Introduction
ECPAT International has committed to the need to undertake better quality research in order to produce reliable, disaggregated statistics and information on child victims of sexual exploitation that can better inform policy development and programmes for improving child protection. Qualitative and quantitative information from reliable and verifiable research will strengthen ECPAT’s advocacy work and support increased accountability of states.
To help reach this strategic goal, ECPAT International has just developed a comprehensive research strategy (2013-2016) that aims to fill gaps in knowledge, enhance and energise advocacy and help push improved reforms through for combating commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Due to an opening created by a 12 month sabbatical taken by the current ECPAT International Head of Research and Policy, the ECPAT International Secretariat is searching for an experienced and dynamic academic who would value the opportunity to lead, develop and implement more scientific and evidence-based research related to the commercial sexual exploitation of children globally.
Purpose
During a 12 month period, provide vision and leadership in the implementation of ECPAT’s Research Strategy through the establishment of a global Research Advisory Committee; identification of research themes and research opportunities; development of partnerships with child rights organization and academic and research institutions; strengthening research methods, processes and protocols; and ensure that ECPAT research and related publications support effective internal and public action.
Scope of Work
- Advise the ECPAT Management Team on research priorities (including new and emerging themes) that can advance ECPAT’s knowledge base and programme and advocacy strategies;
- Develop ECPAT International research proposals and concept notes;
- Forge collaborations and partnerships with specialized academic institutions and researchers; establish the ECPAT International Research and Advisory Committee;
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and funding of CSEC related research;
- Supervise the establishment and implementation of ECPAT’s research projects;
- Overall responsibility for the quality and the production of ECPAT’s 2nd Edition Country Monitoring Reports of the Agenda for Action (A4A) (e.g. technical guidance of research team, development of indicators for monitoring the Agenda for Action; establishment of measures for analysis of CSEC issues within national child protection systems; enhancement of A4A with inclusion of new features; improved ECPAT member group and partner buy-in; expansion into non-ECPAT countries and strengthened links to advocacy and follow up actions);
- Coordinate the production of 4 quarterly technical journals; initiate and coordinate the production of 5 CSEC Regional Synthesis Reports (i.e. Africa, the Americas, Europe and the CIS, South Asia and East Asia and the Pacific) with a comparative analysis of CSEC issues/learning internationally;
- Develop the concept and implementation plan for an ‘ECPAT World Report’ that has a broad analysis of CSEC internationally, highlighting major gaps and challenges in the protection of children from sexual exploitation; develop specifically identified targets and indicators from the Agenda for Action framework to monitor and rank country progress;
- Oversee the quality and development of ECPAT International position papers or statements on thematic, ethical or research issues related to CSEC;
- Represent and/or help present on behalf of ECPAT at international events and other conferences or meetings on CSEC research findings and approaches as necessary;
- Supervise and manage the Research Associate, CSEC Terminology Project Manager and provide oversight to the team of legal research interns (at least 5 at any one time);
- Identify and recruit individual researchers and thematic experts as a research resource for ECPAT International as needed.
Qualifications
- Master degree in social science or related field; Doctorate degree is a plus;
- At least five years of experience and specialist knowledge in qualitative and quantitative social science research involving data analysis and report writing;
- An understanding and track record in research methodologies;
- Demonstrated expertise in ethical theory and research with children;
- Fluency in spoken and written English, and preferably French and/or Spanish;
- Knowledge in thematic areas of CSEC desirable.
Competencies
- Demonstrated commitment to ECPAT’s mission and values;
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills;
- Strong networking skills;
- Strong drive for results and ability to meet deadlines;
- Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Contract Duration
Ideally commencing on 1st November 2013 and ending on 31st October 2014
Duty Station
Bangkok, Thailand (with opportunities to travel globally).
Remuneration and Terms and Conditions
Negotiable
Expression of Interest
Interested individuals should provide the following documentation:
1. Cover Letter
2. CV including at least 3 references
3. Sample of academic writing or published article
Contact:
Erwin Mom
Deputy Director, Admin and Finance