Senior Child Protection Research Consultant

Outputs/Deliverables: a. Inception Report: outlining a methodology for the consultant’s approach to the assignment, a workplan with key deliverables and a risk mitigation strategy. b. Mapping of existing information and data collection arrangements in fields related to child protection: including the type of information collected, data sources, tools used, methods, frequency of collection, responsible parties, purposes/how the information is used, data gaps and recommendations (slide deck to be presented to UNRWA) c. Research Methodology (design and roll-out/validated): adaptable to each of UNRWA’s five fields and identifies child protection risks; relevant frameworks for analysis; data sources and data collection methods; sampling strategy and methods; data management and analysis; data validation; and ethical considerations and safeguards. This will be presented to relevant protection teams in UNRWA (HQ and Fields) for review and finalised based on inputs received. d. Lessons learnt/validation report and roll-out plan: after the roll-out and validation of the methodology in at least in Field Office, including training package on data collection and analysis tools and field implementation guide for enumerators. e. Child Protection Report: covering the field of roll-out and including an analysis of priority protection risks and underlying causes, as well as practical, rights-based recommendations to prevent or mitigate these risks. This will be presented to Protection HQ for review and finalised based on inputs received.

HQ-Amman (or remote)

The duration of the consultancy is two and a half months, (15 Oct 2026- 31 Dec 2026).

The main tasks and responsibilities of the assignment are as follows: 2.1 Map existing information and data collection arrangements in fields related to child protection • Building on previous mapping exercises related to protection monitoring and documentation, review existing information and data collection on child protection in each field, including the type of information collected, data sources, tools used, methods, frequency of collection, responsible parties, and purposes/how the information is used. • Provide an initial analysis of gaps in protection monitoring and documentation systems as they relate to child protection as well as preliminary recommendations for adjusting/strengthening UNRWA systems. 2.2 Develop a research methodology to strengthen the monitoring and analysis of child protection risks • Develop a detailed research methodology tailored to the project's objectives that identifies different risks (e.g., grave violations, neglect, exploitation, etc.); relevant frameworks for analysis (e.g., CAAC, CPiE); data sources and data collection methods; sampling strategy and methods; data management and analysis (including coding and categorization of both qualitative and quantitative data); data validation; and ethical considerations and safeguards. Ensure that the methodology is adapted in each field to reflect context specific realities and dynamics and is aligned with international child protection standards. • Develop a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and a Log frame with indicators and tools that are compatible with UNRWA Protection information management systems to facilitate the collection of child protection related information and data on a regular basis. 2.3 Lead on the roll out of the research methodology in at least one of UNRWA’s five fields of operations (Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon) • Develop data collection tools and data analysis frameworks as per the proposed research methodology, including survey questionnaires, key informant interview materials and focus group discussion materials as needed. • Develop a data cleaning plan to ensure the accuracy and consistency of collected data; identify and correct errors, inconsistencies, and missing values in the dataset; and document the data cleaning process for transparency and reproducibility • Plan and help coordinate the roll-out of the methodology in at least one field office in coordination with Protection HQ and protection field team(s) • Train protection staff on data collection and analysis tools and provide technical support during methodology rollout, including in-person or remote workshops and the development of training materials as needed and tailored to each field context, to ensure data quality and consistency . 2.4 Draft a child protection report for publication • Lead the analysis of collected data to identify priority protection risks and underlying causes in the field office(s) of roll-out. • Draft a clear, accessible and well written child protection report that provides a) an analyses of protection risks and main drivers; and b) practical, rights-based recommendations to prevent or mitigate these risks • Help finalize the report for external publication, adhering to UNRWA editorial standards and data protection protocols.

Advanced university degree from a recognized academic institution in information technology, Computer Science, demography, statistics, social sciences or any related area. At least nine years of professional experience in combined field and/or headquarters experience in international organizations. Unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. Knowledge of child protection/protection-related guidelines, Monitoring and Evaluation, standards and indicators. Ability to translate planning-specifications into technical briefs for data capture and analysis, and vice versa. Demonstrated understanding of different data collection methodologies. Experience in capacity building and training.

Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of Arabic is an asset. Excellent written skills.

- The consultant will be paid the lump sum of USD24,503.00, split into 2 instalments as described above upon satisfactory submission of the deliverables. - The consultant will be remunerated based on the satisfactory deliverables of the agreed activities. - Remuneration for this consultancy is P4 level.