Consultant – Evidence Synthesis: Capacity Strengthening and Learning as Strategic Investment at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Scope of Work

• This is a remote consultancy includes  a rapid literature review and key informant interviews conducted online to collect case studies. 
• The aim of this consultancy is to lead an evidence synthesis that demonstrates the essential role of workforce capacity—including training, supervision, and technical support—in delivering effective child protection outcomes in humanitarian contexts, and to document the consequences when such investments are reduced or eliminated.

Specific Objectives

• Conduct a rapid review and synthesis of published and grey literature mapping existing evidence that links 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 (training, supervision, L&D) are reduced or eliminated. 
• Identify and document practical and innovative solutions reported in the literature or through case studies for meeting L&D demands with reduced resources, particularly for local NGOs and volunteer workforces. 
• Produce an comprehensive report and evidence brief, validated by the Alliance Working Groups, that elevate workforce capacity as a strategic investment essential to delivering quality child protection services. 
• Support the organization of online dissemination event (format tbc) to share the findings and promote capacity sharing/exchange of experiences.

Methodology:

The consultant is expected to employ the following methodological approach:

• Rapid Literature Review: Systematic search of academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane) and practitioner repositories (e.g., Save the Children Resource Centre, ALNAP Library) to identify evidence linking capacity strengthening to program quality and child-level outcomes in child protection. This will include a review of existing documentation on L&D efforts within the Alliance, drawing on materials provided by the AME Working Group, the L&D Working Group, and the Secretariat.
• Narrative Synthesis and Evidence Brief: Integration and analysis of findings to develop a coherent evidence narrative linking workforce investment to child protection outcomes. The synthesis will be distilled into a concise, advocacy-ready Evidence Brief (4–6 pages) targeted at donors, senior humanitarian leadership, and inter-agency platforms.
• Preparation for Primary Data Collection: Development of interview guides, informed consent procedures, and a research protocol for conducting remote interviews with key stakeholders identified in collaboration with the Alliance's AME and L&D Working Groups.
• Case Study Development: Identification and write-up of 2–3 illustrative case studies, informed by key informant interviews, demonstrating the impact of workforce capacity investment—or its absence—on programme quality and child protection outcomes.
• Validation: Structured review of synthesis findings, the Evidence Brief, and all draft products by the Alliance AME and L&D Working Groups to ensure technical accuracy, relevance to frontline realities, and alignment with current workforce capacity priorities.

Deliverables:

Deliverable Inception Note:

• Description Proposed search strategy, databases and sources to be consulted, inclusion and exclusion criteria, analytical framework and workplan.
  Timeline Month 1

Deliverable Evidence Synthesis draft:

• Description Structured review and synthesis of published and grey literature linking workforce capacity to CP outcomes in the form of a draft report.
  Timeline Month 3

Deliverable Discussion of identified case studies:

• Description Presentation of case studies informed by data collection to Alliance Secretariat, AME and L&D Working Groups for validation and discussion.
  ​​​​​​​Timeline Month 4

Deliverable Final clean version of evidence brief + case studies:

• Description Final write up of Evidence Brief inclusive of case studies.
  Timeline Month 5

Deliverable Presentation of all results (evidence synthesis and case studies) at online event:

• Description Present findings at online webinar organized by the Alliance.
  ​​​​​​​Timeline Month 5

Payment Rate and Schedule:

• The total consultancy fee is USD 10,500.00.
• Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables as agreed with consultant during contracting.
• Payment is contingent upon submission and acceptance of deliverables by the IRC Senior Researcher.
• All deliverables remain the intellectual property of the IRC and the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.

Reporting and Coordination:

• The consultant will report directly to the IRC Senior Researcher, who serves as Co-Chair of the Alliance’ AME Working Group.
• Regular check-ins will be held on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, as agreed during inception.
• The consultant will coordinate with the AME and L&D working groups at key milestones.
• All draft deliverables will be subject to review and feedback from the AME Working Groups and the Alliance Secretariat.
• The AME and L&D Working Groups will facilitate access to internal documentation and grey literature as needed for the secondary data review, and, wherever possible, support connections with relevant stakeholders for the identification and gathering of case studies.

Requirements

Essential:

• 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.

Desirable:

• Experience working with or knowledge of the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action.
• Familiarity with workforce development, capacity strengthening, and learning and development approaches in humanitarian settings.
• Experience with evidence mapping or systematic review methodologies.
• Working knowledge of French or Arabic.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit the following:
• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining relevant experience and proposed approach to the assignment.
• A current CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
• One samples of previous evidence synthesis or advocacy-oriented knowledge products.
• Contact details of two professional references.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.