What's Happening?
UNICEF is seeking a consultant to undertake a global landscape and evidence review, and to develop a child-centered evaluation framework. This consultancy aims to assess the impact of communication blackouts and restrictions on children, child-critical
services, and humanitarian operations. The assignment requires an advanced university degree in fields such as evaluation, social research, public policy, or international development, along with at least eight years of professional experience in research, evaluation, or evidence synthesis in humanitarian or development contexts. Key skills include strong qualitative and quantitative research, analytical, and evidence-assessment abilities. The consultant will be responsible for generating a global picture of communication disruptions, an evidence-based narrative for donor engagement, and a practical model for country-level research and action.
Why It's Important?
This consultancy is crucial for UNICEF's mission to protect children's rights, as it directly addresses the often-overlooked impact of communication blackouts on vulnerable populations. By systematically reviewing evidence and developing a child-centered evaluation framework, UNICEF can better understand the scale and nature of these disruptions and their cascading effects on children's access to essential services. This initiative will enable UNICEF to develop more effective preparedness, mitigation, and policy options, strengthening its advocacy efforts and informing strategic decisions for future interventions. The findings will also provide a robust evidence base for engaging donors and partners, ensuring that resources are directed towards addressing critical gaps in child protection and humanitarian response.
What's Next?
The selected consultant will be tasked with delivering three main results: a comprehensive global picture of communication blackouts, an evidence-based narrative for UNICEF's external engagements, and a practical, fundable model for country-level research and action. This will involve assessing the strength of existing evidence, identifying data sources and analytical methods for country offices, and proposing practical solutions. The consultancy will also support the design of two pilot programs. UNICEF emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and requires rigorous background checks for all candidates, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding children.
Beyond the Headlines
The focus on communication blackouts highlights a growing concern in the digital age, where access to information and connectivity is increasingly vital for safety, education, and health, especially for children in crisis zones. This initiative delves into the ethical and human rights implications of such disruptions, recognizing that they can exacerbate vulnerabilities and hinder humanitarian efforts. By developing a child-centered evaluation framework, UNICEF is not only seeking to quantify the impact but also to ensure that children's unique needs and perspectives are central to policy and operational responses. This work could set a precedent for how international organizations address the digital divide and its consequences in humanitarian contexts.
