Thailand: Head of Research and Policy

Vacancy Notice

Head of Research and Policy

ECPAT International Secretariat

Position:Head of Research and Policy

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Reports to: Executive Director

Duration: Two years (renewable)

Organizational background

ECPAT International is a global network of civil society organizations working in 93 countries in all regions for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of sexual exploitation.

The ECPAT Secretariat is based in Bangkok, Thailand and coordinates the global work. The Secretariat develops and supports advocacy, programmes and partnership strategies to facilitate a range of initiatives across the Network to prevent and effectively respond to child sexual exploitation.

Purpose

The Head of Research and Policy manages the Policy and Research functions and programmes of the ECPAT International Secretariat, contributing to the achievement of concrete results in the global effort to end the sexual exploitation of children.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Policy Development

· Provide strategic thought leadership on policy issues related to the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) and the role of civil society organisations

· Seek out and maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends, issues, and policy, legal and institutional developments concerning SEC

· In consultation with relevant experts, undertake relevant analysis and advise the Executive Director on the implications of trends and developments concerning SEC

· Coordinate the preparation of policy briefs and position papers on issues related to SEC

· Convene and/or participate on behalf of ECPAT in relevant networks and policy forums

· Support programmes and ECPAT Network members in the design and implementation of policy advocacy initiatives concerning SEC

Research Programme and Strategy

· Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year strategy and programme for knowledge and evidence generation and dissemination concerning SEC

· Advise the ECPAT Senior Management Team on research priorities, including new and emerging themes, that can advance ECPAT’s knowledge base and programme and advocacy strategies

· Identify and promote effective, safe and ethical approaches to the incorporation of children’s and survivors’ voices in research, including through the Ethical Research Initiative in cooperation with ECPAT Taiwan

· Lead the development and implementation of ECPAT’s research initiatives and support programme teams in the design, planning and implementation of research-related activities

· Facilitate communication and learning among Network members and external partners on research topics and related policy issues, including through maintenance of relevant sections of ECPAT’s external and internal websites

· In collaboration with partners and Network members, oversee and guide the development of high-quality, accessible and up-to-date knowledge resources on SEC at national, regional and global levels, including the production by ECPAT of selected country and regional situation analyses and monitoring reports. Oversee and contribute to the production of ECPAT research reports and technical papers, including for external publication as relevant

· Support the development and implementation of communication/advocacy plans for research products, in relation to target audiences, supporting materials and dissemination channels

Partnerships and Networking

· Represent and/or present on behalf of ECPAT at selected international events, conferences and meetings on SEC research issues and findings

· Develop and maintain collaboration and partnerships with specialized academic institutions, experts and researchers for exchange of knowledge and the production of research and studies

· In cooperation with partners, contribute to the development and implementation of strategic indicators and monitoring systems to track progress in the fight against SEC at global, regional and country level, in the context of the SDGs and national child protection systems

· Participate on behalf of ECPAT in relevant research and knowledge networks in the SEC field, including through active contributions to online knowledge exchange platforms

Resource Mobilisation

· Prepare concept notes and funding proposals for research projects, and contribute to the development of wider funding proposals with research components

· Develop and implement a strategy to ensure adequate long-term resourcing of ECPAT’s research function and programme

· Maintain regular communications with donors, ensuring timely progress updates and periodic reporting

Management

· Supervise, manage and provide guidance to staff, interns and consultants in the Policy and Research Unit

· Prepare, implement and monitor annual work plans and budgets

· Prepare and/or contribute to reports as required by ECPAT management

Profile

Qualifications

· Master’s degree in social science or related field; doctoral degree preferred

· Specialised training in child protection, social welfare policy or other relevant discipline

· At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in conducting and managing social science research and policy analysis in a field related to child protection and SEC

· A solid record of technical publications

· Demonstrated knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ethical principles and quality standards relevant to research concerning SEC

· Theoretical and practical knowledge of human rights, child rights and sexual exploitation of children in developed and developing countries. Familiarity with multiple regions and the global context an advantage

· Fluency in English, including demonstrated excellent writing skills. Fluency in French and/or Spanish an advantage

Competencies

· Demonstrated commitment to ECPAT’s mission and values

· Strong communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills

· Strong networking skills

· Strong drive for results

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

· Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment

Salary and benefits

ECPAT offers a competitive remuneration package and staff benefits.

On how to apply please visit ECPAT website: http://www.ecpat.org/about-ecpat/employment/