Colombia/Home-based: Principal Investigator – Study on Addressing Violence in and Around Schools in Humanitarian Settings in Colombia

Introduction: 

Save the Children International (SCI) is seeking a qualified consultant to serve as Principal Investigator for a two-year mixed-methods outcome study assessing the effects of Safe Schools programming in Colombia. The study aims to generate robust evidence on the prevention of violence in and around schools, with particular attention to the experiences of girls and children affected by armed conflict.

The consultancy is part of a collaborative effort between Save the Children Colombia, Save the Children Norway (SCN), and the Safe Back to School and Learning Pooled Fund. The contract will be issued by SCI, while SCN is facilitating the recruitment process.

Purpose and Key Tasks: 

The purpose of the consultancy is to lead the research design, implementation oversight, data analysis, and reporting of the study. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Common Approach in reducing violence against children in school settings and improving children’s sense of safety and well-being.

The Principal Investigator will:

• Finalise and adapt data collection tools in English and Spanish
• Advise on sampling and school selection
• Support ethical review processes in Colombia
• Provide technical guidance to Save the Children Colombia on data collection and quality assurance
• Conduct data analysis (quantitative and qualitative)
• Produce a draft and final study report in line with Save the Children’s standards
• Prepare presentation materials on findings

The consultant will collaborate closely with Save the Children Colombia MEAL staff and report to a Study Steering Committee made up of thematic and MEAL representatives from SCI, SCN, SC Colombia, and SCUS.

Timeline and Methodology: 

• Contract duration: September 2025 – February 2027
• Estimated input: 80–100 working days over the contract period
• Location: Remote-based, with potential travel to Colombia
• Methodology: Mixed-methods, quasi-experimental study including surveys with children (n=788) and in-depth qualitative methods (e.g., interviews, participatory activities)
  Key milestones include:
  • Final tools in English and Spanish (September 2025)
  • Ethics approval in Colombia (November 2025)
  • Baseline analysis and presentation (April 2026)
  • Final study report (January 2027)
  • Knowledge products and dissemination (February 2027)

Applicants should ensure availability during intensive work periods, particularly in early 2026 and January 2027.

Qualifications: 

We are looking for the following competencies and skills of the consultant(s):

1. Proven experience designing and conducting quasi-experimental evaluations
2. Technical expertise in child protection, education, and gender in humanitarian contexts
3. Demonstrated ability to lead ethical, inclusive research with children and marginalised populations
4. Experience using child-sensitive qualitative methods in conflict-affected settings
5. Advanced analytical and reporting skills, including statistical analysis (e.g., STATA)
6. Strong communication skills in English; working knowledge of Spanish is desirable
7. Familiarity with Save the Children’s global programming and research standards is an advantage

The consultant(s) must certify in their cover letter that they have a legally registered consultancy and the necessary permits to work in the stated locations.

How to Apply: 

We welcome applications from individuals or teams who collectively meet the full range of requirements. 

Applicants should submit the following in English:

• A brief Expression of Interest (max 3 pages) describing your understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, work plan, and allocation of days per deliverable
• Up to 3 CVs
• A budget including fees, travel, and other costs

For more information, please refer to the full Terms of Reference. 

Questions can be sent to:

• Mya Gordon, Research and Evidence Advisor: mya.gordon@savethechildren.org
• Elisabet Eikås, Senior Advisor Evidence and Learning, Program Quality and Impact: elisabet.eikas@reddbarna.no

All applications must be submitted through Save the Children Norway’s HR portal due to GDPR. Submissions sent via email will not be considered.

To access the Terms of Reference and apply, visit Save the Children Norway’s HR portal: https://www.reddbarna.no/ledige-stillinger/. 

Deadline for submission: 19 August 2025