Early Childhood Development National Strategy Consultant

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities.

Aiming at achieving a sustainable impact on a child's life in a cost-effective way by using easy to replicate activities that are tailored to and integrated in existing early childhood development (ECD) systems across the region; the IRC ECD Lebanon is keen on building a new generation of children who grow to be productive, healthy, kind adults and communities and societies have greater social cohesion and are more peaceful.
 

The IRC ECD Lebanon is collaborating with the National Program for the Protection of Family and Childhood / Higher Council for Childhood (HCC) to finalize and launch the national ECD strategy. The first draft of the National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategy was drafted based on a participatory mechanism involving relevant ministries in early childhood development, as well as other stakeholders from international organizations, NGOs, unions, universities, academic institutions, and experts. The Ministry of Social Affairs / Higher Council for Childhood conducted numerous coordination meetings and workshops with the parties to work on formulating the foundations and main objectives of this strategy.

Purpose of Consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to HCC to update the National ECD strategy draft, so it aligns with international standards adopted in the "Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development" launched by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The strategy will be based on the five strategic actions of the Nurturing Care Framework, which are: leadership and investment, focus on families, strengthening systems, monitoring progress, and using data and innovation.

 The consultancy will include:

1. Situation Analysis and Desk Review:
   • The consultant should conduct a thorough situation analysis of the existing early childhood development (ECD) landscape in Lebanon. This includes reviewing available materials, research, and data related to ECD policies, programs, and services.
   • Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the current ECD systems.

1. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Collaborate with the HCC to design a comprehensive survey that captures key information related to ECD (responsive caregiving, early learning opportunities, safety and security, health, and nutrition)
   • Share the survey with relevant stakeholders, including ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, and experts.
   • Oversee the implementation of the survey, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation and reporting.

1. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs):
   • Organize KIIs and FGDs with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers and practitioners to explore deeper insights into ECD challenges, successes, and potential strategies.
   • Document findings from KIIs and FGDs for analysis and reporting.

1. Drafting and Validation:
   • Based on the survey results, KIIs, and FGDs, draft an updated version of the National ECD Strategy while ensuring alignment with international standards, especially the “Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development.”
   • Facilitate workshops with stakeholders to review, validate and provide feedback on the drafted strategy.

1. Feedback Incorporation:
   • Revise the strategy based on feedback received during the validation process.
   • Ensure that the ECD national strategy reflects a holistic approach to ECD, considering the five components of the Nurturing Care Framework.

Expected Deliverables:

The consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

Deliverable 1:

1. Finalize the desk review for existing early childhood development (ECD) landscape in Lebanon.
2. Develop an online survey (Google Form) that captures key information related to ECD

Deliverable 2:

1. Share the online survey with key stakeholders.
2. Organize KIIs and FGDs with policymakers, practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders.
3. Analyze and report results received from the surveys, KIIs and FGDs
4. Share the results with HCC and IRC ECD Program
5. Conduct a first-round table discussion to validate the results of the survey, KIIs and FGDs

Deliverable 3

1. Write and submit the first draft of the strategy.

Deliverable 4:

1. Conduct a second- round table discussion to discuss the feedback on the first draft.
2. Submit the final national ECD strategy.

Consultancy Duration:

June 2024 to September 2024

Key Working Relationships:

Secretary General- Higher Council for Childhood and IRC ECD Senior Technical Quality Manager

Educational Background

• PHD in early childhood education, or other social sciences field with special focus on early childhood development.

Previous Experience

• At least 10 years of « professional » and / or « higher education » experience in early childhood development.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches in educational research.
• Ability to design, implement and evaluate educational projects.
• Published work in academic journals.
• Proven experience with donor-funded projects is strongly preferred.
• Solid Knowledge and experience in ECD, including nurturing care framework and care for child development approach.
• Solid knowledge and experience in ECD policies
• Solid Experience of ECD/ECE programs in national and international context.
• Proven experience in facilitating consultative processes with diverse stakeholders.
•  Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with the political and institutional context of the country.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic and English

Behavioral Skills          

• Timeliness and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to cope with pressure and mitigate challenges.
• Ability to convey complex information in a structured manner.
• Proven ability to work with a team of diversified backgrounds.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills.

Computer skills

• Digitally savvy with advanced knowledge of MS Office.