Child Protection Consultant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Child Protection Consultant
Location: Beirut
Country: Lebanon
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including education, health, economic recovery, and protection programs, with a mission to help those affected by conflict and disaster to regain control of their lives and futures.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection Consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the national child protection system in Lebanon, particularly focusing on children and families facing protection issues. The consultant will be responsible for developing tailored strategies that foster a supportive family environment, promoting healthy behaviors, and improving communication among caregivers and children who are in contact or conflict with the law. This position requires adapting the IRC’s Families Make a Difference Curriculum to ensure it is evidence-based and suitable for diverse situations. The consultant will also train IRC staff and partners on the curriculum's implementation, monitor progress, and adapt strategies based on feedback and evolving needs. The role is vital in addressing the complex emotional and social challenges faced by children due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and aims to provide effective support to families and caregivers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: establishing an understanding of parenting trends and practices; identifying challenges faced by children and the impact of caregivers’ practices; exploring external factors that hinder effective parenting; recognizing cultural influences on parenting; conducting a desk review of existing data; facilitating discussions with children and caregivers; adapting the Families Make a Difference Curriculum; developing training modules and facilitator guides; liaising with IRC’s MEAL Advisor to create monitoring and evaluation tools; and training IRC trainers on the new curriculum. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting key informant interviews, compiling data, drafting reports, and ensuring all materials developed are original and properly attributed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in child protection or related programs is required. Previous experience in developing and delivering training on child abuse and supporting children with challenging behaviors is essential. Knowledge of established inter-agency standards and guidelines in child protection, as well as international best practices in child protection in emergencies, is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work autonomously while adhering to ethical considerations in working with vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address the complex issues related to child protection and family support.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in criminal justice, child abuse, or child protection programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and delivering training, as well as experience in supporting children with challenging behaviors. Familiarity with inter-agency standards and guidelines in child protection is also necessary, along with a thorough understanding of international standards in child protection in emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is desirable, with the ability to communicate and write clearly. Proficiency in Arabic is an additional asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will not have dedicated office space at IRC but will have access to IRC premises for meetings and training sessions. The position is expected to involve a short-term assignment with specific phases outlined for assessment and curriculum adaptation. The consultant will be responsible for delivering key implementation guidance and training tools, as well as monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum. The timeline for the assignment includes phases from January to March 2025, with specific deliverables and estimated days for each task.