UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s 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.  This means the rights of every child living in this country, irrespective of their nationality, gender, religion or ethnicity, to:

• survival – to basic healthcare, peace and security;
• development – to a good education, a loving home and adequate nutrition;
• protection – from abuse, neglect, trafficking, child labour and other forms of exploitation; and
• participation – to express opinions, be listened to and take part in making any decisions that affect them

How can you make a difference? 

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.

Work assignments:

Assignment 1: Undertake research on harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s, with a focus on SE Asia – 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 – 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 behaviours  (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 – 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 interviewees

Incorporate feedback from UNICEF EAPRO and the expert group following review of the draft report (submitted by 30^th October 2025)

Length –20-25 pages, with a two-page summary

Delivery schedule: By 12 December 2025

Assignment 3: Support dissemination of main findings and recommendations – 4 days 

• 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) 

Delivery schedule: By 20 November 2025 

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).

Duration of Contract:   8 September 2025 – 12 December 2025

Duty Travel:  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 have…

• 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

• Demonstrated expertise in the field of harmful sexual behaviours of under-18s

• Demonstrated experience of conducting, researching including qualitative research 

• Experience working in East Asia and Pacific 

• 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 demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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UNICEF is here to serve the world’s 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. 

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:  

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract 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. 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.