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For every child, a champion
Currently, Ghana faces with a data/evidence gap on the prevalence, manifestations and patterns of sexual exploitation of children, including commercial sexual exploitation, in geographical areas impacted by fast-growing sectors such as oil, mining, fishing, agriculture and constructions. Yet, this is an area of growing interest and public concern due to the increasing number of media, public reports and anecdotical evidence linked to incidences of child sexual exploitation in communities and towns where such commercial activities have rapidly flourished in recent years; this, due in particular to the sudden influx of finances and external workers, unequal power dynamics and access to resources which have in some instances exacerbated the vulnerability of already economically disadvantaged communities, particularly as it relates to child protection concerns (e.g. child labor, child sexual exploitation, school drop-out, adolescent pregnancy).
It is for this reason that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) and UNICEF are commissioning a study to understand the nature, drivers and changing patterns of sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in hotspots areas in the country with high concentration of mining, oil, fisheries, agricultural and construction activities.
UNICEF Ghana has prioritized in its 2018-2022 programme cycle of cooperation with the Government of Ghana the support to strengthening national child protection systems, with a particular focus on addressing sexual violence affecting children and adolescents, in line with GoG priorities and SDGs Goal Areas 5 and 16. UNICEF is already working with the Government of Ghana, CSOs/NGOs/FBOs partners, private sector and academia to strengthen prevention and response interventions to child neglect, abuse and exploitation across the country.
NOTE : Attached is the TOR with details on the assignment.
CP – ToR – Sexual Exploitation of children.pdf
How can you make a difference?
The Consultancy is aimed at leading a team of researchers from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in conducting a study of sexual exploitation of children in the oil, mining, fishing, agriculture and construction sectors of Ghana. It includes inter alia the design of a study protocol and tools, and the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data. This first-hand data collection exercise is necessary since Ghana currently has no dataset on the incidence and manifestation of various forms of child sexual exploitation related to the above- mentioned sectors.
The Study is expected to provide insights into the nature, manifestations, patterns, trends and impact on child sexual exploitation as related to the activity of specified commercial sectors. The study will select one hotspot of SEC for each sector and identify areas where the oil, mining, fishing, agriculture and construction sectors are based in Ghana. The Study will further be expected to carry out analysis on the current legal and policy framework and cross-sectoral programmes and initiatives currently being implemented by Government, the Industries, NGOs and partners to address child sexual exploitation; including key challenges and gaps, lessons learnt, best practices and recommendations for the Government and UNICEF consideration in policy and programs improvement.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
The contracted consultant must have demonstrated experience to bring together different skills sets in the project team, including :
- Research, programme design, and evaluation experience in social sector, gender, child rights, child protection, GBV, adolescent programming ;
- Undertaking quantitative/qualitative data collection; and experience in undertaking data collection, involving children and adolescents and associated practical ethical considerations ;
- Strong analytical, communication and writing capacity ;
- Experience and proficiency in working independently and with a large variety of cross-sectoral stakeholders ;
- Gender analysis – understanding of spectrum of gender programmatic approaches (from gender blind to gender transformative).
The required academic qualification is a Masters degree ( PhD is an asset) in a relevant field (e.g. education, international development, Public Policy, social sciences, etc.);
Eight – ten years of experience, including leading and coordinating similar consultancies/initiatives/studies.
The consultant must have excellent political awareness, analytical, and communication skills; and fluency in English and strong verbal and writing skills’
Demonstrated ability to work in complex partnerships with civil society organizations, private sector, government and development partners, and strong capacity for self-management.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
[insert competencies]
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles 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.
Remarks :
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.