacities;
  • Interviews with survivors to gain a better understanding of their experiences
  • Interviews with men to explore their perceptions of online violence against women, its causes and consequences and their recommendations to address it; and
  • A light desk review/mapping of existing normative and legislative frameworks and services related to online violence against women in the region. 
  • A summary of ICT and gender overview in the region based on publicly available data (ITU, EIGE, etc.)

 

 

Roles and responsibilities:

The consultant will undertake following:

  • To undertake in-depth analysis of the web-based survey findings that UN Women is conducting in 12-14 countries in the region to examine the prevalence, perceptions, and implications of online violence.
  • To undertake qualitative research to explore experiences of online violence through the lens of CSOs, women activists and service providers by conducting an online survey and interviews and/or focus groups discussions with key informants, aiming to look at service providers’ current understanding, responses and capacities, including designing methodology, analysing findings and report writing.
  • To conduct at least 10 in depth interview with survivors to explore their experiences and better understand the issue including from designing approaches to incorporating cases, testimonies, and findings into the overall research.
  • To conduct at least X in depth interview to explore men’s perceptions of online violence against women, its causes and consequences and their recommendations to address it including from designing approaches to incorporating cases, testimonies, and findings into the overall research.
  • To conduct light desk review of existing normative frameworks and services related to online violence against women in the region and incorporate them into the overall research report.[1]
  • To compile research findings into a draft report which provides key recommendations.
  • To finalize the report, based on UN Women inputs and validation with key stakeholders.

 

Ethical consideration: The research approach, data collection and analysis methods should focus on gender and human rights aspects, be responsive and appropriate for analyzing the gender equality, gender-based violence against women and human rights issues as per WHO guidelines. The research needs to prioritize women’s safety and build into the study design plans on how to protect the safety of all participants and to ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and appropriately sensitive manner. In this regard, the research should adhere to key ethical and safety principles summarized by the WHO guiding document.

 

Deliverables:

 

The consultant will be required to submit the deliverables listed in the table below. The schedule and nature of the deliverables may be modified by the hiring manager in agreement with the consultant.

Deliverables Timeframe
Finalised methodology to be undertaken for all research methods including research questions and guidance for qualitative data collection methods (guides, protocols, questionnaires). Within 20 days upon signature of contract
An interim report on the in-depth analysis of the web-based survey findings By end of March 2023
Draft report incorporating the outcome of the light desk review of global, regional and country level normative frameworks on online and technology-facilitated violence; and the analysis and findings from qualitative research By mid of May 2023
Final version of the research report, including: executive summary, acronyms, regional and subregional overviews, key findings, and recommendations, and relevant annexes By end of June 2023
Contribution to policy brief and infographics as well as PPT presentation. As per calendar to be set up by UN Women

 

 

[1] Among other resources available https://www.coe.int/en/web/cyberviolence/legislation

Competencies

Core values

•RespectforDiversity

•Integrity

•Professionalism

 

Core Competencies

•AwarenessandSensitivityRegardingGenderIssues

•Accountability

•CreativeProblemSolving

•EffectiveCommunication

•InclusiveCollaboration

•StakeholderEngagement

•LeadingbyExample

 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women's Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

 

Functional Competencies

  • In-depth knowledge of gender equality and women's rights issues.
  • Ability to produce well written articles, human-interest stories, and research reports.
  • Ability to work under pressure and within limited time frames.
  • Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work.
  • Consistent work approach with energy, a positive and constructive attitude.
  • Communicative, results-driven, ability to work in teams.
  • Very good communication and presentation skills.
  • Proven networking skills and ability to mobilize support on behalf of UN Women.
  • Excellent negotiating skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the UN system.
  • Excellent IT skills, including databases, extranet and office software packages.
  • Strong risk-management skills.
  • Familiarity with UN Women.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Master’s degree in international development, gender studies, social sciences, or related field.

 

Experience:

 

  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in research methods, data analysis and research report writing.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience related to online violence, particularly against women and girls, in research, analysis and/or in providing advice to improve private and public sector policies on the subject.
  • Experience in working with international and/or regional institutions, particularly providing support in research and policy services related to violence against women.
  • Academic and/or professional experience in Europe and Central Asia with similar responsibilities is an asset.

 

Language Requirements:

Proficiency in English is required (written and oral).

 

 

Location of Activities and Duration of Assignment:

  • The consultant is expected to work remotely, utilizing his/her own office space, computer, internet, telephone, and other equipment, as needed, to undertake the assignment.
  • The consultant is estimated to work up to 90 days in total over 9 months and expected to start on 11 February 2023. However, the exact schedule of engagement should be agreed upon with the hiring manager.

 

Application procedure:

The following documents should be submitted as part of the application:

  • Draft approach and methodology proposed for this assignment
  • Sample of at least two relevant research work done in similar context (in English)
  • Examples of published work (paper, abstract) will be an asset.
  • Cover letter including a brief overview about which of your previous experiences makes you the most suitable candidate for the advertised position.
  • At least three references relevant to the TOR
  • Financial Proposal quoted in USD specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this Terms of Reference. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount by indicating the daily rate with an estimated 110 working days, and other possible costs, if any.
  • UN Personal History (P11) Form (and CV) can be downloaded at http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment, a signed copy should be submitted.

 

Candidates should have the ability to quickly gather degree certificates and medical certification (of good health) should they be short-listed in consideration of the consultancy post.

 

Payment schedule:

The consultant will be paid in USD based on the review and approval of deliverables/reports by UN Women as explained in the section of Deliverables above.

 

 

Evaluation of applicants:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants' qualifications and financial proposal. The contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer receives the highest score out of the technical and financial criteria defined below. Technical evaluation will be presented through desk review of applications. Interviews and/or written tests will be organized, if needed, depending on the shortlisted candidates’ qualifications. Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

 

Criteria Total points Max. Points
Technical Evaluation (70%) 70  
Master’s degree in international development, gender studies, social sciences, or related field.   5
Minimum 5 years of professional experience in research methods, data analysis and research report writing.   20
Minimum 5 years of experience related to online violence, particularly against women and girls, in research, analysis and/or in providing advice to improve private and public sector policies on the subject.   20
Experience in working with international and/or regional institutions, particularly providing support in research and policy services related to violence against women.   15
Academic and/or professional experience in Europe and Central Asia region with similar responsibilities is an asset.   10
Financial Evaluation (30%) 30  
TOTAL 100  

 

Financial Evaluation (30%) – max. 30 points:

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals receive points in inverse proportion. A suggested formula is as follows:

 

p = 30 (µ/z)

 

Using the following values:

p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated

µ = price of the lowest priced proposal

z = price of the proposal being evaluated

 

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

 

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

 

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

 

This vacancy is now closed.
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