Early Childhood Development ( ECD) Facilitator

Interested applicants should send their CVs to  jobs@almidan.org mentioning " Early Childhood Development (ECD) Facilitator " as in the subject.

Al Midan is looking for an experienced Early Childhood Development (ECD) Facilitator who is experienced in the field.

Based on compelling scientific evidence from neuroscience, developmental psychology, and economics, there is now a widespread consensus that high-quality, age- and developmentally appropriate ECD programs for children can help children achieve optimal health, growth, capability, and well-being.

The Early Childhood Development Specialist (ECDS) is mandated to work with children with developmental issues, birth to eight years of age, and their families to access and build support through the delivery of customized, comprehensive, and coordinated early intervention services.

Primarily, the scope of work of the early childhood development specialist is to identify early detection and ensure that children who face developmental and psychological delays receive the care they need.

To address the growing needs of children and youth in Lebanon, AL Midan is implementing the Makani project, utilizing a Multi-Service Community Centre (MSCC) approach across 3 community centers in the North (T5 area). This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive package of integrated services targeting marginalized and vulnerable children and youth aged 0-18 years, as well as their caregivers. The MSCCs serve as safe spaces offering a variety of programs, including education, child protection, early childhood development (ECD), life skills, and youth engagement support, all through a community-based approach. The goal is to reach both Syrian and Lebanese vulnerable children in host communities, as well as collective and informal settlements.

Al Midan NGO has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during work hours and outside work hours).  Familiarization with, and adherence to, the Code of Conduct is an essential requirement of all staff, in addition to related mandatory training. All staff must ensure that they understand and act in accordance with this clause.

Al Midan NGO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Al Midan NGO considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note that recruitment for this position is contingent upon donor agreement and signature; however, interviews may be conducted in advance as part of the selection process.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Monitor children’s physical and emotional condition;
• Give affectionate and appropriate responses to children’s daily needs;
• Protect young children from household and environmental dangers;
• Have hygiene practices which minimize infections;
• Use promotive and preventive health services; and
• Seek care and appropriate treatment for children’s illnesses.

• Evaluate Developmental Delays
• Identify Danger signs (developmental risk factors and delays) based on the milestone’s cards, observations and/or interviews with caregivers; and ensure children are meeting milestones in all dimensions.
• Essential screening for health (immunization), nutrition (MUAC screening) and developmental delays (milestones cards) to monitor and document children’s development to ensure early detection, and provide advice and counselling to caregivers
• Conduct one on one counselling for caregivers of children under 5 on the integrated Nutrition and ECD
• ECD Facilitator will not distribute Micronutrient Powders (MNPs)
• Organizing referrals and childcare arrangements
• Assist families and caregivers to refer and obtain quality care for their children
• Refer any suspected Malnutrition case of children aged 6 month - 59 month or Pregnant and lactating women (PLWs) to Nutrition partner for follow up at PHC
• Refer any child in need of Micronutrient Powders (MNPs) to UNICEF Nutrition partners
• Refer any lactating women with challenges, or in need for breastfeeding counselling to UNICEF Nutrition partner for IYCF counselling
• Refer any child with developmental delays and in need for specialized services to nearest PHCCs (primary health care center) or any specialized center that provide such services.
• Encourage and support the multi-sectoral collaboration to optimize child development, especially for children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families (i.e.  referral to specialized care and accessibility to relevant information, Records and reports keeping)
• Documenting children’s developmental needs, issues, and progress, and keep record of the social services programs and resources families utilize, and acquire children’s records of immunization, physical examinations, and other necessary medical documents using the Milestones cards.
• Regularly update the list of referrals and follow up with proper follow up on case by case.
• Conduct group sessions for caregivers of children under 5 using the ECD Modules provided by UNICEF and on how to monitor children’s physical and emotional conditions, and how to seek care and appropriate treatment for children’s illnesses.

Professional Standards:

All Al Midan staff are required to adhere to the Al Midan policies and practices with respect to child protection minimum standards, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Job Requirements:

• Educational background in health including, early education, social and development, Child Health, Maternal & Child Health, Mental Health & Psychosocial Support, and/or rehabilitation
• Demonstrates familiarity with integrated and inclusive ECD, including relevant global guidance documents, stakeholders, and networks -
• Excellent time management and personal organization and interpersonal skills –
• Excellent communication skills as well as excellent strategic and analytic thinking –
• Ability to work on complex projects in multitasking and respect deadlines
• Fluent in spoken and written Arabic, knowledge of English.