Result of Service
• Methodological research framework and context-specific, gender-sensitive research tools, including questionnaires for surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion outlines. • Field data received by local researcher/s responsible for data collection organised and shared with UNICRI.
Work Location
Duties to be rendered in Mauritania
Expected duration
4 months (Sep-Dec)
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Background of the assignment: United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is a United Nations entity established in 1968s to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and facilitating criminal justice. UNICRI is mandated to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. UNICRI's goals are: - to advance understanding of crime-related problems; - to foster just and efficient criminal justice systems; - to support the respect of international instruments and other standards; - to facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance. 2. Purpose of the assignment: This position is located within the Counter-Terrorism Programme of UNICRI. Within the framework of the project “Strengthening National and Regional Approaches to Address Climate-Related Security and Violent Extremism Risks (Phase II)”, the consultant will provide expert and specialized support to UNICRI in the development and implementation of a data collection effort aimed at enhancing the understanding of the interlinkages between climate-related security risks and violent extremism in three target regions of Mauritania (tentatively Assaba, Hodh El Gharbi, and Hodh Ech Chargui - to be validated with local stakeholders during a workshop planned at the beginning of October). The consultant will play a central role in designing the methodological framework of the research and supporting data collection activities to be conducted by local researchers. The research methodology should be designed to capture local perceptions, lived experiences, and the nuanced dynamics between climate change and violent extremism risks. Special attention should be given to mapping local vulnerabilities, understanding how these risks interact with governance structures and stakeholder roles, and identifying gaps in policy and service delivery. The methodology must also be gender-sensitive and inclusive, ensuring equitable participation of women, youth, and other marginalized groups, and it should be tailored to the linguistic and cultural diversity of the target regions. 3. Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant: Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, and in close collaboration with the project team, the incumbent will perform the following tasks: • Review and provide inputs to UNICRI’s desk research, which provides a foundational analysis of climate change and violent extremism risks across Mauritania, with particular reference to existing policies, strategies, and legal frameworks relevant to climate security and the prevention of violent extremism in Mauritania, as well as in the selected regions. • Design the methodological framework for inclusive, gender-sensitive, participatory field research, including the development of specific research objectives and the identification of relevant target groups; • Prepare data collection tools, including tailored survey questions (e.g. demographic, multiple choice, rating, ranking, matrix, and dichotomous questions), targeted interview guides, and focus group discussion outlines; • Participate in the project’s technical event in Nouakchott (planned for the beginning of October) and present the research methodology to relevant stakeholders; • Liaise with local researcher/s responsible for data collection to ensure organized and coherent data collection in the target areas; • Collect, store, and organize materials, information, and primary and secondary data gathered by local researchers; • Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, humanitarian law, climate studies, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in designing research and analysis on topics related to peace and security in the Sahel region is required; Previous experience working on issues related to conflict prevention, prevention of violent extremism, gender and/or climate-related security in Mauritania is also required; Prior relevant experience with the United Nations or other international organizations is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in French and Arabic is required. Knowledge of English is desirable.
Additional Information
1. This position is subject to local recruitment. Applicants for this position must be authorized to work in the designated country (Mauritania). Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. 2. The application for this job opening can be completed in English or French.
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.
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