Consultant for Baseline Assessment

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 who work tirelessly to provide support and services to children in need. The organization focuses on various areas including education, health, protection, and emergency response, striving to create a world where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and safe. Save the Children is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every employee feels valued and connected to the mission of the organization.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the Tonga Safe and Resilient Children project, which aims to tackle education and child protection challenges through a comprehensive approach. This position involves conducting a baseline assessment to establish a robust evidence base for measuring the project's progress and impact. The consultant will be responsible for developing a detailed inception report, recruiting and managing field enumerators, conducting data collection activities, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. The findings from this assessment will provide critical insights into child protection, school governance, and community engagement, ultimately informing adaptive programming and contributing to the project's learning agenda. The consultant will also be expected to ensure that the methodologies used are culturally relevant and effective in diverse contexts, particularly in the Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Developing a detailed inception report that outlines the participatory methodological approach, sampling frame, and tools to be used for the assessment.
• Recruiting, training, and managing field-level enumerators to ensure effective data collection.
• Planning and independently conducting data collection activities in target communities, ensuring quality assurance throughout the process.
• Translating, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data collected during the assessment.
• Producing and presenting findings in a narrative report and presentation for key stakeholders, incorporating feedback to finalize a comprehensive report.
• Sharing final clean and raw datasets in compliance with Save the Children's data protection policy.
• Engaging with various stakeholders including government, non-government, and community groups to ensure a collaborative approach to the assessment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in designing and conducting assessments or evaluations, particularly in the fields of child protection and education. Experience in conducting studies in the Pacific region and having existing networks of enumerators is highly desirable. The consultant should demonstrate a commitment to ethical and inclusive research practices, particularly when involving children and other marginalized groups. Strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate with a range of stakeholders are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, education, public health, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in evaluation methodologies or child protection will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of research ethics, particularly in relation to working with children and vulnerable populations.

Experience:
The consultant should have significant experience in conducting baseline assessments or evaluations, with a proven track record of collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data. Experience in the field of child protection and education is essential, as is familiarity with the Pacific context. Previous work involving community engagement and participatory techniques will be highly regarded, particularly if it includes working with children and marginalized groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Tonga would be advantageous and could enhance the consultant's ability to engage with communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is a short-term assignment, commencing in January 2026 and concluding in April 202

• The position is expected to be full-time during the consultancy period. Save the Children Australia is committed to child safety, and all consultants will be required to undergo necessary background checks and adhere to the organization's Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. Compensation details will be discussed during the application process, and consultants are encouraged to submit a financial proposal that outlines personnel allocation, daily rates, and any additional costs.