JOB DESCRIPTION

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world”s leading children”s rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children”s survival, protection and development. The world”s largest provider of vaccines fordeveloping countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

Consultancy: GBVIMS+ Technical Consultant 

Duty Station: Child Protection Team – Programme Group

Duration: 1 February 2026 – 31 December 2027

Home/ Office Based: Remote

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does – in programs, in advocacy and in 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.

Related to this mission, UNICEF is directly involved in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in some of the world”s most intense and complex conflicts and disasters. GBV in its various forms constitutes a global crisis which undermines social and economic progress; as one of the world”s greatest human rights violations, GBV must be addressed to ensure universal rights and principles with regard to equality, security, liberty, integrity and dignity of human beings. Addressing gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE) is recognized as a life-saving measure and an essential component of humanitarian action.  UNICEF has made GBViE (prevention, risk mitigation and response) one of its targeted priorities in its Strategic Plan and Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) 2026-2029, as well as in the Child Protection Strategy. GBViE contributes to the results under the SP high-level target on violence as well as the Adolescent Girls accelerator. GBViE risk mitigation cuts across all sectors and areas of work in UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children.

Background on GBVIMS Initiative and Primero/GBVIMS+

The Gender Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) was established in 2006 as a groundbreaking interagency initiative designed to address critical gaps in GBV data collection and management in humanitarian settings. Founded by a consortium of agencies including UNFPA, UNHCR, IRC, UNICEF, and IMC, the GBVIMS emerged from a critical need identified by humanitarian donors who began asking implementing organizations fundamental questions about their GBV programming: How many survivors were being helped? What types of GBV were being documented? What trends were emerging from case data?

The initiative has since become the global gold standard for safe and ethical GBV information management in humanitarian contexts. Over nearly two decades, the GBVIMS has overcome key challenges by developing accepted and standardized definitions of GBV; establishing standardized incident reporting forms for data collection; creating data storage systems with robust safeguards for client and service provider anonymity and safety; and providing tools for analysis and use of GBV data to inform service delivery, programming, advocacy, and broader humanitarian response.

The GBVIMS System Components:

• Legacy GBVIMS: The original system is a standardized approach designed for GBV incident data collection and sharing, utilizing paper forms and Excel tools to generate reports that inform programming, advocacy, and enhance coordination of GBV prevention and response efforts.
• Primero/GBVIMS+: Launched in 2015 following the 2014 evaluation recommendations, this next-generation platform represents a significant technological advancement. Primero is an innovative open-source software system developed collaboratively by IRC, Save the Children, UNFPA, IMC, and Terre des  Hommes under UNICEF”s leadership. The GBVIMS+ module within Primero builds on decades of lessons learned from the legacy system, offering both online and offline capabilities

Global Reach and Implementation: 

As of 2024, the GBVIMS initiative has been deployed across approximately 50 countries, spanning multiple continents and diverse humanitarian contexts:

• Over 30 countries have received formal interagency rollout support for either legacy GBVIMS or Primero/GBVIMS+
• Nearly 1,000 users globally are currently utilizing Primero/GBVIMS+
• In 2023 alone, 184 unique service provider organizations received support (120 NGOs, 60 INGOs, plus government counterparts)
• Over 3,300 staff trained on GBV case management across 8 countries
• 380 personnel certified as GBV Case Management trainers with ongoing coaching

The consultant will support the expansion of the rollouts of Primero/GBVIMS+. Primero is an innovative open-source software system that was developed in 2014 by IRC, Save the Children, UNFPA, IMC and Terre des Hommes under the leadership of UNICEF to enable humanitarian actors to safely and securely collect, store, manage and share data for protection-related incident monitoring and case management. The GBVIMS+ module in Primero was launched in 2015 and builds off decades of lessons learnt from the legacy GBVIMS; a survivor-centred system that utilizes the technological innovation of Primero to manage individual cases and services for GBV survivors. The ”legacy” GBVIMS alongside Primero/GBVIMS+ are the only endorsed tools for GBV information management in humanitarian contexts at the inter-agency level. To date, the GBVIMS+ is rolled out in 11 contexts with near 1000 users globally and growing. In November 2020, the latest iteration of Primero was released – Primero version 2 – with the first inter-agency launch of the GBVIMS+ version 2 in September 2021.

In addition, since 2021, UNICEF has been leading on the inter-agency efforts to roll out Primero/GBVIMS+ into national, government-level structures for greater sustainability. This pioneer initiative is being implemented in Sierra Leone and builds on the gains of the interagency rollouts of Primero/GBVIMS+ in various humanitarian settings. At this stage of implementation, the system deployment still requires, both in humanitarian and government contexts, hands-on guidance and capacity development support to ensure sustainable use.

In response to growing government demand for streamlined and survivor-centred protection services, UNICEF in collaboration with UNHCR and the GBVIMS Steering Committee will support the integration of GBV and CP case management systems through unified instances of the Primero Digital platform (GBVIMS+/CPIMS+). GBVIMS+ and CPIMS+ are a cloud-based case management and information-sharing platform that sets the global gold standard for ethical, survivor-centred GBV and CP data collection and analysis in humanitarian contexts. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces duplication, and ensures safe, ethical, and coordinated management of protection data, including for refugee and host populations. Learning from all components will be documented to support similar efforts beyond this project.

During the duration period of the contract, the consultant will support the integration of GBVIMS+ and CPIMS+ as well as Interagency GBVIMS Technical Support as part of the GBVIMS Global Technical Team.

Scope of Work: Under the supervision of the GBViE Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for the following areas of work:

• Pilot integrated GBV-CP Primero Instance: Pilot an integrated GBV–CP Primero instance in one country with accompanying documentation and lessons-learnt.
• Country-level Standard Operating Procedures Development: Support the development or revision of national SOPs on data sharing, role-based access, and confidentiality protocols.
• Training and Capacity Building: Train local actors and NGO frontline workers on ethical data collection, consent, case classification, and safe referrals.
• AI for GBV Trends Analysis: Provide technical support and develop guidance on the use of AI for GBV trends analysis to improve the quality of analytical briefs that inform protection programming and government decision-making.
• Interagency GBVIMS Technical Support: Support GBVIMS and Primero/GBVIMS+ Ongoing Rollouts as part of the Interagency GBVIMS Technical Team.
• System Administration: For existing rollouts of Primero/GBVIMS+ the Consultant will act as the System Administrator and provide level 1 troubleshooting support as needed.
• Capacity Building on Primero/GBVIMS+: Provide capacity building on Primero/GBVIMS+ to end users, system administrators, and coordinators.
• Support preparation of technical donor reports for GBVIMS+ activities, including development of case studies, impact metrics, and analytical briefs for key donors.

NOTE: The specific deliverables are further outlined in the table below. Due to current funding constraints, payment for deliverables with deadlines between March 2027 and December 2027 (8 deliverables total) will be contingent upon A) availability of funds and B) successful completion of the other 14 deliverables by February 2027.

The consultancy will be home-based with travels to emergency-affected contexts relevant to the above tasks, as feasible

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

1. Pilot Integrated GBV-CP Primero Instance: Pilot an integrated GBV–CP Primero instance in one country with accompanying documentation and lessons-learnt

–  Detailed technical architecture document mapping data flows, field harmonization strategy, and security protocols developed for GBV-CP integration.  31 Mar 2026

–  Integrated GBV-CP module ready for User Acceptance Testing, with test scripts developed, test environment configured, and UAT protocol finalized.  31 May 2026

–  Comprehensive UAT documentation with local actors and NGO stakeholder feedback, edge case analysis, and system optimization recommendations filed and updated monthly. 31 Aug 2026

–  Integrated CP-GBV Primero instance rolled out in at least 2 contexts. 31 Dec 2027

2. Country-level Standard Operating Procedures Development: Support the development or revision of national SOPs on data sharing, role-based access, and confidentiality protocols

–  Workshop report with CP and GBV actors in country to map workflow between GBV/CP service provision and IMS forms drafted and submitted for review. 31 Jul 2026

–  Practical toolkit including workflow diagrams, quick reference guides, consent form templates, and role-specific checklists in local languages developed and shared. 30 Nov 2026

–  Monitoring and evaluation framework with indicators, audit protocols, and quarterly compliance review templates developed and shared. 30 Jun 2027

3.  Training and Capacity Building: Train local actors and NGO frontline workers  on ethical data collection, consent, case classification, and safe referrals based on integrated CP-GBV platform

–  Culturally adapted training modules for one context (including case studies, role-play scenarios, and ethical data exercises) finalized. 30 Sept 2026

–  Training report (with pre-post-tests and qualitative evaluation of participants) drafted and submitted. 31 Dec 2026

–  Detailed report summarizing findings from six-month post-training evaluation measuring knowledge retention, system usage patterns, and identification of refresher training needs drafted and shared. 31 Dec 2027

4. AI for GBV Trends Analysis: Provide technical support and develop guidance on the use of AI for GBV trends analysis to improve the quality of analytical briefs that inform protection programming and decision-making.

–  Desk review report on the use of AI in GBV data analysis that could be considered for GBVIMS+ drafted and shared. 30 Apr 2026

–  AI Ethics Review Protocol: Survivor-centered AI ethics framework developed and shared (including bias detection methodologies, feminist AI principles checklist, and red-line safeguards for automated analysis). 31 Dec 2026

–  Pilot implementation report from 2 contexts with ethics review, analytical outputs, and lessons learned drafted and shared. 30 Nov 2027

5.  Interagency GBVIMS Technical Support: Support GBVIMS and Primero/GBVIMS+ Ongoing Rollouts as part of the Interagency GBVIMS Technical Team

– Minutes of monthly calls with supported countries drafted and shared. GBVIMS data analytical report reviewed and commented. Information Sharing Protocol reviewed and commented. 30 Jun 2026

–  Interagency Learning Brief Series: Four quarterly learning briefs (10-15 pages each) documenting rollout challenges, innovative solutions, and comparative analysis across contexts  developed for the GBVIMS Steering Committee. 30 Apr 2026

–  Interagency Learning Brief Series: Four quarterly learning briefs (10-15 pages each) documenting rollout challenges, innovative solutions, and comparative analysis across contexts developed for the GBVIMS Steering Committee. 31 Dec 2027

6. System Administration: For existing rollouts of Primero/GBVIMS+ the Consultant will act as the System Administrator and provide level 1 troubleshooting support as needed.

–  Monthly meeting minutes  and comprehensive troubleshooting log covering 8-10 contexts drafted and updated. 30 Apr 2026

–  Sustainability Transition Plan: Strategic report identifying local system administrators in each context, capacity transfer roadmap, and regional support hub establishment recommendations developed and shared. 30 Jun 2027

–  Real-time system Performance Dashboard developed and updated, with user activity patterns, incident resolution times, and capacity utilization across all deployments. 30 Nov 2027

7.  Capacity Building on Primero/GBVIMS+: Provide capacity building on Primero/GBVIMS+ to end users, system administrators, and coordinators

–  At least 30 staff trained, including quality assurance rubric, and peer support network establishment. Training report drafted.. 31 Jan 2027

–  Centralized digital resource hub established with searchable FAQs, video library, troubleshooting database, and community of practice forum for GBVIMS+ users globally. 30 Sept 2027

8. Support preparation of technical donor reports for GBVIMS+ activities, including development of case studies, impact metrics, and analytical briefs for key donors.

–  At least 2 comprehensive donor reports drafted and shared for review with quantitative data analysis, qualitative case studies, lessons learned documentation, and recommendations (Reports  to meet specific donor requirements and formatting standards). 28 Feb 2027

Qualifications

Education:

Advanced University Degree (Masters) in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Women’s Studies, Political Sciences, Human Rights and International Law, Public Health, other related degree or equivalent programming experience. Fluency in English is required. Working proficiency of another official UN language is highly desirable

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

• 8 to 10 years of programme management experience, preferably including at least 5 years implementing GBV programming and/or engaging with GBV coordination in humanitarian contexts.
• Experience with humanitarian coordination structures (at global and/or field level).
• Demonstrated experience with GBV case management and its intersections with information management. Proven knowledge of the inter-agency GBV case management guidelines a plus.
• Deep understanding of GBV guiding principles and what it means to provide a survivor-centred response.
• Familiarity with Primero/GBVIMS+; experience supporting staff in GBV information management, and experience providing case management training a plus.
• Demonstrated expertise in the deployment of information management system. Proven experience in training on GBVIMS+ a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in database development, usage and management.
• Demonstrated capacity to analyse data/statistics for humanitarian operations.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues related to confidentiality, data safety/security and other ethical concerns related to the sharing of sensitive data between humanitarian agencies.
• Excellent Computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Access and database software, in-depth knowledge of pivot table/chart and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of browser-based applications, interfaces, workflows and role-based access.
• Demonstrated experience developing and facilitating remote workshops.
• Experience in Gender or GBV related knowledge management and sharing is an asset.
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven capacity to work with and lead collaborative teams across different locations and with different technical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Creative, innovative thinker who can also translate ideas into practical applications.
• Proven skills in networking, strategic thinking, problem solving, advocacy and negotiation.
• Ability to quickly develop a sound understanding of the processes performed by UNICEF functional areas, both at Headquarters, Regional and Country Office levels.
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to write effectively for UNICEF external products.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to work independently and productively with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: the ability to successfully and effectively liaise with people in a wide range of functions in a multi-cultural environment.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF”s e-Recruitment system and

– Upload copy of academic credentials

– Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

– Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

– At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

– Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks: 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements