The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The consultant will report to the Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Coordinator (head of Unit) and will conduct the following tasks:

Phase 1: Desk Review and Evidence Collection

Objective: Review and synthesize existing evidence on the impact of conflict on ECD and identify evidence gaps.

Responsibilities:
In close coordination with the Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Coordinator:

• Review global evidence on ECD in conflict settings
• Review Lebanon-specific reports and assessments from the 2024–2026 conflicts
• Review relevant national policies
• Develop FGD and KII tools in consultation with IRC.
•  Identify interviewees

Phase 2: Primary Data Collection

Objective: Generate qualitative evidence to complement the desk review.

Responsibilities:
• Conduct FGDs with caregivers of children aged 0–8 affected by displacement
• Conduct KIIs with ECD experts, government representatives, humanitarian actors and other relevant stakeholders.
• Abide by IRC’s safeguarding principles and ensure ethical, confidential and child-sensitive data collection.

Phase 3: Analysis and Advocacy Brief Development

Objective: Produce an evidence-based advocacy brief with clear findings and recommendations.

Responsibilities:
• Analyze and synthesize findings from the literature review, FGDs, and KIIs
• Prepare an outline for IRC review
• Draft the advocacy brief in partnership with the IRC team
• Revise the draft based on feedback
• Support a validation session and finalize the brief

Deliverables

• Inception note and workplan
• Desk review summary
• FGDs and KIIs
• Outline of the policy brief
• First draft of the policy brief.
• Validation workshop
• Second brief incorporating feedback
• Final brief – post feedback

Requirements

• Advanced degree in public policy, social sciences, international development or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy products, or research.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, including FGDs and KIIs.
• Experience working on ECD, child protection, and/or humanitarian programming.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (verbal and in writing) required.
• Previous experience producing policy or advocacy briefs.

Applicants are requested to submit:

At least two writing samples of previously developed policy or advocacy briefs (or similar analytical reports) for which the applicant was the lead author or principal contributor.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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