Research and Learning Officer

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in all its manifestations i.e. exploitation of children in prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some other forms of such as early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 124 members working at national and local levels in 103 countries. Our strength lies in the diversity of our membership, collectively and individually working to address the issue. From large national coalitions to small grass-roots initiatives, we are committed to bringing together a broad range of expertise, perspectives and collective power to unravel the web that perpetuates this abuse.

The ECPAT International Secretariat coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional level programmes, and undertakes programming, advocacy, communication and campaigning and research and facilitates a range of network initiatives.

In 2023-2025 ECPAT International is implementing the project Step Up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children in the framework of The Down to Zero Alliance. The position will directly support the implementation of the research elements of the project in Asia (Southeast Asia and South Asia) and Latin America.

Job Purpose

The overall objective of the Research and Learning Officer position is to develop tools and collect data, conduct research and produce analytical reports to build evidence, knowledge and learning from existing literature and from operations conducted in partnerships with the Down to Zero Alliance and ECPAT members in the regions, to inform local, regional and global advocacy to strengthen approaches and strategies to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT’s approaches are grounded on children’s rights and principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Main Responsibilities

1. Developing and adapting various research and data collection methodologies to support different components of the project to build evidence and develop learning on addressing sexual exploitation of children. These will be anchored on child rights and will facilitate the integration of children’s voices and perspectives throughout the evidence and learning processes.
2. Conducting literature reviews and desk research to map and document various practices to prevent and address sexual exploitation of children, including with the informal sector, in the digital world or with law enforcement actors.
3. Collecting and analyzing data through interviews and focus groups, led by the Research and Learning Officer or by other colleagues – with key stakeholders, including informal sector actors, travel and tourism actors, law enforcement officers, government officials, NGOs, community members and children and youth.
4. Ensuring that ethical considerations are addressed throughout the evidence building and learning processes, and ensuring do no harm, safeguarding and other related ethical approaches
5. Drafting reports and producing analysis of trends, opportunities, gaps and learnings to inform local, regional and global advocacy to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children based on evidence and learning from various pilot countries in South East Asia, South Asia and Latin America.
6. Liaising and coordinating with project partners on the ground to oversee the data collection processes, support participatory analysis, including children’s voices.
7. Leading the co-creation of recommendations based on the evidence and learning collected.
8. Support the Communications Team in the preparation and technical review of advocacy and communication content.

Core Competencies, skills and knowledge

• Master Degree in Social Sciences, Criminology, or related
• At least 3 years of experience in leading and conducting research on children’s rights issues, in particular, child protection or sexual exploitation of children
• Experience in secondary and primary research including the development of research methodologies, data collection tools, analysis
• Strong analytical and critical thinking and excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to turn research and evidence, into knowledge, learning and formulating recommendations
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across regions and with a wide range of stakeholders, including children, civil society, law enforcement officers, informal sector actors and government officials.
• Experience in working in South or South-east Asia or Latin America and knowledge of the local contexts is desirable
• Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a team-player
• A commitment to child rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, and ethical research practices
• Fluent in spoken and written English, one South Asian or South East Asian language or Spanish is highly desirable

Commitment to Safeguarding

ECPAT is committed to ensuring children and adults engaged with our organizations are safeguarded from any form of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. The candidate is required to act at all times according to ECPAT’s values and principles and in compliance with our policies and procedures, including Child Safeguarding and our Code of Conduct.