Consultant – Evidence Synthesis: Capacity Strengthening and Learning as Strategic Investment
About The Position
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Consultant for Evidence Synthesis focused on Capacity Strengthening and Learning as a Strategic Investment. This role is part of the Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action and aims to address the critical issue of underfunding in the child protection sector. The consultancy will generate evidence to reframe workforce capacity as core humanitarian infrastructure and document innovative solutions for learning and development (L&D) with reduced resources. The work involves a rapid literature review and key informant interviews to demonstrate the essential role of workforce capacity in delivering effective child protection outcomes and to document the consequences when such investments are reduced or eliminated. The consultant will work closely with the Alliance’s Assessment Measurement and Evidence (AME) and Learning and Development (L&D) Working Groups.
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.
Nice To Haves
- 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 a 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 an online dissemination event to share the findings and promote capacity sharing/exchange of experiences.
