CRSV Information Management and Guidance Expert

Result of Service Conduct a Needs Assessment for a Global Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) Support System for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

Work Location Home-Based

Expected duration Six months

Duties and Responsibilities The Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) on conflict-related sexual violence were established at the request of the UN Security Council through Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1960 (2010). A Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of UNSCR 1960 was developed in 2011 by UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, a network of 24 entities across the UN system united in the goal of ending conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). While the Provisional Guidance Note formed the initial guidance for operationalizing the MARA, it noted that OSRSG-SVC and UN Action will continue to consider the issue of information management including evolution of common standards and will assess the relevance of additional information management and data tools which could strengthen MARA”.

Ten years on, UN Action launched a global review of the operationalization of the MARA to assess whether the objectives foreseen for it have been fulfilled and to develop a set of forward-looking recommendations which will serve to inform an update of the Provisional Guidance Note and strengthen implementation. One such recommendation was to “explore the possibility of a global data consolidation system (global dataset)” to support trend analysis within and across contexts and years, support mission-based teams and their field focal points in data collection and verification, ensure data security, and enable collaboration with the OSRSG-SVC during reporting.

Based on the identified gaps and recommendations, UN Action seeks to look into opportunities for strengthening the operationalization of MARA through the development of “global MARA support system” (GMSS). As a first phase, UN Action is looking for a consultant to identify the most pressing needs and gaps for field-level CRSV data management and outline the parameters and modalities for such a system.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UN Action in assessing whether a GMSS is needed, appropriate and feasible in order to strengthen the operationalization of the MARA in targeted conflict-affected contexts. The process will include outlining potential options for what this support system would look like and the resources required to establish and maintain it. The consultant will be expected to identify the most pressing needs and gaps for field-level CRSV data management and outline the parameters and modalities of a global support system.

The consultant will complete the following:

I) Design a methodology to assess the needs and gaps relating to field-level CRSV data management.

II) Hold consultations with UN Action Network Focal Points, particularly those entities that have their own support systems and collect sensitive information. This includes holding consultations with field colleagues, like Senior Women’s Protection Advisers, and members of UN Action’s thematic working group on the MARA. These consultations will be done in tandem with another consultant supporting UN Action with the update of the Provisional Guidance Note.

III) Conduct a mapping of existing information management tools related to CRSV, such as the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on grave child rights violations (MRM) and MRM Task Force, Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), OHCHR, the UN Situational Awareness Geospatial Enterprise (SAGE), and United Aware and identify opportunities for additional synergies and bridges between these systems.

IV) Conduct research on digital and technological solutions related to information management and guidance systems. V) Assess and identify the necessary coordination, operational, administrative and human resource costs for a global support system.

VI) Produce an assessment report outlining findings from the consultation and research and a set of conclusions and recommendations regarding the need for, relevance, and possible modalities for a GMSS and, as relevant, proposing a strategy for its establishment.

VII) Present the final assessment report to the UN Action Secretariat, MARA thematic working group, and the wider UN Action Network for endorsement.

The consultant will be responsible to develop a methodological framework and work plan upon the project start in consultation with the hiring team.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the UN Action Coordinator and the Team Leader of the CRSV Team, Policy and Best Practices Service, Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training in the UN Department of Peace Operations. The Consultant will keep both jointly and fully apprised of the progress including weekly update calls, as well as 3-5 calls with the UN Action MARA Reference Group to ensure strategic alignment. The finalisation process will include review and endorsement by the UN Action Network.

Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree in International Relations, Public Policy and Administration, Law, Development Management, or related discipline is required.

Ten years progressively responsible professional experience is required.

Demonstrated skills in policy and guidance development is required.

Extensive experience in research design and implementation is required.

Previous experience serving in, or demonstrated knowledge of, UN field missions, is required.

Strong understanding of the survivor-centred approach and safety and ethical standards for GBV/CRSV data management is required.

Previous experience working on UN information management systems (MARA, MRM, GBV IMS, SAGE, etc) is required.

Previous experience in the field of Women, Peace and Security, gender-based violence, CRSV, or related field, is highly desirable.

Experience in peace operations or humanitarian response in conflict and post-conflict situations is desirable.

Links and/or samples of previously published research reports in a related area of work is required.

Languages Fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in oral and written French is desirable.

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.