Consultant for Safe Programming Assessment and Framework Development

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address the needs of communities in disaster and hardship, Mercy Corps operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on implementing bold solutions that help individuals and communities overcome adversity and build resilience. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a Safe, Diverse, and Inclusive (SDI) environment, particularly in the Middle East North Africa and Europe (MENA/E) region, where it prioritizes inclusive participation, especially for youth and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability through Community Accountability Reporting Mechanisms (CARM) and is dedicated to advancing safeguarding measures across its programs.

Job Overview:
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to support the Mercy Corps MENA/Europe region in achieving its Safe, Diverse, and Inclusive (SDI) objectives. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current safe programming practices and develop a strategic Regional Safe Programming Approach based on the findings. This initiative aims to systematically identify strengths, gaps, and challenges in Safeguarding, CARM, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and protection. The consultant will work closely with country programs, including Georgia, Syria, and Palestine, with the potential to include Jordan or Yemen, to document best practices and systemic challenges. The consultant will also facilitate collaborative processes to validate findings and build collective ownership of the results, ultimately leading to a coordinated framework that enhances program quality and impact across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultancy will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 involves conducting a Safe Programming Assessment, which includes an initial literature review, tool development for data collection, conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), analyzing data, and drafting a comprehensive Safe Programming Assessment Report. The consultant will co-facilitate a validation workshop to ensure findings are accurate and actionable. Phase 2 focuses on developing the Regional Safe Programming Framework, which includes drafting the framework document, outlining guiding principles, facilitating validation workshops, and supporting the launch of the framework. Deliverables include inception reports, finalized data collection tools, assessment reports, framework documents, and a concluding consultancy report summarizing the process and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, Law, or a related field. They should have proven expertise and a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in Safe Programming, Safeguarding, Protection, CARM, and GESI within humanitarian and development contexts. Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments and developing strategic frameworks for international NGOs is essential. Strong qualitative data collection and analysis skills, particularly in conducting KIIs and facilitating workshops, are required. Excellent report writing, communication, and presentation skills are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as International Development, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or Law is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively assess and develop safe programming frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in Safe Programming, Safeguarding, Protection, CARM, and GESI. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting similar assessments and evaluations, as well as developing strategic frameworks for international NGOs. Experience working in the MENA/Europe context and familiarity with Mercy Corps' operating model is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a desirable asset, as it enhances the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and understand the regional context better.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to span 45 working days from December 2025 to April 202

• The consultant will report to the MENA/E Regional Social Integration and Development Advisor and will collaborate closely with various team members, including the Regional Safeguarding Advisor and Regional Program Standards Advisor. Mercy Corps will facilitate introductions to country office teams and provide necessary documents for the consultancy. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.