Consultant – Assistant Researcher on TIP and GBV At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Consultant – Assistant Researcher on TIP and GBV

Duty Station: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Type of Appointment: Consultancy (6-month contract)

Desired Start Date: 15 September 2021

1. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE:

The project “Enhancing the Response to Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking in Persons in the Solomon Islands” aims to support existing efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking in persons (TIP) in Solomon Islands, with a particular focus on upholding the rights of women and girls in communities affected by extractive industries.

Previous research undertaken in Solomon Islands, as well as anecdotal evidence, has underlined that communities affected by extractive industries face particular challenges in relation to community health and violence against women and girls, including increased risk of sexual exploitation, trafficking and abuse.

In order to further inform its project interventions, however, IOM aims to undertake a situational analysis of gender-based violence and trafficking in persons in Solomon Islands, in order to more concretely understand their prevalence, causes, the broader context in which they exist, as well as the nexus between them. The analysis should also examine those affected by TIP and GBV in Solomon Islands and explore any factors inhibiting or facilitating behaviour change and/or effective responses. The research will include a specific focus on the project’s target provinces of Isabel and Choiseul and should be informed by both a comprehensive literature review, as well as primary data collection undertaken with government representatives, service providers, development partners and community members (potential beneficiaries). Gender considerations should be mainstreamed throughout the research approach.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager at IOM Solomon Islands, the direct supervision of the National Project Officer, and in close coordination with the international consultant contracted as Lead Researcher, the successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the design and implementation of the research methodology, undertaking data collection at the national level and in target communities, supporting review of the draft research report and contributing to the formulation of recommendation.

2. IOM project to which the consultancy is contributing: “Enhancing the Response to Gender-Based Violence and Trafficking in Persons in the Solomon Islands”

3. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Support the development of the Inception Report by sharing with IOM and the Lead Researcher: links to available publications and resources on GBV and TIP in Solomon Islands; information on applicable legislation, service provision structures (at the national and provincial levels) and available datasets on GBV and TIP in Solomon Islands; a list of key stakeholders to consult at the national and provincial levels, including government representatives, service providers, private sector entities (where applicable), development partners, community leaders and others as relevant;
2. Support from the Lead Researcher in preparing and submitting a research permit application to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD)’s Research Committee, and follow up with MEHRD regularly on the status of its approval;
3. Provide inputs to the development of data collection tools for key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual community-level surveys, ensuring contextualization to Solomon Islands;
4. As needed, translate data collection tools into Pidgin;
5. Draft and propose travel itinerary for primary data collection in Isabel and Choiseul provinces, ensuring the itinerary envisages primary data collection in no fewer than six communities (a minimum of three in each province);
6. Following approval of the travel itinerary, and MEHRD’s approval of the research permit application, undertake all logistical preparations, including notification of communities, scheduling of KIIs in provincial capitals, travel arrangements, and preparation of all consent forms, interview protocols and other documentation needed;
7. Travel to Isabel and Choiseul provinces and undertake primary data collection in accordance with the approved research methodology. Ensure submission of all completed KIIs, FDG tools and individual surveys to IOM and Lead Researcher;
8. As requested by Lead Researcher, support KIIs with national stakeholders through virtual interviews and undertake KIIs with national stakeholders who are unable to connect through virtual interviews;
9. Based on primary data collected, support the development of the research report’s recommendation section by providing written recommendations to IOM and the Lead Researcher;
10. Review the draft research report and provide comments or suggested edits as appropriate;
11. Provide progress updates as required.

4. Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment:

At the end of the contractual period, the following outputs will be delivered:

• Written inputs to Inception Report and data collection tools;
• KIIs, FGDs and individual surveys undertaken in accordance with the Inception Report and submitted to IOM and Lead Researcher;
• Written inputs to research report recommendations.

5. Realistic delivery dates and details as to how the work must be delivered:

Delivery Date and Main Actions and Deliverables

**

By 29 October 2021

Written inputs to Inception Report (by 30 September) and data collection tools (by 29 October) (USD 2,000)

By 10 November 2021

Approved travel itinerary for primary data collection (USD 3,750)

By 30 December 2021

Submission of KIIs, FGDs and individual surveys undertaken (USD 5,750)

By 28 February 2022

Written inputs to research report recommendations (by 14 January) and feedback on draft research report (by 28 February) (USD 1,000)

6. Education and Experience:

The qualified candidate should possess:

• Degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Migration Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution;
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible work in the fields of migration, protection, gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking in persons (TIP);
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of the TIP and GBV context in Solomon Islands;
• Prior experience in undertaking data collection will be considered an advantage;
• Integrity and ability to handle confidential information in accordance with policies and protocols on

use of information, data and research;

• Demonstrated experience in working with international organizations, governmental institutions and

non-governmental organizations;

• Capacity to work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility;
• Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to multi-task and deliver under tight timelines;
• Strong intrapersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environments with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Fully computer literate;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Prior experience with IOM or a relevant UN agency will be considered an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in English and Pidgin language is required.

Note

• This position includes travel to Isabel and Choiseul provinces.
• The consultant must adhere to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Data Protection Principles (IN/138) and maintain confidentiality.

Required Competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,

any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

No late applications will be accepted.