Research Consultant (National)

Result of Service - Final report including a summary of the data gathered, an in-depth analysis of the historical, socio-economic and political incentive structures behind abductions of women and children in Jonglei and GPAA, and strategic recommendations for the RoLAS and the RSRTF consortium on how to prevent the use of the practice. - Interim reports (after the desk research phase and first round of field research) with provisional research findings. - Raw data including transcripts of interviews and records of observations.

Work Location Bor

Expected duration 5 months

Duties and Responsibilities The research will be carried out over an overall period of 5 months and structured in three phases (additional details on the responsibilities during each phase are provided below): - Desk research (15 days); - Field research (20 days); - Analysis and reporting (15 days). For the first and last phase, the consultancy is home-based. For the field research phase, the consultant will be based in Bor and Akobo with frequent travel to other project locations. The National Consultant will be responsible to implement the research project with a focus on the Dinka and Nuer areas of Jonglei (with another International Consultant carrying out the research in the Murle areas). Desk research as well as analysis and reporting will be carried out by both consultants jointly.

The incumbent will report to the Director, RoLSIS, or a delegated Rule of Law Officer.

Responsibilities

• Carry out targeted research on the historic, socio-economic and political incentive structures behind the use of abductions of women and children in Jonglei and GPAA, which may include: o First phase (desk research): ¿ Participating in preliminary meetings and discussions regarding the research concept and methodology, and regular follow-up and progress meetings during the assignment cycle; ¿ Conducting desk research on and synthesizing data and information from existing (academic and non-academic) literature on abductions in Jonglei and GPAA; ¿ Developing questionnaires for individual and focus group interviews. o Second phase (field research): ¿ Conducting individual and focus group interviews with, among others, abductees, their relatives, communities, perpetrators, traditional chiefs and civil society organizations; o Third phase (analysis and reporting): ¿ Analyzing and assessing gathered data and information and identifying relevant historic, socio-economic and political drivers for abductions as well as existing deterrence and prevention practices; ¿ Identifying entry points and developing strategic advice and recommendations for RoLSIS and the RSRTF consortium to reduce/prevent the use of abductions of women and children in Jonglei and GPAA;
• Coordinate with project partners and other members of the Area Reference Group to ensure that research activities are conducted in an integrated and complementary manner.

• Collect and maintain information required for project reporting.

  Qualifications/special skills - Advance university degree (master’s or PhD) in law, human rights, social sciences, anthropology, or a related discipline.

• A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in law, human rights, social sciences, anthropology, or a related discipline is required
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and data analysis techniques is required.
• Demonstrable ability to engage with sensitivity and strategic foresight in situations involving stakeholders from rural, possibly antagonistic ethnic communities is required.

• Experience of familiarity with the local context and conflict dynamics in South Sudan, preferably Jonglei and GPAA is required.

  Languages - Fluency in written and spoken English (required).

• Knowledge of Arabic and/or other languages spoken in Jonglei/GPAA, particularly Dinka and Nuer (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.