International consultant to conduct the Study on the Social Behavioral Determinants and Consequences of Child Marriage, 48 w/ds, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, 

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Child marriage is a fundamental violation of human rights. Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. Its drivers are complex and vary according to the context. They include gender inequality, poverty, social norms that discriminate against girls, customary or religious laws that condone the practice, and an inadequate legislative framework and/or civil registration system.

Child marriage has profound negative effects on both children and the broader economic landscape of countries. For children, the health risks are significant. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that child brides face severe health complications, including complications during childbirth, which can lead to high maternal and infant mortality rates1. Additionally, early marriages often force girls to drop out of school, drastically limiting their educational and vocational opportunities. According to UNICEF, this lack of education not only curtails future earning potential but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, affecting the next generation. Psychologically, early marriage can lead to significant mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, due to the overwhelming responsibilities and loss of autonomy experienced by child brides. Social isolation is another consequence, as child brides often become disconnected from their peers and communities, further diminishing their opportunities for personal and professional development.

How can you make a difference? 

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Duration: 48 working days between April 2025 – September 2025
Supervisor: Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Tajikistan

The overall objective of the study is to provide technical support for assessment of the socioeconomic, cultural, and gender related
factors, including social and gender norms, that drive child marriages in Tajikistan. Additionally, the study will assess the consequences of child marriage on various development outcomes, with a focus on understanding the economic and social costs associated with these impacts, particularly the disproportionate effects on girls’ education, health, economic participation and overall well-being

Specific objectives of the Study include:

• Conduct mapping/meta-analysis of available data on child marriage in Tajikistan to be able to determine which of the
  objectives (and research questions) can be covered by analysis of existing datasets.
• Identify Underlying Causes: Explore and analyse the socio-cultural, economic, religious factors and deeply rooted
  gender norms driving child marriage in the country.
• Examine Consequences: Investigate the direct and indirect consequences of child marriage on the well-being of children, particularly girls, including health, education, skills development, employability and psychological consequences.
• Assess Economic Costs: Estimate the economic costs associated with child marriage, including its consequences on individual economic opportunities and broader development outcomes.
• Recommend Interventions: Develop recommendations for effective interventions and policy measures to address the drivers of child marriage and mitigate its impacts.

The consultant is expected to work collaboratively with the Republican Centre for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and UN agencies to contribute to the overall process of the study.

The consultant will begin by carrying out the desk review and come up with overall situation on issues related to child marriage. This work includes compiling and analysing data with recent updates in Tajikistan related to child marriage.

Consultant is expected to develop the methodology and tools for collecting the data, including, but not limited to the key information interviews, household interviews and focus group discussions. Development of methodology and tools will be done in close consultation of the Republican Centre for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and UN agencies contributing to the study to ensure issues reflected in agreed in the concept note are covered

The Republican Centre for Strategic Research under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and UN agencies will mobilise group of experts that will be involved in data collection.

International Consultant develops the training module and programme and provides training session for the staff involved in data collection. Separate research company will be hired for data processing, where experts from this research company will be involved at this training.

Consultant will have separate sensitisation session for the data processing company to ensure the quality of data processing and consistency.

Consultant come up with the estimate the economic costs associated with child marriage, including its consequences on individual economic opportunities and broader development outcomes. Methodology, tools and capacity building interventions for data collection contribute for generating data that contrite to estimation of the cost.

Initial report is presented with participation of all relevant stakeholders to validate the data. Based on the feedback received from the validation process, Consultant finalise the report.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Education: Advanced university degree in sociology, social sciences, gender studies, law and human rights or other relevant technical field.
• Work experience: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in conducting field research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection, experience in community outreach and participatory research methods can be very valuable, understanding and analyzing policies related to child marriage, human rights.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs aimed at preventing child marriage or supporting affected individuals can provide practical insights, working with professionals from various fields such as public health, education, law, and social work can enhance the understanding of the multifaceted nature of child marriage.
• Skills: Proficiency in conducting interviews, surveys, and statistical analysis with an understanding of how to integrate gender and social behavioral change (SBC) frameworks in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Ability to gather, organize, and maintain data accurately, ensuring that gender sensitive considerations are included throughout the process. Understanding of ethical guidelines, especially when working with minors and vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian and Tajik is an asset.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

• CV and cover letter.
• Technical proposal describing approach/methodology to achieve the tasks of the TOR, workplan with concrete timeframes
• Financial proposal in USD-all inclusive, indicting fee per day and cost of the travel (Annex 3 to be completed). Annex 3 at the link 
• Contact of three references.
• At least 2 papers / concept notes previously developed by the candidate or when candidate provided substantial inputs to the documents.
• Applications without technical and financial proposals will not be considered.

Applications must be received in the system by 31 March 2025 on UNICEF website.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.