Preventing and Responding to (Online) Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Namibia (EVAC), Windhoek, Namibia, 50 days (Remote/Work from home)

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Background and context

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has significantly transformed the lives of children and young people worldwide. As highlighted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in General Comment No. 25 (2021), digital technologies offer substantial opportunities to realise children’s rights, a reality that became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital platforms enabled children to continue learning, socialising and accessing support.

At the same time, digital technologies have increasingly been misused by perpetrators to access, groom and harm children, contributing to a rise in online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA). Technology is used to contact and coerce children, produce and share sexual images and videos, and document acts of sexual abuse, affecting children of all ages.

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, States are obliged to take all appropriate measures to protect children from all forms of violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

In Namibia, significant challenges remain in the investigation and prosecution of OCSEA cases, including limited awareness among law enforcement officials, difficulties in victim identification, risks of victim-blaming, and constraints in accessing and handling electronic evidence. Law enforcement therefore plays a critical role in identifying and protecting victims, conducting child-sensitive investigations, and preserving digital evidence.

Violence against children remains widespread in Namibia, with 39.6 per cent of females and 45 per cent of males experiencing sexual, physical or emotional violence in childhood (VAC, 2020). An estimated 9 per cent of internet users aged 12–17 have experienced OCSEA (DH, 2023). Most cases of child sexual exploitation, both online and offline, remain undisclosed and underreported, with low help-seeking behaviour among survivors. Evidence from the Disrupting Harm study further shows that 81 per cent of children aged 12–17 are internet users, and more than half go online daily, underscoring the urgency of strengthening awareness, prevention, and child-centred, gender-responsive support systems.

OCSEA project

The OCSEA project in Namibia supports national efforts to prevent and respond to online child sexual exploitation and abuse, aligned with the National Action Plan on Violence Against Children and the Model National Response Framework. As a Pathfinder Country and member of the WePROTECT Global Alliance, Namibia has benefited from UNICEF-supported global and national initiatives to strengthen child protection systems, particularly in addressing technology-facilitated abuse.

The OCSEA programme aims to address the growing challenge of online child sexual exploitation and abuse through a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, protection and prosecution. The specific objectives are to:

1. Strengthen national systems and infrastructure, including law enforcement, criminal justice and social service capacities, to effectively prevent and respond to online offences against children.
2. Improve early intervention and victim support mechanisms to prevent the victimization of children and to support their recovery.
3. Engage families and caregivers in preventing sexual abuse of children and in responding to harmful or unwanted online experiences.

Significant progress has been made through legislative reforms (Child Care and Protection Act , a draft Combating of Sexual Exploitation Bill, Rape Act, Domestic Violence Act), strengthened multi-sectoral services ( 17 Gender Based Violence Protection Units (GBVPUs)),  capacity building of justice and social service providers (police, social workers, prosecutors, magistrates, judges, doctors), improved reporting mechanisms, and enhanced coordination via national task forces. Under the Safe Online (formerly EVAC) Grant, Namibia advanced comprehensive legal reforms, developed standard operating procedures, built evidence for OCSEA programming, established specialized police investigation teams, and empowered children, caregivers, and service providers to navigate digital risks.

The OCSEA projects has been implement in partnership with the following stakeholders UNICEF Namibia,  Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW), Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) – Namibian Police Force, Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG), Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT), Lifeline Childline (LLCL), Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MoEAC), Namibian Police (NAMPOL) -including Cybercrime Unit, Gender-Based Violence Protection Unit (GBVPU) directorate, Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and members of the Child Online Protection (COP) Taskforce.

Despite these gains, gaps in the justice and legal framework remain, as highlighted by recent studies. In this context, UNICEF Namibia is undertaking an end-of-grant summative evaluation to assess results achieved, review implementation approaches, identify remaining gaps, and inform future directions as the project concludes at the end of 2025.

While a strong foundation has been established through prior investments from the End Violence Fund, UNICEF aims to sustain momentum and continuous improvement in Namibia’s response to OCSEA through the evaluation of the 2022–2025 funding period.

OCSEA Project Objectives

The OCSEA programme aims to address the growing challenge of online child sexual exploitation and abuse through a comprehensive approach focused on prevention, protection and prosecution. The specific objectives are to:

4. Strengthen national infrastructure, including law enforcement, criminal justice and social service capacities, to prevent and respond effectively to online offences against children.
5. Improve early intervention and victim support mechanisms to prevent child victimisation and support recovery.
6. Engage families and caregivers in preventing sexual abuse of children and in responding to harmful or unwanted online experiences.

To achieve these objectives, the programme adopts a whole-system approach to close legal and policy gaps, strengthen access to justice, enhance multisectoral responses to both online and offline violence, raise awareness, ensure strong support networks for victims of (O)CSEA, and promote the use of research and global learning.

The project integrates learning, monitoring and evaluation components, including:

7. Learning through global, regional and in-country exchanges
   EVAC and UNICEF have facilitated learning opportunities through webinars, networking platforms and conferences. UNICEF will continue to leverage EVAC-supported global learning resources and encourage project partners to actively engage in these learning opportunities.
8. In-depth analysis of Disrupting Harm (DH) data
   In collaboration with UNICEF Innocenti, the UNICEF Namibia Country Office will further analyse DH data to inform behaviour change interventions for children and caregivers, with the aim of increasing reporting and help-seeking behaviours among victims and their peers. This analysis will incorporate gender- and age-specific dimensions to ensure a targeted and differentiated approach. DH data will also inform the development of online safety materials and awareness-raising campaigns. The participation of children and young people will be integral to the review, use and dissemination of research findings.
9. Evaluation of the Model Regional Response in two regions
   UNICEF Namibia has developed a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess baseline conditions, progress and early impacts of multisectoral and interdisciplinary interventions in the Kavango East and Omaheke regions, and to inform potential national scale-up. This process will be conducted in consultation with the National COP Task Force and will actively incorporate child participation and U-Report.

EVALUATION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) Section at UNICEF Namibia supports evidence-based programming through independent evaluations. This consultancy will lead the summative evaluation of the “Preventing and Responding to (Online) Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Namibia” (2022–2026) project, a flagship initiative within UNICEF’s child protection portfolio.

Specifically, the consultancy will:

• • Assess the overall implementation framework, focusing on the extent to which the OCSEA project adopts a holistic approach and complements existing and planned interventions supported by other programmes, projects and development partners.
  • Apply mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) to measure changes, where feasible, in knowledge, attitudes and practices among children and adolescents, caregivers, justice professionals and service providers in the target regions.
  • Assess the relevance of the OCSEA programme in addressing the needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents in Namibia, with particular attention to disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the programme in achieving its stated objectives.
  • Analyse the efficiency of programme implementation, including partnerships, resource allocation and management arrangements.
  • Examine the impact of the OCSEA programme on targeted beneficiaries, particularly in terms of knowledge and skills, empowerment and application of learning.
  • Assess the sustainability and scalability of the OCSEA programme, including its potential for replication and expansion to additional regions and beneficiaries.
  • Review the relevance and adequacy of the OCSEA monitoring framework and indicators in assessing programme quality and performance.
  • Identify best practices, lessons learned and areas for improvement to inform future OCSEA programming and strategic decision-making.
  • Analyse the programme’s impact on children and other vulnerable groups, including gender- and age-related differences.

SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of the evaluation will encompass the following aspects:

• • Geographical Scope: The evaluation will focus on the OCSEA programme implemented focus areas Namibia (national levels), Khomas, Omaheke and Kavango East/West regions with possible inclusion of Hardap.
  • Temporal Scope: The evaluation will cover the period of implementation from May 2022 till the present date April 2026 in Namibia. This will enable a comprehensive assessment of the programme’s progress, achievements, and challenges.
  • Thematic Scope: The evaluation will cover all components and objectives of the OCSEA programme in Namibia, including the outputs.
  • Target Group Scope: The evaluation will consider the different beneficiary groups targeted by the OCSEA programme, including children, parents, stakeholders (including NGO’S). The evaluations should ensure that gender, equity, vulnerability, disability, rural/urban, and cultural barriers are systematically integrated and examined throughout the evaluation process. The evaluation will also examine the involvement of key stakeholders, such as UNICEF, MGEPESW, Namibian Police -including cybercrime, GBVPU directorate – (NAMPOL), INTERPOL, Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG), Ministry of Justice (MOJ), NGO’s (Lifeline/Childline) and members of the COP Taskforce.

For detailed information on the assignment click below link.

Terms of Reference for individual consultancy, evaluation of EVAC grant 22 Jan 2026 for sharing.pdf

#	Work Assignments Overview	Deliverables/Outputs	Delivery deadline	Estimated Budget
1.	Preparatory and Inception Phase: Conduct Evaluability assessment of the projects. Develop an Inception Report that articulates (i) the theory of change and revised M&E framework. (ii) revaluation design detailing the sampling approach, data collection tools and instruments; and (iv) detailed timeline and stakeholder consultations (v) outlines the role of adolescents and youth in the evaluation process. Draft Data Collections Tools	Inception report not more than 10 pages.	27 Feb 2025	15%
2.	Data Collection & Report writing phase: Finalise data collection Tool. Conduct key informants’ interviews and focus group Analyse data and compile draft evaluation reports	Draft Evaluation Report – UNICEF GEROS	10-30 March 2026	45%
3.	Data Collection & Report writing phase: Finalise data collection Tool. Conduct key informants’ interviews and focus group Analyse data and compile draft evaluation reports	Draft Evaluation Report – UNICEF GEROS
4.	Produce a final evaluation report in line with UNICEF GEROS requirements. Final report must not be more than 30 pages excluding executive summary and annex.	Final evaluation report (UNICEF GEROS)	10 April 2026	40%
5.	Evaluation advocacy brief: For the dissemination of evaluation findings. (2 page)	Final Advocacy Brief (2 page)

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

The consultant shall minimally meet the following requirements:

Education:

• A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as social sciences, international development, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in conducting evaluations, preferably in the fields of OCSEA, GBV, VAC, or similar sectors. Experience in using both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is essential.
• Knowledge of the Context: Familiarity with the socio-cultural, OCSEA, GBV, VAC, economic, and political context of Namibia or similar countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Experience working in the region is highly desirable.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria and a proven track record of designing and conducting evaluations based on these criteria. Familiarity with ethical considerations and procedures when conducting evaluations involving young people is essential. Demonstrated experience in engaging people in programme monitoring/evaluation.
• Gender, age and Equity: Demonstrated experience in integrating gender, age and equity perspectives into evaluations, as well as analysing differential impacts on various beneficiary groups.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise evaluation reports in English. Strong interpersonal skills to engage with various stakeholders, including youth, government officials, and implementing partners.
• Facilitation and Coordination: Proven ability to facilitate participatory evaluation processes, coordinate with multiple stakeholders, and manage diverse teams. Specific experience in facilitating data collection and analyses with and for young people.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and draw relevant conclusions and recommendations.
• Adaptability: Ability to work independently and adapt to changing circumstances, including potential travel restrictions or other logistical challenges.
• Professionalism: A high level of professionalism, integrity, and adherence to ethical standards throughout the evaluation process.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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.

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Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

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