Open-Source Data Collection Consultant
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
Job Purpose
The consultant will utilize open-source information methodologies and tools to identify, verify, and analyze media-reported grave violations incidents against children throughout 2026 in specific conflict-affected situations. This consultancy aims to enhance UNICEF’s understanding of how open-source information can be effectively used to document grave violations against children. The scope includes systematic collection, verification, documentation, and analysis of reported and publicly available information on grave violations against children during 2026 in selected conflict situations, as agreed with the UNICEF Child Protection CAAC/MRM team. The consultant will receive technical guidance to ensure accuracy, credibility, quality of output, and compliance with established MRM methodologies and reporting standards.
Responsibilities
Systematically collect, verify, document, and analyze reported and publicly available information on grave violations against children during the year 2026 in selected conflict situations, as agreed with the UNICEF Child Protection CAAC/MRM team. Utilize open-source information methodologies and tools to identify and verify incidents. Conduct in-depth analysis of collected data to assess the nature and scope of grave violations. Ensure accuracy, credibility, and quality of all outputs, adhering to established MRM methodologies and reporting standards. Provide regular updates and reports to the UNICEF Child Protection CAAC/MRM team. Contribute to UNICEF’s understanding of the use of open-source information for documenting grave violations against children. Support the development of best practices and guidelines for open-source data collection in child protection contexts. Collaborate with relevant UNICEF teams to integrate findings into broader child protection strategies. Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in data handling and reporting.
Work Experience
Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience in human rights monitoring, open-source investigations including digital investigations and the application of digital verification techniques (including geolocation, chronolocation, source triangulation, and social media analysis). Previous experience in the collection, verification, analysis, and documentation of grave violations against children, including through open-source investigation methodologies, is highly desirable.
Skills
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) methodologies, Digital investigation techniques, Data verification and validation, Human rights monitoring, Analysis of grave violations against children, Report writing, Communication, Attention to detail, Problem-solving, Proficiency in relevant software and tools