Consultant on Digital Monitoring and Analysis of Narratives on TFGBV, FGM and CEFM

About the role

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNFPA APRO’s GBV and Harmful Practices team in conducting digital monitoring and analysis on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), female genital mutilation (FGM), and child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM). The consultant will contribute to regional efforts to strengthen approaches addressing TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM by analyzing how social media frames, amplifies, or contests narratives around these issues.

The consultant will work closely with the UNFPA APRO GBV team, UNICEF, and UNFPA Country Offices in the following focus areas:

• FGM-related narratives: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka
• CEFM-related narratives: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines
• TFGBV-related narratives: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand

The consultant will assist in generating real-time insights into digital discourse in Asia using the Demographic Intelligence from Open Sources (DIOS) platform, an AI and machine-learning tool that monitors social media and online discourse. Data will be collected from platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Telegram, YouTube, and other channels. The expected deliverables will strengthen DIOS’s monitoring capacity by refining keyword filters, lexicons, and analytic approaches to capture narratives on TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM in South and Southeast Asia.

Responsibilities

• Examine AI use trends in TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM-related narratives across social media platforms.
• Identify digital spaces where discussions around TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM—particularly pushback narratives—are prevalent to inform DIOS in the region.
• Build on existing filtering systems to improve identification of narratives related to TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM.
• Enhance the analysis and display capabilities of DIOS.
• Analyze the nature, content, and evolution of narratives, arguments, and misinformation, including key actors, influencers, and groups driving or supporting pushback narratives.
• Assess the reach, engagement, and impact of these narratives within Asia.
• Support the development of a report summarizing findings with actionable recommendations based on digital space analysis.

Scope of work

• Inception phase & methodology development:
  • Develop a detailed inception report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline.
  • Propose digital filtering terminologies and techniques to capture narratives and, if applicable, determine the scale of pushback.
  • Refine the list of keywords, hashtags, and online communities to be monitored.
  • Propose analytics and display methods for data monitoring platforms (e.g., EIOS, UNFPA-UNICEF JPDHIS2).
  • Establish ethical guidelines and data privacy protocols for online monitoring and analysis.
• Digital and online discourse monitoring & analysis:
  • Support the development of data monitoring platforms (e.g., EIOS, DHIS2) to systematically monitor and collect data.
  • Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify:
    • Dominant narratives and themes related to TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM, including pro-abandonment and pushback perspectives.
    • Specific arguments, justifications, and misinformation used to promote or defend TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM (e.g., cultural or religious imperatives, digital harm, or efforts to undermine legal bans).
    • Geographic and demographic distribution of narratives (where feasible).
    • Key influencers, opinion leaders, and organizations shaping the discourse.
    • Emerging trends, shifts in sentiment, and new forms of resistance or support.
  • Generate the first report on focused areas and regional narratives.
• Lexicon Support:

  The consultant will receive a contextually specific lexicon related to TFGBV, CEFM, and FGM, including locally used terminology, euphemisms, and culturally specific expressions to inform analysis.

• Reporting:
  • Inception report.
  • Three draft and final analytical reports on FGM, CEFM, and TFGBV with findings and recommendations.
  • Slide decks with key findings and recommendations.
  • Presentation in three regional webinars.

Schedule

The consultancy will span 60 working days over 9 months, from 15 September 2026 to 30 June 2027. The selected consultant will develop a workplan in consultation with the UNFPA APRO GBV team.

• Deliverable 1 (by 30 September 2026): Inception report including methodology, tools, and work plan; scanning and analysis of social media to detect and monitor pushbacks and online activism.
• Deliverable 2 (by 15 December 2026): Analytical updates, summary of key findings and trends, three draft reports on TFGBV, FGM, and CEFM digital narratives, and three slide decks presenting preliminary findings.
• Deliverable 3 (by 15 June 2027): Final reports with comprehensive analysis and recommendations, final slide decks, and presentations in three regional webinars.

Requirements

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, Gender Studies, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in digital communications, social media analysis, online discourse monitoring, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting research and analysis on sensitive social issues, preferably related to GBV, FGM, CEFM, or human rights.
  • Proven expertise in using social listening tools, data analytics platforms, and qualitative/quantitative research methodologies for online data.
  • Familiarity with socio-cultural and political contexts related to pushbacks on FGM elimination.
  • Experience working with UN agencies or international development organizations is an asset.
• Skills:
  • Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Proficiency in relevant software and digital tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • High ethical standards and sensitivity to cultural nuances and gender issues.
• Languages: English proficiency is mandatory.

Pay

A lump sum fee will be paid in three installments upon completion and acceptance of deliverables by UNFPA APRO. Payments will be released upon submission and formal acceptance of each deliverable by the GBV Technical Specialist.