UNDP Jobs - 82971- Researcher ( International Consultancy)

Researcher ( International Consultancy)

Location :

Khartoum, SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

03-Feb-2019

Application Deadline :

27-Jan-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

42 working days spread of 3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

42 working days spread of 3 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Context

Due to the high influx of refugees and migrants through the Eastern States in Sudan, UNDP Sudan have decided to conduct a study on migrants’ aspirations in Sudan.

This initiative had an intention to widen the scope of livelihood interventions of UNDP Sudan while also shedding light on migration dynamics in the region important for the understanding of the trends and the importance of illegal migration and human trafficking in the region. As a consequence, UNDP launched a scoping study early 2018 focusing on Ethiopian and Eritrean migrants in East Sudan and their aspirations . UNDP research teams had access to prisons and closed camps, but also visited other refugee camps and interviewed over 900 people in Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea states and later on in Khartoum state.

By reviewing the results in the light of the latest migration trends, the socio-economic situation, recent economic developments, and political context through development lenses, it was found that there is an existing gap on migration programming in the country which does not address the aspirations of several group of migrants of Ethiopian and Eritrean origin and Sudanese communities.

The key programming gaps identified by the research referred to the potential areas of tensions between migrants and host and neighboring communities[1] which comprises social cohesion and creates competition over limited employment opportunities as well as limited initiatives profiting migrants and local populations. Notably, UNDP conducted research points that entire 61% of the Sudanese interviewed in three states stated the migrants populations have negative impact on their communities because of competition over jobs and lowering down wages.

The needs of protracted refugees (staying in Sudan for decades) were also not taken into account in existing migration programming in accordance to their specific needs. Similarly there are limited programmes designed to be implemented in urban settings where a significant numbers of migrants live. They are also not part of decision making processes and initiatives which concern them and are limited in the expression of their needs and concerns. Furthermore, it was found that the migration populations concentration in Khartoum (23% of university graduates from Eritrean origin and 9% of Ethiopian versus respectively 1 and 2% in the East), holds significant human capital which can be used to trigger new economic opportunities

Most of the current programing works with traditional beneficiaries - refugees and asylum seekers. Irregular migrants are almost completely ignored in previous programming, except for assisted return programs, some emergency assistance through the MRRC[2] and programs run by community-based migrant organizations. There is a serious gap of massive and consistent programming involving host communities in the East of Sudan.[3] Furthermore the existing programming in communities does not reflect the need in fostering social cohesion and avoid potential areas of conflict with local populations.

More importantly, these gaps were identified due to a dysfunctional national coordinating mechanism efficiently addressing important reforms to take place on a federal and local level.

Programme Description

UNDP Sudan is currently planning interventions under its new Community-Based Development Solutions for Migrants and Host Communities Programme. In order to address the structural challenges migrants face a thorough analysis on their vulnerabilities needs to be conducted in light of development interventions and interventions under the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus. This also requires smooth coordination with humanitarian actors and incorporates processes allowing to coordinate and complement efforts put in place by a number of humanitarian actors.

Duties and Responsibilities

Analysis of structural challenges to addressing migrant vulnerabilities in regards to the programme design;
Assist the team with the drafting of project document of Community-Based Development Solutions for Migrants and Host Communities in regards to building of social resilience through addressing vulnerabilities of migrants;
Assist in establishing baselines for measuring vulnerabilities of migrants and host communities in regards to structural challenges addressed by the programme;
Assess current aspiration survey questionnaires structure, perception questionnaires and future assessements by proposing alternative methodological approaches where necessary;
Work with the research team with developing indicators to measure social resilience in migrants and host communities for continuous research and perception surveys.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Quickly understands the responds to the evolving need of the client;
Constantly shows the innovation and uses new approaches to cope with the challenges facing the job.

Functional Competencies:

Experience in conducting interview and focus group discussions;
Previous working experience of the required and should have sufficient relevant experience of minimum 3 years in the field of Research;
The consultant shall have the skills and relevant education background in research and social Science;
Ability to work in a timely manner and complete work within set deadlines Proof of advanced writing skills is required

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications of the successful individual contractor

Education:

Master Degree in International Relations, International or Humanitarian Law with focus on migration is required

Experience

At least 3 years of experience in Research on migration in different settings is required;
Demonstrated research experience in migration context;
Previous experience in researching on vulnerability criteria of migrants in East Africa (previous experience in Sudan is an asset);
Experience in policy making in migration and human rights context;
Experience in International Organizations and the UN system is an asset.

Language:

English