Home-based: Child Protection Expert Ukraine

Caritas Austria has been active in Ukraine since the mid-1990s, supporting vulnerable populations through its strong partnerships with the national Caritas network as well as a number of civil society organisations. Specifically, Caritas Austria was supporting long-term social development projects providing equal opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth and homecare and palliative care for elderly and disadvantaged people.

From the onset of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014, cooperation has expanded to humanitarian support to communities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Caritas Austria further intensified its support to Ukraine providing humanitarian assistance through local NGO partners specifically focussing on the sectors of food security, WASH, shelter, MHPSS and protection.

To further advance the quality of programming and provide technical support for a local NGO partner within ongoing protection programming funded by DG ECHO and Neighbour in Need foundation, Caritas Austria is seeking a highly qualified and experienced external consultant. The consultant is expected to provide technical support in child protection programming, specifically in the areas of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) and the establishment of Child Protection Case Management systems. The consultant will support a webinar on CFS, provide advice on the operational aspects of CFS, and assist in establishing a comprehensive Child Protection Case Management system within a local NGO operating in Ukraine.

2. Objectives: 

The main objectives of the consultancy are as follows:

• a) Support the planning, coordination, and facilitation of a webinar on Child-Friendly Spaces, providing technical expertise and guidance to participants.
• b) Advise the local NGO on the operational aspects of implementing and managing Child-Friendly Spaces, including setup, programming, monitoring, and evaluation.
• c) Assist the local NGO in developing and establishing a robust Child Protection Case Management system, tailored to the local context and aligned with international standards and best practices.
• d) Support the establishment of robust referral pathways and coordination mechanisms to ensure comprehensive Child Protection Case Management service within the NGO's programming
• e) Provide guidance, mentoring, and capacity development to NGO staff on child protection case management procedures, tools, and methodologies.

3. Scope of Work: 

The consultant will be responsible for the following key tasks:

• a) Collaborate with Caritas Austria Child Protection focal points in the planning, organization, and delivery of a webinar on Child-Friendly Spaces, including developing the agenda, preparing relevant materials, and facilitating the session.
• b) Provide expert advice and guidance to the local NGO on the operational aspects of Child-Friendly Spaces, including setup, risk assessment, child safeguarding measures, programming activities, and monitoring and evaluation.
• c) Conduct an assessment of the existing child protection programming including CFS and case management systems within the local NGO.
• d) Support the local NGO in the development and implementation of a Child Protection Case Management system, including the creation of standard operating procedures, tools, and guidelines.
• e) Assist in the establishment of case management processes, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities, referral pathways, documentation, and follow-up mechanisms.
• f) Conduct capacity-building sessions for NGO staff on child protection case management principles, procedures, and tools, focusing on building their skills and knowledge.
• g) Facilitate workshops and coordination meetings to strengthen referral pathways and collaboration between the NGO and relevant child protection actors.
• h) Provide ongoing mentoring, guidance, and remote support to the local NGO in implementing Child-Friendly Spaces and Child Protection Case Management, including regular virtual check-ins and feedback.
• i) Prepare a comprehensive final report, including recommendations for the local NGO's future child protection programming and case management practices.

4. Deliverables: 

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Facilitated and documented webinar on Child-Friendly Spaces, including presentation materials and session summary.
• Assessment report on the existing child protection programming, CFS and case management systems, including strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for child protection case management, tailored to the local context and aligned with international standards
• Established Child Protection Case Management system, including tools, and referral pathways.
• Training materials and conducted capacity-building sessions for NGO staff on child protection case management principles and procedures.
• Documentation of workshops, coordination meetings, and established referral pathways for child protection services
• Regular progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement

All deliverables shall be written in English.

5. Timeframe & Location: 

The consultancy is expected to start in August/ September 2023 and be completed within 4-6 months. The specific timeframe and work plan will be agreed upon with the selected consultant. Overall the estimated time commitment is a maximum of 30-35 working days.

The consultancy is primarily conducted remotely, working with stakeholders in Ukraine and Austria. Potential travel to/in Ukraine, specifically to Kyiv and Lviv, for essential consultancy deliverables will be agreed upon with selected consultants.

6. Conditions: 

Confidentiality of information: All documents provided to the consultant(s) and all data collected must be treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of this consultancy.

Ownership of data, findings & products: Caritas Austria and its partners retain full ownership of all data, findings, and products produced as part of this consultancy.

*Support by CAUT and partners:*All relevant documents for the consultancy will be shared with the consultant. Potential travels in Ukraine will be facilitated by local partners

Policies: While assigned by Caritas Austria the consultant is required to adhere to all relevant policies including i.e. Caritas Austria’s safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct, policy combating corruption and mismanagement and security policy.

7. Qualifications and Experience: 

Eligible Applicants:

• Must have the right to enter a contractual agreement with Caritas Austria.
• Must have no history of legal proceedings related to fraud, corruption or safeguarding of children and/or vulnerable adults
• Must have access to internet, laptop, conference call tools, etc. for remote consultancy modalities

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in social work, child protection, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in child protection programming, specifically in the areas of Child-Friendly Spaces and Child Protection Case Management.
• Proven expertise in designing, implementing, and managing Child-Friendly Spaces, including risk assessment, child participation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of child protection case management principles, tools, and methodologies.
• Previous experience and knowledge working on the Ukrainian context would be an advantage
• Experience in capacity development and providing technical support to local NGOs.
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written English skills; knowledge of local language would be an advantage

How to Apply: 

Qualified applicants are requested to submit their application via email to bewerbung.katastrophen@caritas-austria.at with the subject line ‘Child Protection Consultancy - Ukraine’ by 20th July 2023 COB.

A complete application is expected to contain:

• Motivation letter, incl. indication on potential start date/ availability
• CV
• At least 2 references of previous consultancies in the area of child protection
• Financial offer reflecting the expected days for the above scope of work as well as fees per day (detailed work plan will be agreed with the selected consultant before contracting)

In order to ensure a fair selection process, we cannot respond to requests for further details or clarifications.

We look forward to receiving your application!