Senior Research Consultant for Mapping Narratives contributing to Discriminatory Social Norms (Homebased)

Inception Report

The consultant is responsible for the following:

• Co-design a mixed method regional research methodology for mapping discriminatory narratives and their contribution to discriminatory norms.
• Review background documentation provided by UN Women, prepare a workplan and proposed research methodology (considering decolonial research principles, participatory approaches, adherence to ethical and digital safety research practices).
• Include protocols for informed consent, confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding of participants, particularly women human rights defenders and groups experiencing heightened risks and intersecting forms of discrimination.
• This should be informed by UN Women’s framework on social norms change and related research, such as regional evidence on narrative shifts related to gender equality and social justice.
• Indicate potential stakeholders to be engaged and propose 3-5 case studies from the ESA region.

Workplan

The consultant will develop a detailed workplan that outlines the timeline, milestones, and deliverables for the entire research project, ensuring alignment with UN Women’s strategic objectives and timelines.

Research Methodology

The methodology shall include:

• Mixed methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
• Decolonial research principles to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
• Participatory approaches to engage local communities and stakeholders effectively.
• Protocols for informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding of participants, particularly women human rights defenders and groups experiencing heightened risks and intersecting forms of discrimination.
• Adherence to ethical and digital safety research practices.
• Consideration of regional evidence on narrative shifts related to gender equality and social justice.

Research Reference Group

The consultant will compose a Research Reference Group comprising experts, stakeholders, and representatives from various sectors to guide the research process, provide insights, and ensure the relevance and quality of the findings.

Deliverables

The consultant will produce the following deliverables:

• Inception Report detailing the methodology, workplan, and proposed research design.
• Baseline evidence and qualitative benchmarks related to UN Women’s SN indicators.
• Recommendations on methodologies, indicators, and data sources for periodic monitoring of changes throughout the implementation of the ESARO Strategic Note (2026–2029).
• Case studies from the ESA region, focusing on 3-5 case studies to illustrate the mapping of discriminatory narratives.