Liberia: Protection Curriculum Consultant

Project Background:

The proposed project aims to implement and evaluate the “I Am Special Flipchart” training and child protection project in Liberia’s high-incidence areas of sexual violence and trafficking: Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and rural Montserrado counties. The initiative includes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on school-based interactive training and community activities to strengthen local institutions’ abilities to prevent and address child victimization.

The project is being implemented in Liberia by World Hope International, in partnership with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), with researchers from University College London, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania. The goal is to reduce sexual violence towards children in Liberia and look at the efficacy of the flipchart training.

As part of this work, IPA will work with stakeholders in Liberia to support the development of a flipchart book building upon previous IPA and WHI work in the country. More specifically, the project will develop a version of the flipchart book for parents, carers, and teachers, community Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to operate in the community, linking students, community members, local child welfare committees, Gender Observatory Groups, and other stakeholders with relevant structures at the district/county and national levels. These SOPs will outline and standardize reporting pathways, roles and responsibilities for various actors, and tools to be used both at the input stage (community-level reporting) and the output stage (national-level aggregation/response to reported cases of child labor). The team will then conduct training at the school and community level on these flipbooks. After the implementation period, IPA and the research team will conduct a research component on the implementation done by WHI to gather stakeholders to re-assess the SOPs and make any necessary changes.

Key aspects of the project include:

1. School-Based Training: Using the “I Am Special Flipchart” manual, facilitators will conduct interactive sessions to raise awareness about sexual violence, risk reduction, and reporting. Facilitators will be trained to convey concepts on bodily autonomy, identification of inappropriate behavior, and reporting protocols.
2. Community Engagement: Community-level meetings will reinforce school-based messages, promote awareness of child exploitation, and guide community members on protecting against and responding to violence towards children. Existing child welfare committees, guided by Paramount Chiefs, will enhance accountability and sustainability.
3. Randomized Control Trial (RCT): The program’s impacts on awareness and prevalence of sexual violence towards children, as well as school-level capabilities to prevent, identify, and report incidents, will be assessed through an RCT.
4. Scalability and Adaptability: The flipchart and curriculum are designed for scalability beyond Liberia, with adaptability to diverse local contexts. The community-wide version of the flipchart will enable continuous awareness and engagement post-project.
5. Training and Support: Ongoing training on referral mechanisms and support for survivors will be provided to enhance the identification of at-risk children and potential perpetrators, fortify reporting systems, and support victims.

Consultant’s Key Tasks:

• Content Development: The consultant will revise the current flipchart, adding engaging, child-friendly content using appropriate language, visuals, and storytelling techniques. The goal is to ensure the information is accessible and culturally relevant. Additionally, the consultant will develop a specific flipchart for parents, carers, and teachers, incorporating various interactive and educational elements. The following will be included in both flipcharts:
• Storytelling and Role-Play/Engaging Stories: The consultant will build up stories that are both entertaining and educational, using simple language and vivid visuals to capture children’s attention.
• Role-Play Sessions: At the end of each story, children will participate in role-play activities. These sessions will help reinforce the story’s lessons by allowing children to act out scenarios, fostering empathy and understanding.
• Musical Integration: Each story session will conclude with a song related to the story’s theme. Music will be used to reinforce the lessons learned and make the sessions more enjoyable and memorable for children.
• Trusted Adult Concept: A session will be developed to teach children about the concept of a trusted adult. Children will be encouraged to identify and list their trusted adults, understanding this as a fundamental right. This session aims to empower children to seek help and support from reliable adults in their lives.
• Bodily Autonomy: The consultant will create a session focused on bodily autonomy, teaching children to listen to others and themselves. This session will emphasize the importance of respecting personal boundaries and understanding consent.
• Body Parts Song: A song about body parts will be developed, with lyrics designed to educate children about their bodies. This song will be sung during the bodily autonomy session to reinforce the lesson in a fun and engaging way.
• Open Discussions on Sensitive Topics: A session will be developed to help children understand what topics can be discussed openly and what should be approached with caution. This session will encourage open dialogue about sex and other sensitive subjects, promoting a healthy and respectful conversation environment.
• Addressing Myths Related to SGBV: The consultant will develop sessions aimed at debunking common myths related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). These sessions will provide information and encourage critical thinking to dispel misconceptions.
• Children’s Rights: Sessions will be created to educate children about their rights. These sessions will cover various aspects of children’s rights, ensuring that children understand their entitlements and how to advocate for themselves.
• Collaboration: Additionally, he/she will collaborate with stakeholders, such as local child welfare committees, schools, community leaders, and organizations like WHI, to gather input and ensure the flipchart meets local needs.
• Training Materials: The consultant will create comprehensive training materials and guidelines specifically designed for trainers. These resources will equip facilitators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use the flipchart in both schools and community settings.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The consultant will assist in the creation and development of community SOPs. These procedures will clearly outline the reporting pathways, roles, and responsibilities of various actors involved in child protection, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrable professional and/or academic experience in the area of sexual violence, human trafficking, or related topics.
• Experience in the assessment, design, and/or implementation of sexual gender-based and human trafficking or other proven experience in child protection.
• Knowledge of child rights and its dynamics in Liberia.
• Proven training and facilitation skills.
• Excellent English writing skills.
• Current residency in Liberia is strongly preferred.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates should apply online their resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position and relevant qualifications. Please include the proposed consulting rate to complete the project in the cover letter. 

Applications will be received until a suitable candidate is found. 

Any questions may be sent to richeleau.nance@worldhope.org.