TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this assignment is therefore to generate robust evidence on children’s engagement with the digital environment in Bhutan, with a particular focus on online risks and digital safety including from the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study will support UNICEF and national stakeholders to better understand the nature, prevalence, and impacts of online and AI‑related risks affecting children, and to inform evidence‑based policy, programming, and safeguarding responses that both protect and empower children in an increasingly digital society
The overall objective of the study is to design and implement a child‑friendly, ethically sound research study that assesses children’s online experiences, risks, and use of AI‑enabled technologies. Specifically, the study will aim to:
- Assess children’s access to, use of, and engagement with digital technologies, including social media platforms, online services, and AI‑powered tools.
- Examine children’s digital literacy and awareness, including understanding of:
- Identify and analyze the prevalence and nature of technology-facilitated violence (TFV) affecting children, including but not limited to:
- Establish a baseline on children’s digital engagement and online risk exposure across different age groups and contexts, disaggregated where feasible by age, gender, and location.
- Assess parents’, caregivers’, and teachers’ digital literacy, awareness, and supervision practices, including their understanding of online risks, AI technologies, and child protection in digital spaces.
- Identify gaps in existing policies, education systems, child protection mechanisms, and service responses related to online safety, digital technologies, and AI, including the role of relevant stakeholders such as educators, parents and caregivers, service providers, industry partners, and policy makers.
- Develop practical, actionable, and time‑bound recommendations
Minimum requirements
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- A detailed technical proposal with the following:
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.