The Position:

The consultant will be responsible for successfully coordinating and conducting a mixed-methods research study on TFGBV in Mombasa County, under the supervision of the GBV/Gender Advisor, with support from the GBV/Gender Programme Analyst, the TFGBV Programme Analyst, and the M&E Specialist, and under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

UNFPA is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency committed to improving lives in 150 countries and territories worldwide. We work with governments and through partnerships with other United Nations agencies, civil society, regional economic communities, and the private sector to ensure that no one is left behind.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Making All Spaces Safe (MASS) global programme is being implemented at the global level and in Benin and Kenya between March 2024 and March 2027. The aim of the programme is to increase the benefits of technology, free from gender-based violence and discrimination, for women and girls in all their diversity. To achieve this goal, the programme works across three main pillars: response, prevention, and law and policy, as well as through cross-cutting research and convening efforts. MASS is one of the first global programmes to address the emerging issue of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

Research efforts are critical for ensuring that the three TFGBV programming pillars are informed by the latest data and trends, enhancing their effectiveness and overall impact. The cross-cutting data and evidence pillar of the MASS Programme, which encompasses research, evidence-based practices, and monitoring and evaluation, is central to strengthening programme effectiveness and sustainability, as well as fostering supportive enabling environments. Robust research is essential to ensure that the three core TFGBV programming pillars are grounded in up-to-date data and emerging trends, thereby increasing their impact, relevance, and effectiveness.In this regard, the MASS Programme in Kenya aims to expand upon the existing body of knowledge and literature on TFGBV in the country, with a specific focus on the one of the three target counties, namely Mombasa. It is in this context that UNFPA Kenya is planning to conduct a mixed-methods research study to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of TFGBV in Mombasa county.

You would be responsible for:

Scope of Work

The study will go beyond general observations to assess the nuanced and multifaceted impact of TFGBV at both the individual and communal levels. A key objective is to identify the specific needs of survivors, which is critical for designing effective, survivor-centered support programs. Furthermore, the research will critically review the availability, adequacy, and accessibility of current response services and prevention interventions. By mapping relevant laws and policies, the study will also highlight gaps and opportunities for strengthening the legal and policy framework to protect women from TFGBV. The insights gathered will be used to inform program strategies, enhance services, and shape future policy advocacy efforts, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital space.

The study will focus on the following key themes, tasks, and deliverables: 

• Impact and Needs Assessment: Evaluate the physical, psychological, social, digital access and use, and economic consequences of TFGBV at both the individual and communal levels. This will involve using a gender-transformative and rights-based approach. Document the specific and practical needs of survivors, including but not limited to access to justice and legal aid, psychosocial support, secure digital platforms, medical services, safe housing, digital literacy, and culturally appropriate information and support networks.
• Service and Prevention Analysis: Critically review the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of existing response services for TFGBV survivors. This includes assessing the capacity of both formal (e.g., government) and informal (e.g., community-based) GBV service providers. Analyze and document current prevention interventions and campaigns, evaluating their effectiveness, reach, and appropriateness for different contexts and target groups. 
• Legal and Policy Mapping: Conduct a thorough desk review mapping of all relevant laws, policies, and institutional frameworks that address TFGBV. This includes identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement and reform.
• Community-Based Case Studies: Conduct three in-depth case studies using a qualitative research approach. Each case study will focus on a marginalized community in an informal settlement in Mombasa county. The consultant should provide a rich, detailed understanding of the lived realities, unique challenges, and innovative coping mechanisms of women affected by TFGBV in this specific context.

The scope of the assessment will include:

• Attend an onboarding meeting with the UNFPA Kenya team to clarify the scope of work. 
• Prepare a detailed inception report, including background and objectives, detailed methodology with rationale, the proposed research approach, proposed data collection tools, data analysis plan, risk and mitigation measures, resource needs, a draft outline of the report and a detailed work plan for the consultancy for review and approval by UNFPA Kenya. 
• Identify relevant focus areas for the case studies in Mombasa county, based on consultations with UNFPA Kenya and/or initial results of the desk review and proposed stakeholder consultations, and refine data collection methods and tools to focus on those specific research questions. 
• Conduct primary and secondary data collection and data analysis in Mombasa county on TFGBV, relevant to the objectives of the consultancy. Virtual and physical consultations with TFGBV stakeholders in Mombasa county. 
• Submit to UNFPA Kenya raw and clean datasets (quantitative data, verbatim transcripts in English, codebooks,  syntax, and data analysis outputs) in agreed formats. 
• Draft the research study report, inclusive of 3 case studies, and submit to UNFPA Kenya for review and feedback. 
• Support validation of the study report by the relevant stakeholders in Mombasa county through a meeting. 
• Incorporate feedback from the validation meeting and submit one final, validated, mixed-methods research study on TFGBV in Mombasa County, inclusive of 3 case studies. 
• Prepare and submit a brief report documenting and summarizing the study process, including key stakeholder feedback and contact details and research challenges.

Methodology

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. This approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of TFGBV by allowing for both statistical generalization and in-depth contextual insight. The research will be guided by gender-transformative and human rights-based approaches, ensuring the safety, dignity, and autonomy of all participants. The data collection will proceed through the following methods, each tied to the study's core thematic areas:

• Desk Review: A comprehensive review of all relevant project documentation (e.g., baseline survey reports, project reports) will be conducted. This will provide a foundational understanding of the project and its a priori impact theory, while also helping to map existing laws and policies. 
• Qualitative Interviews: Six semi-structured interviews will be conducted with key stakeholders, including UNFPA Kenya staff, local partners, and GBV/digital rights experts. These interviews will gather insights on the availability, adequacy, appropriateness, and effectiveness of existing response services and prevention interventions. 
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): Three FGDs will be held with groups of programme stakeholders and beneficiaries and other vulnerable populations aged 18 and above. These discussions will be essential for evaluating the physical, psychological, social, digital access and use, and economic consequences of TFGBV, documenting survivor needs, available response and prevention services, and assessing the effectiveness of prevention campaigns. 
• Community-Based Case Studies: Three in-depth case studies will be conducted in Mombasa county. These case studies will use a qualitative approach to provide rich insights into the unique challenges and innovative coping mechanisms of survivors of TFGBV in informal settlement contexts.
• A survey questionnaire will be administered to collect quantitative data on key indicators related to the study's scope, including: the types of TFGBV experienced and the frequency of these incidents; the level of awareness and use of existing support services and the perceived gaps in their provision; and general perceptions about the effectiveness of current prevention interventions and campaigns.

Consultancy Deliverables  and Duration:

The following deliverables are expected from the study:

• An inception report outlining the timelines, detailed methodology, and data collection tools. This report should also include a proposed outline of the final report.
• Raw and clean datasets (quantitative data, verbatim transcripts in English, codebooks, syntax, and data analysis outputs) in agreed formats. 
• Draft research study report, inclusive of 3 case studies, and submit to UNFPA Kenya for review and feedback. 
• A presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations for dissemination to stakeholders during validation meetings. 
• A final report incorporating stakeholder feedback with a comprehensive analysis of the study findings, including recommendations for future action

The consultancy will commence on 6 October and end on 15 November 2025 (41 days). 

Consultancy delivery mode:

The consultant is expected to work remotely, utilizing their own office space, computer, internet, telephone and other equipment, as needed, to undertake this assignment. Update and progress review meetings to be held virtually on a weekly basis.

Travel: No travel expected. The consultant should have physical presence in Mombasa County.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Master’s degree in social sciences, gender studies, or other relevant fields. A degree with a specific focus on gender and technology, or GBV would be highly advantageous.
 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrable experience leading rigorous research in the field of gender-based violence or technology-facilitated GBV in Kenya, including undertaking case studies and using qualitative and mixed methods. Peer-reviewed publication record desirable. 
• Specialized knowledge of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and technology in the Kenyan context. Expertise in data use and evidence-based decision-making desired. 
• Excellent project management, planning, organizational, and communication skills. 
• Proven experience in conducting similar consultancy assignments. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with survivor-centered, rights-based, and gender-sensitive research approaches. 
• Familiarity with the UNFPA GBV guidance on ethical data collection and management and UNFPA’s ‘A Framework for TFGBV Programming.’ 
• Initiative, sound judgment, and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with teams from different cultural backgrounds. 
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated quality assurance and peer-review processes
• Capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

Languages: 

Fluency in English and Kiswahili

Conflict of Interest 

The consultant will be asked to declare any potential conflict of interest before undertaking the work. The consultant will discharge his/her functions exclusively as an individual TFGBV consultant to UNFPA Kenya.

Inputs/services to be provided by UNFPA Kenya:

UNFPA Kenya will facilitate all relevant documents related to the consultancy under the MASS programme and these will be shared with the consultant once the contract is signed. UNFPA Kenya will facilitate the use of UNFPA Kenya virtual platforms or physical meetings, where necessary, for the presentation of results engagements. Consultancy rates shall be guided by UNFPA policies. 

The consultant will be expected to undertake some mandatory courses (if not done previously) such as Security (BESAFE), Fraud and Corruption Awareness and Prevention-Anti-Fraud, and the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
 

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

 Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.