Seeking Virtual Reality Consultant for GBV/MHPSS project At Norwegian Church Aid

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is seeking a consultant with expertise in Virtual Reality to support a humanitarian innovation project within NCA’s gender-based violence (GBV) programme.

This position will specifically support the needs assessment and market dialogue processes. The consultant should have strong foundational knowledge of VR/AR technologies, as well as experience using technology in humanitarian aid or development sectors; and/or experience in adapting technology to low-resource and low-connectivity settings.

Expected duration: 1 February – 30 November 2022 (approx.. 25-30 days)

Work location: Remote

Background:

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support are essential components of a comprehensive package of care to promote psychosocial well-being and prevent mental disorders among survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Survivors of GBV are at increased risk for a range of mental health problems including depressive or anxiety disorder, PTSD, suicidal ideation and self-harm. There are also several psychosocial consequences of GBV that may not reach clinical threshold for diagnostic criteria but nonetheless have long-term disabling impacts, such as shame, self-blame, fear and stigma and associated experiences of social exclusion. The consequences go beyond individual traumatisation. Sexual violence committed across entire communities destroys families and harms societies over generations. These consequences are further exacerbated by poverty and stigma.

In an effort to support recovery and healing for GBV survivors, NCA will procure and pilot a virtual reality (VR)-based intervention that addresses psychosocial issues amongst GBV survivors. Through this project, NCA will conduct a needs assessment, market dialogue and, thereafter, will initiate an open, innovative and competitive process or procurement, resulting in a partnership with a private partner(s)​ to prototype and field test the solution in the pilot country. NCA is seeking for a consultant with expertise in VR to support the needs assessment, market dialogue and partner selection processes.

Key deliverables:

1. Create discussion guide for Needs Assessment
2. Analyse VR-related results of needs assessment and compile findings in a report
3. Co-create plan for market dialogues
4. Identify list of potential VR stakeholders, companies and relevant advertising methods/locations
5. Co-lead market dialogue process, including co-hosting virtual and/or in-person info session, creating functional and non-functional product requirements, drafting the RFP, and reviewing proposals/concept notes
6. Draft report on lessons learned and potential promising practices from market dialogue process

The consultant may be required to travel for half-day, in-person info sessions if an alternative approach is not possible. In-person info sessions will likely take place in Oslo and/or other major hubs for relevant stakeholders. In this case, NCA will cover certain travel costs. All other work will be conducted remotely.

Experience:

1. Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent work experience
2. At least 1-3 years of hands-on experience in creating VR experiences
3. Strong foundational knowledge of AR/VR technologies and related software and hardware. Programming skills / experience with programming languages is a plus
4. Excellent client facing skills complemented by exceptional written and oral communication skills and strong organisational abilities.
5. Experience as a technical consultant with customer facing responsibility
6. Experience using VR technology in humanitarian aid or development sectors; and/or experience in adapting VR technology to low-resource and low-connectivity settings with users who may be unfamiliar with the technology
7. Demonstrated ethical and culturally relevant application of technology
8. Familiarity with participatory and user-led design processes
9. Experience with innovative procurement processes is a plus
10. Fluency English spoken and written required;
11. Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email/internet software.

Behavioural Competencies and Personal Attributes:

· Adaptable and copes with pressure,

· Respectful and culturally sensitive,

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work effectively with others within a multicultural team context,

· Commitment to end violence against women and girls.

We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.