Home-based: Process Evaluation and Barrier Identification on Factors of Importance for the Development of Improved Safeguarding Standards in NWS Educational Sector

Objective:

Provide a Barrier Analysis on factors of importance for the development of improved safeguarding standards in the Northwest Syria (NWS), educational sector

Introduction and Purpose:

In 2018, the FCDO funded integrity report1 on improving quality of education inside Syria found that 41% of respondents witnessed physical punishment in schools. Within a wider macro geo-political culture of impunity in Syria2, children are witnessing similar impunity at a micro-level within their education services. The challenge of building effective safeguarding systems within that culture must include the clear identification of power dynamics at play, the capacity for behaviour change, as well as actionable windows of opportunity to bring about sustainable change by analysing the barriers and political economy through the lens of cultural context. The actionable recommendations should be specific to the cultural contexts.

As part of a DEC “collective initiative” Christian Aid (CA) has collaborated with four other partners to submit a proposal on, creating a roadmap for enhancing localised safeguarding.

CA are looking for a specialist who has experience of safeguarding within the Northwest Syria region. In addition the consultant must be conversant with workshop facilitation and barrier analysis methodologies.

Scope: 

Services Required: 

It is expected that between September 2024 and end of November 2024 there will be three deliverables. The days indicated are for reference only and are to be negotiated between the consultant and the hiring & programme manager. It is expected that this work will require a minimum of 20 days and a maximum of 35 days.

Deliverable 1: During the inception phase the consultant will co create appropriate tools with the consortium members.

• Development of Focus Group Discussion tools
• Development of Key Informant Interview Tools
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement will help create a list of provisional attendees.
• The Consultant will work with the consortium team on logistical arrangements for the workshop.
• The tools will be structured around the three guiding concepts below:

Guiding Questions: 

1. Trust, accessibility, and structural barriers as well as specific mitigation measures associated with the same.
2. Competencies, motivations, and effectiveness of pre-existing resources.
3. Risk and mitigation strategies which will inform a process model for the implementation of an integrated safeguarding system in the education infrastructures in NWS.

Primary Data Collection Phase:

• A workshop will be held to gather information in the form of a range of Focus Group Discussions. It is anticipated between 15-40 participants will be required.
• Key informant interviews will be held with additional stakeholders to gain further information. Some of these key informant interviews might be those who have not attended the workshop and they can be reached face-to-face of via phone/online. It is projected that between 10-20 KIIs will be required.

Deliverable 2: Draft report:

• Draft a report (in English) in line with a known Barrier Analysis Framework. The report should not exceed 20-30 pages (without annexes, where annexes and interview notes can also be consolidated separately) and should have a two-page executive summary.
• The draft report should be submitted no later than 10 November, to leave sufficient time for finalisation.

Deliverable 3: Final report:

• The consortium will provide feedback on the report in up to two rounds.
• The final report (in English) will be submitted on or before 31 November 2024. The consultant will be expected to coordinate with:

1. The CA Syria team including the Syria programme manager, and programme officers.
2. The CA global humanitarian manager for the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as other relevant Humanitarian Division stakeholders such as the Head of Humanitarian Policy and Practice, and the Humanitarian appeals manager.
3. The international, local, and national consortium members who are part of this collective initiative

Delivery/Activity Plan: 

• It is expected that between September 2024 and end of November 2024 that this work will require a minimum of 20 days and a maximum of 35 days. Any travel costs will be covered by the consultant but can be budgeted into their proposal. However, workshop related costs will be paid by the consortium. There is no scope for an extension.

Service Delivery Model, Location, Schedule of Activity: 

• The consultant might be expected to be able to travel within the region to conduct face to face interviews, as well as working remotely to reach other stakeholders if appropriate.

Qualification Requirements:

Essential: 

• University masters degree or equivalent professional experience in development studies, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, or other relevant subject.
• Experience of safeguarding & Child protection within the educational sector, and/or humanitarian responses.
• Demonstrated expertise in creating tools for Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews, designed for both adults and children, and utilizes appropriate language and methodologies to ensure comprehensive analysis.
• Arabic Native speaker with Excellent skills in written English.
• Demonstrable experience of producing high quality analytical reports for a diverse audience via various means, including papers, mentoring, presentations, and trainings and workshops.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles and international standards including SPHERE, the Red Cross Code of Conduct for NGO's working in emergencies, Child Protection and Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS).
• 5-9 years experience in similar field and assignments

Desirable: 

• Prior knowledge of key stakeholders within the region is a strongly sought factor.
• Technical experience or qualification in a relevant humanitarian discipline.
• Experience of supporting those who are working in high-risk / insecure contexts.
• The ability to travel within the region is preferred.

Payment Terms: 

1. CA standard payment term is 30 days from submission of correct invoice
2. Payment of 25% will be sent at the submission and approval of the inception report and 75% at the submission and approval of the final report and the complete deliverables.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should submit the below to SyriaTeam@christian-aid.org with title ‘’ Process Evaluation and Barrier Identification (PEBI) for Safeguarding Consultancy application’’ by no later than 7th August 2024.

1. Their CV & cover letter
2. A 2-3 page technical proposal including financial offer
3. At least two examples of a toolkit(s) / similar that they have previously produced

Side Note: Joint application for two consultancies opportunity: We have another consultancy advertised at the same time of this for the ame collective group (link is here)(Process Evaluation and Barrier Identification) and we welcome one joint application for both consultancies if the applicant meets the requirement criteria. In this case, please use the title ‘’ Joint application for PEBI and PEA consultancies’’

Closing Date for Applications is the 7th of August.

Due to the urgency of this consultancy CA will review applications on a rolling basis and may close the advertisement early if a successful candidate is identified