Result of Service

The ultimate result of the service is the support of the consultant to the development of the study on elderly abuse in the Arab Region. This support will also include the preparation of a questionnaire and the completion of case studies from four Arab Countries.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: Multiple global and regional frameworks, including MIPAA, recognize the need to protect older persons from abuse as a priority for their wellbeing and empowerment. Although a binding global comprehensive human rights instrument on older persons rights has not yet been developed, many countries have moved towards adopting legal and policy frameworks on older persons as well as other laws that criminalize abuse of older persons. In the Arab region, social norms dictate a sense of duty to support and protect older family members. However, these social norms are slowly changing as a result of migration, urbanization, and modernity. Shrinking families are finding it increasingly difficult to care for older persons in light of growing economic hardships, the lack of adequate social protection systems and increased longevity, and limited knowledge of the skills needed to provide appropriate care for older persons, thus creating increased stress on care providers. Older persons in the region today are more prone to live alone, suffer from ill-health, income insecurity, and exclusion. In light of the domestic and private nature of providing care for older persons, elder abuse becomes more difficult to detect, acknowledge, and address in the Arab region. To date research on elder abuse in the Arab region remains very limited. However, the few available studies indicate that elder abuse is on the rise. The research surveyed on elder abuse in the Arab region for the most part focused on understanding the types and scope of elder abuse, in addition to the institutional framework and protection mechanisms. One angle that would benefit from more research is the prevalence of ageism, the limited understanding of older persons human rights, and their impact on perceptions and perpetration of abuse both by caregivers and by older persons themselves. Caregivers, especially family members, are more prone to commit abuse against older persons if they don’t recognize that their behavior is abusive in the first place. Similarly, older persons may not be aware of the abuse they suffer from, given some social norms and expectations that may cloud their judgment of what constitutes abuse. To address this knowledge gap, ESCWA and UNFPA are developing a study on elder abuse in the Arab region. This report will aim to unpack the perceptions of elder abuse from an older persons’ rights perspective in selected countries in the Arab Region and analyze the influence of perceptions on the occurrence of abuse, especially against older women. The report will seek to propose a comprehensive framework of policy solutions to fight abuse against older persons, including improving the recognition of abuse, proposing interventions targeted at family and care providers, and offering policy advice on means to enhance detection, assessment, and protection mechanisms. Duties and Responsibilities: the consultant will be responsible for: 1. Co-drafting the conceptual framework of the report. 2. Developing the questionnaires and survey methodology that will be used to collect primary data by national consultants in the 4 potential countries. 3. Train the national consultants as needed on the administration of questionnaires and focus group facilitation. 4. Drafting chapter 3 of the Report, which will rely on the primary data collected by national consultants through interviews and focus groups, including the four case studies. 5. Supporting the development of the policy recommendations.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in demography, social development, political science, or a related field. A PhD is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in relevant fields including population and social studies is required. An in-depth knowledge of key population and ageing issues in the Arab region, and experience in conducting qualitative surveys and focus groups are required. Particular experience in the area of ageing, care economy, and migration is desirable. Experience in drafting policies and strategies is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required and knowledge in French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.