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.

Summary of the assignment

The IRC is currently seeking a qualified external consultant to support the implementation of the FAMI “Italiano Secondo Me” – PROG-542, funded under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021–2027.

The selected consultant will support the design and delivery of seven experiential learning pathways for children aged 2–6 with a migratory background. The sessions will strengthen children’s Italian language skills while actively engaging caregivers in understanding and navigating the Italian education system. The approach will incorporate the concept of “language of care” (linguaggio della cura), emphasizing caregiver–child interaction as a key driver of language development, learning, and overall well-being.

Specific objectives of the assignment

• Co-develop session plans, tools, and activity guidelines tailored to different developmental stages.
• Ensure content is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and accessible to families with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Facilitate and/or oversee the delivery of seven experiential learning pathways (20 hours each) – 5 will take place between June and August, 2 will take place between September and December.
• Track progress against objectives, including children’s participation and caregiver engagement.
• Collect qualitative feedback and document good practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Liaise with local partners, informal education services, and early childhood centers to co-design and plan activities.
• Participate in coordination meetings with IRC staff and stakeholders.
• Align activities with local services and referral pathways where relevant.

Deliverables

• Adapted curriculum and session plans for 7 learning pathways
• Implementation of 7 pathways (20 hours each)
• Monitoring tools and data collection outputs
• Interim progress updates (as agreed with IRC)
• Final report including outcomes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations

Competencies and skills

• Academic background in education, psychology, social work, pedagogy, or a related field.
• Some professional or field experience (e.g. internships, short-term roles, project collaboration) in early childhood development (0–6), education, or work with children and families.
• Deep understanding of language acquisition processes, particularly in multilingual or migration contexts.
• Familiarity with participatory, play-based, and child-centered learning approaches.
• Ability to engage both young children and caregivers in structured and informal learning settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Good organizational skills and ability to plan and facilitate structured sessions.
• Fluency in Italian; knowledge of additional languages relevant to migrant communities is considered an asset.

The total budget available for this consultancy assignment shall not exceed EUR 7875 inclusive of all fees and applicable taxes.

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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