Result of ServiceThe consultant is expected to produce the following tangible outputs: • 1 stakeholder mapping methodology, including data needs assessment, data collection tools, outreach strategy, and data analysis methods. • 1 literature review on Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana and Burkina Faso. • 1 set of data collection tools (e.g., focus group and interview guides, surveys), adaptable depending on the country (French and English). • 30 participants are identified and mobilized for each workshop. • 3 data collection missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana. • 3 stakeholder mapping and analysis reports on Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana. The analysis on Burkina Faso will be part of the reports on Côte d’Ivoire and Togo (to be confirmed with the Research and Awareness unit). • 3 databases, including all stakeholders consulted, documents reviewed, and interviews/focus group transcripts. • 1 set of training materials, adaptable depending on the country (French and English). • 3 training workshops in Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana. • Incorporate feedback from ROSEN and RAB and address relevant questions. Work LocationHome-based with duty travels in Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Ghana (estimated travel dates in September, October and November) Expected duration04 August - 31 December 2025 (100 working days) Duties and ResponsibilitiesTerrorist and violent extremist groups are expanding their activities from the Sahel into northern areas of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin, taking advantage of porous borders and dense forests. This expansion has heightened vulnerabilities in Senegal and Mauritania due to the ongoing Malian conflict, while the border regions of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin with the Liptako Gourma states face threats of conflict spillover. Women in these border communities play essential roles as community mobilizers, youth educators, and organizers of awareness-raising activities, leveraging their unique insights into local dynamics to address gender-specific grievances and counter radicalizing narratives. Leveraging the important roles women play in preventing violent extremism (PVE), this initiative emphasizes the contributions of grassroots female leaders and women's civil society organizations. Female community figures act as crucial entry points, facilitating the deconstruction of radical ideologies and providing an inclusive platform for diverse perspectives. Through these efforts, the project aims to promote holistic and sustainable PVE strategies. UNODC has substantial experience working with female religious leaders to prevent violent extremism. In Mauritania, UNODC supported the Mourchidates network, which consists of trained female religious leaders who provide guidance and counter radical ideologies within their communities. The Mourchidates network has achieved significant impacts, including: • Skill Acquisition: Developing the ability to counter radical discourse. • Community Education: Educating families, especially mothers, on recognizing early signs of radicalization and supporting vulnerable groups like female detainees and families of convicted terrorists. • Building Partnerships: Collaborating with male religious leaders to address complex cases and gaining official recognition and legitimacy from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. • Bridging Communities and Security Forces: Acting as intermediaries, fostering trust, and sharing valuable information between communities and security forces. Under the supervision of the Head of the Research and Awareness Unit of UNODC’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) and in close cooperation with the assigned staff of the Research and Awareness Unit and the Research and Trend Analysis Branch (RAB), the consultant will undertake the following activities: a. Stakeholder mapping research methodology: Develop a stakeholder mapping research methodology, aligned with the RAB research output preparation sheet. b. Literature review: conduct an in-depth review of existing research on community- and/or religious-based approaches to PVE and related women-led initiatives in the targeted countries. c. Development of data collection tools: design tools such as interview guides and focus group protocols to gather qualitative data from key women in religious or community roles. d. Development of training materials: create training materials informed by the background research. e. Identification and liaison with participants: based on background research and expert consultations, identify women leaders to participate in interviews and workshops, as well as youth and religious representatives to participate in focus groups. f. Data collection and training needs assessment missions (5 days): Implement the stakeholder mapping methodology to identify key women stakeholders and assess their training needs through qualitative data collection activities such as focus groups and interviews. g. Training delivery (2 days): Organize and conduct trainings in the target countries, equipping women with the skills needed to fulfill their roles as community and/or religious leaders, fostering social cohesion, and preventing violent extremism. h. Stakeholder analysis report: draft a comprehensive report for each country from the data collected during the missions to provide a detailed overview of key women stakeholders and their roles in community- and religious-based PVE approaches. i. Collaboration: Regularly liaise with UNODC’s research team and provide progress updates upon request. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sociology, anthropology, development studies, social sciences, political science, conflict and security studies, gender studies, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in designing and conducting research and analysis on topics related prevention of violent extremism and/or community engagement is required. Experience in conducting qualitative research, including stakeholder mapping, is required; Experience in organizing and delivering training is required; Experience in West Africa and the Sahel, on the prevention of violent extremism and/or community engagement is required; Experience in women empowerment, preferably in West Africa, is desirable; Knowledge of nonviolent communication and mediation principles is desirable; Previous relevant experience with the United Nations is desirable; LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.