Result of Service
A report on the inter-sectional analysis of the OSRSG-CAAC’s guiding documents, including recommendations, for how gender should be integrated into the strategic planning of the Office.
Work Location
The Consultant is expected to work remotely and will be expected to be available for regular consultations with OSRSG CAAC during its working hours, namely Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm New York, USA, time.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC) serves as the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict. The mandate of the SRSG-CAAC was created by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/51/77 following the publication, in 1996, of the report by Graça Machel on the impact of armed conflict on children. Since 1999, the systematic engagement of the UN Security Council has placed the protection of children affected by armed conflict at the heart of its international peace and security agenda.
In 2005, the Security Council adopted resolution 1612 which established the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict, including:
1. recruitment and use of children
2. killing or maiming of children
3. rape and other forms of sexual violence against children
4. attacks on schools and/or hospitals
5. abduction of children
6. denial of humanitarian access for children. The Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC) regularly reports to UN bodies (Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council) on the situation of children in armed conflict, and further engages in a variety of activities to foster the protection of conflict-affected children, including engagement with parties to conflict in situations covered by her mandate, engagement with a global network of partners, promotion of lessons learned and best practices, and the fostering of regional partnerships.
Further information on the CAAC mandate and the OSRSG CAAC can be found here: https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/ Project description and objective Since it published and launched in 2022 a study on the gender dimensions of grave violations against children in armed conflict, the OSRSG CAAC has been striving to apply a more systematic gender- sensitive approach to all of its work, from data collection and analysis to research and advocacy.
The OSRSG CAAC strives to continue strengthening the application of a gender lens through its work to ensure the most comprehensive overall picture of the experience of all affected children in situations on the CAAC agenda and reports annually on its progress through the United Nations System-Wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (the UN-SWAP). In 2026, the OSRSG CAAC seeks to evaluate its current strategic documents guiding its work to ensure stronger representation of gender and analysis through an inter-sectional lens inclusion of measurable indicators going forward.
These documents include the annual Proposed Programme Budget approved by the UN General Assembly and the Special Representative’s Senior Manager’s Compact, which is a key framework of deliverables for the performance of senior UN officials signed by the Secretary-General. Responsibilities Under the supervision and guidance of the Programme Officer, Monitoring, Reporting and Regional Partnerships Unit of OSRSG-CAAC, the consultant will:
Conduct an inter-sectional analysis of the OSRSG CAAC’s guiding documents for how gender should be integrated into strategic planning, which include the annual Programme Budget and the Senior Manager’s Compact of the Special Representative.
Qualifications/special skills
Education Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations or other disciplines related to human rights and international law. A first level university degree in similar fields in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
Knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.
Additional Information
Experience
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience working on issues of human rights monitoring and reporting and/or child protection is required.
In-depth knowledge and experience on gender, gender-based violence preferably in contexts where the MRM is being implemented.
Track record of producing studies and recommendations on issues relating to CAAC, preferably in the context of monitoring and reporting grave violations against children in armed conflict, is required.
Experience of working with the UN or other international organizations is an asset.
Experience of working in or on conflict situations is an asset. Functional competencies
Knowledge and experience of application of International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, International Refugee Law and International Human Rights Law related to CAAC.
Proven ability to conduct complex research, including expertise in monitoring and documenting grave violations against children during armed conflict and understanding of child protection concerns and humanitarian access issues.
Familiarity with the UN system and knowledge of the children and armed conflict mandate and its Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism.
Ability to share knowledge and pass on expertise, including on very complex issues.
Excellent research, writing, communication, and analytical skills.