Consultant – Evidence Synthesis: Capacity Strengthening and Learning as Strategic Investment

This consultancy involves leading an evidence synthesis to demonstrate the essential role of workforce capacity in delivering effective child protection outcomes in humanitarian contexts. The consultant will conduct a rapid literature review, key informant interviews, and produce advocacy-ready evidence products to support sustained investment in child protection workforce capacity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a rapid review and synthesis of published and grey literature mapping existing evidence linking capacity strengthening to improved program quality and child-level outcomes in child protection.
• Synthesize evidence on the consequences for children, services, and staff when workforce investments are reduced or eliminated.
• Identify and document practical and innovative solutions for meeting learning and development demands with reduced resources, particularly for local NGOs and volunteer workforces.
• Produce a comprehensive report and evidence brief validated by the Alliance Working Groups.
• Support the organization of an online dissemination event to share findings and promote capacity sharing/exchange of experiences.
• Develop interview guides, informed consent procedures, and a research protocol for remote interviews with key stakeholders.
• Identify and write up 2–3 illustrative case studies demonstrating the impact of workforce capacity investment on programme quality and child protection outcomes.
• Coordinate with the AME and L&D working groups at key milestones and incorporate their feedback into deliverables.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s or above) in social sciences, international development, child protection, public health, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in research, evidence synthesis, or program evaluation in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated experience conducting literature reviews and evidence syntheses on social protection, child protection, or related topics.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian child protection sector, including familiarity with the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS) and the humanitarian coordination architecture.
• Proven ability to produce clear, well-written, advocacy-oriented knowledge products for non-specialist audiences (donors, senior leadership).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Experience working with or knowledge of the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (desirable).
• Familiarity with workforce development, capacity strengthening, and learning and development approaches in humanitarian settings (desirable).
• Experience with evidence mapping or systematic review methodologies (desirable).
• Working knowledge of French or Arabic (desirable).

Skills

• Evidence Synthesis
• Literature Review
• Program Evaluation
• Child Protection
• Social Protection Policies
• Humanitarian Coordination
• Child Protection Standards
• Advocacy Writing
• Knowledge Product Development
• Workforce Capacity Development
• Capacity Strengthening
• Learning and Development
• Systematic Review Methods
• Evidence Mapping

Languages

English