Consultant for Baseline Study

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and ensuring their rights are upheld. Established in 1919, Save the Children operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide support in various sectors including health, education, and child protection. The organization is committed to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. In the Solomon Islands, Save the Children has been active since 1986, focusing on addressing the unique challenges faced by children in the region, particularly in areas affected by violence, neglect, and exploitation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a baseline study for the Gud Tumoro: Komiuniti Tugeta for Lukautim Pikinini project, which aims to empower children in the Solomon Islands. This project, supported by the Australian Government, seeks to create safe and respectful communities for children. The consultant will be responsible for developing a detailed inception report, managing data collection activities, and producing a final study report that meets Save the Children's quality standards. This role requires a strong understanding of child protection issues and the ability to communicate complex findings to a non-specialist audience. The consultant will also need to ensure that the study is conducted ethically and inclusively, particularly when involving children and vulnerable groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing a comprehensive inception report that outlines the methodology, sampling frame, and data collection tools to be used in the study.
• Recruiting, training, and managing field-level enumerators to ensure effective data collection.
• Conducting and overseeing quality data collection activities to ensure the integrity and reliability of the data gathered.
• Translating, cleaning, and analyzing the data collected to derive meaningful insights.
• Producing a final study report and associated knowledge products that align with Save the Children's quality requirements and effectively communicate the findings of the study.
• Engaging in open and collaborative communication with Save the Children and other stakeholders throughout the consulting assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess demonstrated skills and expertise in designing and conducting baseline assessments or evaluations, particularly those that involve substantial quantitative data collection and analysis. Experience in conducting studies in the field of child protection and within the Pacific region is essential. The consultant should also have a proven track record of conducting ethical and inclusive studies that involve children and other vulnerable groups. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to effectively convey technical and complex findings to non-specialist audiences. Additionally, candidates should have a history of maintaining open, collaborative, and timely communication with clients throughout the project.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this consultancy role, ideally in fields such as social sciences, public health, education, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) in these areas are preferred, as they provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of child protection and the methodologies required for conducting rigorous evaluations and assessments.

Experience:
The consultant should have significant experience in conducting baseline studies or evaluations, particularly those that involve quantitative data collection and analysis. Experience working in the Pacific region and specifically in child protection is highly desirable. The consultant should also have a history of working with children and vulnerable populations, ensuring that studies are conducted ethically and inclusively. A strong portfolio of previous work, including sample reports or studies authored by the consultant, will be beneficial in demonstrating their capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Proficiency in local languages spoken in the Solomon Islands would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders during the data collection process.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy assignment is short-term, commencing in November 2025 and concluding in March 202

• The position can be performed remotely, but the consultant may need to travel to the Solomon Islands for fieldwork. The consultant will be required to undergo an International/National Police Check and a Working with Children Check where necessary. Save the Children Australia is committed to child safety, and all consultants must adhere to the organization's Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. Compensation details and benefits will be discussed during the application process.