UNICEF works in some of the worldโs toughest places, to reach the worldโs most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfilling 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, a better future
UNICEF works to ensure the rights of all children in the East Asia and Pacific Region.ย This means the rights of every child living in this country, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or ethnicity, to:
survivalย โ to basic healthcare, peace and security; developmentย โ to a good education, a loving home and adequate nutrition; protectionย โ from abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation; and participation โ to express opinions, be listened to and take part in making any decisions that affect themHow can you make a difference?ย
UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office is seeking an individual consultant to identify and draw on available data and evidence to provide a regional specific overview of harmful and problematic sexual behaviours of under-18s in Southeast Asia, with a focus on tech facilitated behaviours, current approaches in the region, and a summary of evidence on what works to prevent harmful conduct and the escalation of behaviours in adolescent and adulthood. This region-specific desk-based background paper will be used to inform dialogue on guidelines, programme and policy development in the region.
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Work assignments:
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Assignment 1: Undertake research on harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s, with a focus on SE Asia โ 20 days
Undertake desk research and literature review from within and outside SE Asia, identify:
Data on harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) of under-18s in SE Asia, with a focus on online offending Attitudes to sexual behaviours and HSB of under-18s Research on prevention intervention and response measures in SE Asia Evidence of what works to prevent and respond to harmful or problematic sexual behaviours of under-18s (regional and global)While primarily desk based research:
Undertake up to twelve KIIs with experts in the field, with a focus on researchers and practitioners active in and/or knowledgeable on SE Asia.Delivery schedule: By 15 October 2025
Assignment 2: Develop a report on harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s in SE Asia โ 16 days
Develop a report based on available research and evidence, informed by KIIs, covering the following topics
Parameters and definitions of HSB of under-18sand the difference between developmentally appropriate but socially unacceptable, concerning, and harmful behaviours, what is known about the drivers, predictors and types of HSB, gendered considerations of HSB, and the role of digital platforms in facilitating such behavioursย (general) Key findings - what is known about harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s in SE Asia. and the role of digital platforms in facilitating such behaviours Overview of prevention intervention and response measures in SE Asia, including current attitudes to HSB of under-18s Summary of the global evidence of what works to prevent and respond to harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s, including tech facilitated behaviours (general) Recommendations on the role of key sectors โ social welfare, education, justice, telecommunications and the private sector - in preventing and responding to harmful and problematic sexual behaviours of under-18s, with a focus on tech facilitated behaviours Key considerations for the SE Asia context, including the varied context across ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste, especially those countries with developing mental health and social welfare services Proposed outline for the ASEAN Guidelines on preventing and responding to harmful and problematic sexual behaviours of under-18s, with a focus on online behaviours Full citation list and intervieweesIncorporate feedback from UNICEF EAPRO and the expert group following review of the draft report (submitted by 30th October 2025)
Length โ20-25 pages, with a two-page summary
Delivery schedule: By 12 December 2025
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Assignment 3: Support dissemination of main findings and recommendations โ 4 daysย
Meet with an expert group convened by UNICEF EAPRO to share findings from the draft report and obtain inputs Present key findings and recommendations at the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection and facilitate a working group style discussion session (1.5 hours) on the topic 18-19 November (Malaysia)ยDelivery schedule: By 20 November 2025ย
This is seen as part 1 of a wider engagement to develop ASEAN Guidelines on prevention and response to harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s online (and offline).
Payment 1 โ Assignment 1 Desk Review
Plan on research implementation and proposed KIIs
Brief summary of literature review and KIIs undertaken following desk review
Outline of report on preventing and responding to HSB of under-18s in SE Asia (with a focus on online behaviours)
15 October 2025
ย 20 days
Payment 2 โ Assignment 2 Report and Assignment 3 Consultation and dissemination
Draft report on preventing and responding to HSB of under-18s in SE Asia (with a focus on online behaviours), incorporating feedback from UNICEF and the expert group (approx. 20-25 pages) (30 October 2025)
Consultation with expert group convened (20 November 2025)
Attendance at the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection โ presentation of the findings of the HSB report, PPT, and recommendations for sectors and facilitation of workshop style session (1.5 hours) (19 November 2025)
Final report on preventing and responding to HSB of under-18s in SE Asia (with a focus on online behaviours), incorporating feedback from UNICEF and the expert group. (12 December 2025)
Two page summary of the final report (12 December 2025)
12 December 2025
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20 days
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40 TOTAL DAYS
Duration of Contract:ย ย 8 September 2025 โ 12 December 2025
Duty Travel:ย Travel to the ASEAN ICT Forum on Child Online Protection being convened 18-19 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (arrival 17, departure 20) is envisaged. Travel costs will be covered through the Events Management Company for the Forum with travel and accommodation arranged directly. No DSA will be paid.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆ
โข Advanced degree (Masters/ PhD) in psychology, social work, public health or a related field with a focus on child and adolescent development or sexual behaviour
โข Demonstrated expertise in the field of harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s
โข Demonstrated experience of conducting, researching including qualitative researchย
โข Experience working in East Asia and Pacificย
โข Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex topics and a clear and engaging manner
Interested candidates are requested to submit CV, full contact information of minimum 3 references, availability, and proposed daily professional fee in USD by 5 August 2025.
For every Child, you demonstrateโฆ
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visitย here.
UNICEF is here to serve the worldโs most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants 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.ย
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.ย
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Remarks:ย ย
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.ย
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEFโs 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.ย
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. 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.ย