To conduct qualitative and quantitative research for UNICEF.

To gather social data to inform the SBC interventions targeting young people about green and circular economy

Institutional/Corporate Contract

Terms of Reference (TOR)

 Summary: 

Background:

The Green and Renewable Energy Transition for Youth and Education in the Eastern Caribbean is a regional initiative through an SDG Joint Programme with UNICEF and UNDP to promote climate-smart and sustainable energy practices within schools and youth communities. This comprehensive Joint Programme creates a pathway to build resilience and promote sustainable development across Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Lucia by enhancing the education sector's capacity to support the green economy. It seeks to do this by enhancing renewable energy infrastructure and green skills training in the education sector, ultimately preparing young people for green jobs of the future.

Anchored in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 5, 7, 11, and 13, the programme aims to empower youth, educators, and vulnerable communities—including women and single-mother households—by fostering awareness, skills, and innovation for a just energy transition.

Recognizing the critical role of social and behaviour change (SBC) in advancing environmental sustainability, the programme seeks to influence perceptions, consumption patterns, and civic responsibility around renewable energy use. Given the intersecting socio-economic vulnerabilities in the Eastern Caribbean, SBC strategies are essential to ensure inclusive participation, address behavioural barriers, and promote equitable adoption of climate-smart solutions across gender and age groups.

This consultancy will support the achievement of Output 2.2: “Youth, caregivers, and educators in target countries adopt positive behaviours and practices that enable renewable energy transition and climate-smart actions in education spaces and households.”

UNICEF requires the services of a contractor to conduct a survey and focus groups either online or in person with young people ages 17-24 years old. The research should consider representation of gender and young persons living with disabilities. The aim of this social data gathering is to influence the design of interventions to sensitize this target group on the green and circular economy and to promote adoption of climate-smart behaviors. The research will be conducted in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica.

Specific Tasks:

Under the guidance of the SBC Specialist and with support from the Adolescent Specialist [ADAP] and the Climate Change Specialist, the selected contractor will

1. Conduct a short quantitative survey among a representative sample of persons ages 17-24 years old [males and females]. Information to be gathered includes:  what they already know about the green and circular economy; what do they know about career options in the green and circular economy; what current behaviors do their peers engage in  that would impact negatively or positively on the green economy; what information do they need; how best to reach them with information; what are some of the barriers and bottlenecks to them adopting climate smart/friendly practices; from their perspective what type of interventions would best suited to reach their peers; who are their influencers
2. Conduct at least 2 focus groups per country among target groups to get a deeper understanding of barriers and bottlenecks to them adopting climate smart/friendly practices
3. Prepare a final report and powerpoint  with the findings by country

The contractor is responsible for ensuring that the research follows ethical guidelines for conducting research among human subjects; obtaining permissions, organizing focus groups and survey in a cost-effective way. This can include working through youth groups, schools, faith-based organizations, sporting organizations, among others. UNICEF would provide an introductory letter that can be used by the contractor. Contractor is responsible for making all travel and accommodation arrangements

Expected Deliverables:

Inception report with draft questions and proposed methodology

Focus group report

Quantitative survey report with findings by country

PowerPoint presentation with summary findings by country

Reporting:

Supervision for this assignment will be provided by the UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Specialist with support from the UNICEF ADAP, Climate Change and PME Specialists.

Deadline:

All activities should be completed by 31 August 2025.

Expected background and Experience: 

1. A contractor with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrable professional work in conducting research
2. Experience conducting research among young people is a must
3. Ability to work independently and in a timely manner
4. Having research associates in the countries where the research will be done will be an asset

Recourse:

 UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs are incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines. Performance indicators against which the satisfactory conclusion of this contract will be assessed include timeliness/quality of submission and responsiveness to UNICEF and counterpart feedback. 

Property Rights: 

UNICEF shall hold all property rights, such as copyright, patents and registered trademarks, on matters directly related to, or derived from, the work carried out through this contract with UNICEF. The bidder must submit all documentation and source code where necessary to UNICEF upon successful launch.  

Payment Terms/Schedule: 

How to Apply:   

The application package should include the following:  

1. Technical Proposal  
2. Financial Proposal* (Detailed budget stipulating all-inclusive fees) 
3. Evidence of similar services provided in the past or currently

Prospective institutional or corporate contractors should apply to the above email address with the subject line “ climate research ” no later than16 June 2025, 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).