Historique

In recent time, Nigeria has experienced insurgent attacks largely by the terrorist insurgent group popularly known as Boko Haram. Both spontaneous unprovoked attacks and indeed, armed clashes between governmental forces and terrorist groups have created massive displacements in different parts of Nigeria, especially in the North East.

By the second half of 2015, more than 1.4 million civilians were said to be internally displaced while 400,000 individuals had crossed borders into neighbouring countries to seek refuge, particularly in Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Insecurity caused by this incessant insurgency is affecting the poorest and vulnerable and hinders social cohesion. A recent research conducted by UN Women West Africa Regional Office (WCARO) based in Dakar shows that over 80% of the displaced (IDPs and refugees) live with host families, who are in most cases extremely poor, further deteriorating the living standards of these communities, thereby making them even more vulnerable.

Humanitarian actors have observed, a rise of 30% of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) during the second half of 2015, reaching to 980,000 in 2015. This has drastically accentuated the humanitarian needs and signals a necessity to strengthen the humanitarian response, particularly from a gender perspective, given that majority of those affected are women as research demonstrates.

Women and children represent more than 60% of displaced persons. The conflict and insurgency attacks occur mainly in North-East Zone of Nigeria. Violations of human rights, especially the rights of women and children are more frequent in the attacks of Boko Haram. Since the beginning of year 2014, more than 2000 women and girls have been abducted by Boko Haram, some of them were forced to marry and to take part in suicide bombings (Amnesty International, 2015).

In a recent report produced by Human Rights Watch, Post-trauma and long-term counseling in the areas worst-affected by the Boko Haram assault are greatly needed. Maiduguri’s Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital said between 10 and 20 percent of people living in Borno need emergency mental-health services. The report also points out that doctors interviewed by an international journalist described being overwhelmed. They noted that every day between 20 and 30 people show up requesting counselling, a marked increase over previous years.

Analysis of the humanitarian Strategy documents indicate that gender issues, particularly practical and strategic needs as well as the actions targeting this population are not fully taken into account, from the indicator point of view. Only the issues linked with GBV are mentioned in the protection cluster. However, indicators limited to this level are still very global. Even if various actors are willing and able to integrate information and strategies orientated towards gender, data is unavailable and critical resources allocated to attain gender responsive results are minimal. 

It is therefore based on the priority to reinforce the integration of gender in humanitarian response in Nigeria and to make it more efficient when targeting women and girls, that UN Women has decided undertake a baseline survey and requires three (3) Research Assistants (one per state – Adamawa, Bauchi and Gombe).

Devoirs et responsabilités

The following are the expected results from this baseline study:

• Changes anticipated as part of this intervention clearly identified;
• Enhanced understanding of gender responsiveness of humanitarian action in the 3 project states;
• Priority areas on Economic Empowerment for women and girls affected by the insurgency identified and initiated.

Under the guidance of and reporting directly to the supervising baseline survey consultant, each Research Assistant will be responsible for the following generic on-demand activities: 

• Compile, analyze and synthesize information for the supervising baseline survey consultant;
• Perform research assistance to carry out data collection in respect of the baseline survey assignment in this initiative;
• Support the development of methodologies, reports, briefs, etc. on specific issues;
• Characterize specific groups in terms of different indicator;
• Performing background research assistance (qualitative and quantitative);
• Deliver the specific products described above within the established deadlines.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UN Women;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Highly developed research assistance skills;
• Strong analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
• Computer literate; must be able to use the Internet and other research and applied research tool effectively;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Teamwork - excellent interpersonal, organizational and management skills and ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams is critical.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Able to manage complex problems proactively and effectively, including responses to field based emergencies;
• Ability to operate effectively in a changing and complex environment, and to produce results under stress;
• Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Proven organizational and communication skills;
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Strong analytical capabilities;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Politics, International Relations or related development field. Master’s degree may be an additional asset.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the area of field data gathering preferably in Nigeria;
• Strong research background. Experience in data collection and analysis;
• Knowledge of women’s rights issues in the context of Peace and Security, gender equality and SGBV matters;
• Able to work independently with efficiency and competence;
• Excellent written and oral skills.

Language:

• Fluency in English.
• Fluency in a major local language of northern Nigeria will be highly valued.