WASH Consultant (WinS4Girls project) at UNICEF Nigeria

UNICEF’s mission in Nigeria is to help governments at all levels, organizations, communities and families provide every child with education, health, equality and protection.

UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of suitable and qualified candidates to fill the vacant position of:

Job Title: WASH Consultant (WinS4Girls project)

Vacancy number: VN-NGR-42-2014
Level: National Officer
Contract Type: Short Service Agreement (SSA)
Duration: 8 months.
Location: Abuja

Background/Purposes/Scope of Assignment

• Undertaking research on menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a complex issue. It involves not only understanding how women and girls accommodate their menses in school and as they carry out other daily activities, but also understanding the perceptions of women and girls, men and boys about a sensitive topic which is often considered a private matter. There is increasing recognition that MHM is an education Issue where the lack of facilities and support for schoolgirls and female teachers is a barrier to their full participation in school. For this reason, menstrual hygiene management has become a public issue; and research to better understand current practices or gaps in support for women and girls in the context of school is important in order to strengthen public services.
• Nigeria is one of the 14 countries participating in this global initiative. The WinS programmes of UNICEF in Nigeria takes the lead in this formative research and brings together a wide range of partners and contributors (Government NGO and Academia) to understand and address the challenges that girls face in managing menses in the context of school. This consultancy is specifically aimed at providing technical support to UNICEF WASH Section and Federal Ministry of Education in the development, execution and completion of the research on MHM in Nigeria.
  

Key Tasks expected include the following
First Phase (6 months)

• Conduct a review of national and sub-national MHM related experiences (including a desk review of the literature and interviews with key informants); including the cultural perceptions of puberty and menstruation, and the role of the state/ community in helping women and girls manage menstruation.
• Participate and complete the MHM online course (which will inform the remainder of the activities/duties)
• Lead the ethical clearance process (including making the submission Air ethical clearance of the research to the relevant education authorities) in Nigeria in collaboration with Education Authorities.
• Map out MHM stakeholders and potential partners in the country.
• Adapt global MHM tools to the country context including field testing and training local partners in conducting research with children and on culturally sensitive topics.
• Carry out the formative research (ensure informed consent/assent process; collect data, train and supervise data collectors; and conduct data analysis)
• Keep national and sub-national MHM stakeholders informed as the research progresses
• Compile and analyze the data (in consultation with the local partner and Emory University)
• Finalize research report and seek clearance from relevant partners for publication.

Second Phase (2 Months):

• Based on the research findings, basic package of products (for example this could be a one-page fiver, a poster, a video or a leaflet) for: girls, teachers; headmasters; WASH programme officers to provide guidance on what they need to know and do to support girls to manage menstruation more effectively whilst at school
• Field test the products in a number schools
• Revise and finalize the basic package of products developed.

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required

• Advanced university degree in Public Health, Gender, Social Sciences or relevant field
• Minimum of five years relevant experience, focusing at least three years of experience in qualitative research in low-income settings (indusive of formal training)
• Demonstrated expertise in ethnically-administered, qualitative data collection in low-income settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative data analysis and conducting ethical, child-centered research particularly with girls
• Fluency in English and Local languages in Nigeria

Application Closing Date
Tuesday, 2nd December 2014.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter, one-page summary statement that describes how your experience and qualifications relate to the post and a scanned /PDF copy of the completed and signed UN Personal History Form, (Please Click Here To Download or www.unicef.org/employ) to the email address: [email protected]

Note: Please mention the position title you are applying for on the subject line of your email.

UNICEF, a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women are strongly encouraged to apply.