Scope of Work
This remote consultancy project entails performing a swift literature review and conducting online key informant interviews to compile relevant case studies.
This consultancy seeks to conduct an evidence synthesis highlighting the critical importance of workforce capacity—encompassing training, supervision, and technical support—in achieving effective child protection outcomes within humanitarian settings, as well as to assess the repercussions when these investments are diminished or withdrawn.
Develop and accomplish targeted objectives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driving strategic growth initiatives within the organization.
Conduct a swift examination and integration of available published and gray literature to identify and analyze existing evidence that demonstrates the correlation between capacity strengthening initiatives and enhanced program quality, as well as improved outcomes for children within child protection systems.
Compile and analyze data regarding the impacts on children, services, and staff resulting from reductions or eliminations in workforce investments, including training, supervision, and learning and development initiatives.
Conduct a thorough review of scholarly literature and documented case studies to uncover feasible and inventive approaches for addressing learning and development requirements with constrained resources, with a focus on supporting local NGOs and volunteer-based teams.
Develop a thorough report and evidence brief, endorsed by the Alliance Working Groups, highlighting workforce capacity as a strategic investment critical to achieving high-quality child protection services.
Assist in coordinating a virtual dissemination event (with format to be determined) to showcase research outcomes and facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences.
Ensure rigorous and systematic approaches are employed throughout all stages of project execution. Analyze data utilizing advanced statistical techniques and predictive modeling to derive actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate findings and refine methodologies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Document processes meticulously to maintain transparency and reproducibility. Stay abreast of emerging industry trends and technological advancements to enhance analytical frameworks continuously.
The consultant will implement a structured methodological approach, encompassing the following key elements:
A rapid literature review will be conducted, involving a structured search across academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, as well as practitioner repositories including the Save the Children Resource Centre and the ALN AP Library. The objective is to gather evidence that establishes a connection between capacity strengthening initiatives and improvements in program quality, as well as child-level outcomes within the child protection sector. Additionally, the review will examine existing documentation on Learning and Development (L&D) efforts within the Alliance, utilizing resources provided by the AME Working Group, the L&D Working Group, and the Secretariat.
The role involves synthesizing and analyzing evidence to construct a cohesive narrative that demonstrates the link between workforce investment and child protection outcomes. This synthesis will be condensed into a succinct, advocacy-oriented Evidence Brief (4–6 pages) designed for donors, senior humanitarian leadership, and inter-agency platforms.
For primary data collection, we will design comprehensive interview guides, establish robust informed consent protocols, and create a detailed research protocol to facilitate remote interviews with essential stakeholders. These stakeholders will be identified in close partnership with the Alliance’s AME and L&D Working Groups.
Development of 2–3 illustrative case studies is required, with each study to be based on key informant interviews and designed to highlight how investments—or the lack thereof—in workforce capacity directly influence program quality and child protection outcomes.
Validation involves a systematic evaluation of synthesis findings, the Evidence Brief, and all preliminary outputs by the Alliance AME and L&D Working Groups to confirm technical precision, applicability to on-the-ground challenges, and conformity with the organization’s evolving workforce capacity priorities.
Develop and submit all assigned deliverables in accordance with established timelines and quality benchmarks. Ensure completed work meets specified requirements, adheres to project objectives, and aligns with organizational standards. Verify each deliverable is thoroughly reviewed, accurately documented, and promptly communicated to relevant stakeholders for approval or feedback. Maintain accountability for the timely submission of deliverables while addressing any revisions or adjustments required to fulfill expectations.
Compose a comprehensive Deliverable Inception Note outlining the project’s foundational elements. This document must detail the project’s objectives, scope, key stakeholders, preliminary timeline, resource allocation, and risk assessment. Ensure alignment with organizational goals and compliance with relevant standards. The note should serve as a guiding framework for subsequent phases, facilitating clear communication and stakeholder buy-in. It must be concise yet thorough, enabling all parties to understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Propose a comprehensive search strategy, identify relevant databases and sources, establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, develop an analytical framework, and outline a detailed work plan.
Month one of this role involves an introductory phase where key objectives include assimilating into the team, comprehending project goals, and familiarizing oneself with established workflows and tools. During this period, the incumbent will participate in onboarding sessions, complete mandatory training modules, and engage in collaborative discussions to clarify expectations. Additionally, the focus will be on setting up necessary resources, reviewing documentation, and initiating preliminary research or analysis relevant to the project’s scope. The goal is to establish a strong foundation for future contributions while ensuring alignment with team priorities and organizational standards.
We will develop and finalize a comprehensive Evidence Synthesis draft to meet project requirements. This deliverable will thoroughly analyze and synthesize key findings from relevant sources, ensuring accuracy and clarity. The draft will adhere to established guidelines and incorporate stakeholder feedback as needed.
Structured review and synthesis of published and gray literature will be conducted to examine the connection between workforce capacity and CP outcomes, culminating in the preparation of a draft report.
Timeline Month 3
Facilitate in-depth discussions regarding the selected case studies to ensure alignment with project objectives.
Presentation of case studies, derived from data collection efforts, to the Alliance Secretariat, AME, and L&D Working Groups for purposes of validation and discussion.
Month four represents a critical phase in the initiative’s development, progressing toward key deliverables outlined in the project charter. During this period, the team will implement critical strategies, conduct thorough evaluations, and finalize core components to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Stakeholder engagement will intensify, with structured feedback sessions scheduled to validate progress and address potential risks. Additionally, the team will document outcomes in detailed reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies. Collaborative workshops and cross-functional meetings will be held to refine processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Prepare a polished final version of the evidence brief and accompanying case studies. Ensure all materials are meticulously reviewed and presented in a clear, professional format for submission.
Comprehensive finalization of the Evidence Brief, incorporating relevant case studies, is required.
Month five marks a crucial phase in the initiative, where the team will focus on refining and executing a key component of the project plan. Deliverables must be finalized, and progress will be meticulously tracked against the established benchmarks to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. Stakeholders will be engaged for feedback, incorporating necessary adjustments to enhance the outcome. Additionally, resource allocation will be optimized to support the upcoming milestones, and any identified risks will be mitigated through proactive measures. Collaboration across departments will be intensified to streamline workflows and resolve potential bottlenecks.
Present the complete findings, encompassing evidence synthesis and case studies, during a virtual event.
Present findings during an online webinar hosted by the Alliance.
Timeline Month 5
The remuneration package and payment terms include a specified rate and schedule, which will be detailed upon offer.
The consultancy fee amounts to USD 10,500.00 in total.
Compensation will be disbursed following the satisfactory fulfillment of agreed-upon deliverables, as outlined in the consultant’s contractual agreement.
Remuneration will be determined based on the timely submission and approval of deliverables by the IRC Senior Researcher.
All deliverables are the exclusive intellectual property of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.
Reports to designated supervisors and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless communication and task alignment. Facilitates the exchange of critical information and coordinates efforts to meet project milestones and organizational objectives.
The consultant will report directly to the Senior Researcher at the IRC, who also holds the position of Co-Chair within the Alliance’s AME Working Group.
Regular touchpoints will occur every two weeks or monthly, contingent upon mutual agreement at the project’s outset.
The consultant will collaborate with the AME and L&D working groups at critical stages to ensure alignment and progress.
All draft deliverables are subject to review and feedback from the AME Working Groups and the Alliance Secretariat.
The AME and L&D Working Groups will provide access to internal documentation and gray literature, as required for the secondary data review, and will actively connect with relevant stakeholders to identify and compile case studies whenever feasible.
Requirements
Essential:
A Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, International Development, Child Protection, Public Health, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional experience of at least five years is required in research, evidence synthesis, or program evaluation within humanitarian or development settings.
Experienced in performing comprehensive literature reviews and synthesizing evidence on social protection, child protection, or related domains.
Proficiency in the humanitarian child protection domain is essential, with a solid grasp of the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS) and the humanitarian coordination framework.
Capable of developing compelling, advocacy-focused knowledge products that effectively communicate complex information to non-specialist stakeholders, including donors and senior leadership, in a clear and concise manner.
Fluent proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.
Desirable:
Proficiency in, or prior involvement with, the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action is required.
Proven experience in workforce development, capacity-building initiatives, and learning and development strategies within humanitarian contexts is required.
Proficiency in evidence mapping or systematic review methodologies is essential.
Proficiency in French or Arabic is required.
Applicants are to adhere to the established application procedure as outlined above.
Qualified applicants are required to provide the following materials:
A cover letter, not exceeding two pages, should detail pertinent professional experience and outline the proposed methodology for the assignment.
A well-structured CV outlining pertinent qualifications and professional experience is required.
Previously developed evidence synthesis or advocacy-focused knowledge products serve as a foundation for this role.
Please provide the names and contact information for two professional references.
Only candidates who make it to the shortlist will receive a response.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
