Early Childhood Development in Emergencies Children Disability Brief-Consultant

International Rescue Committee; New York (NY); Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking organization is seeking a consultant to develop a thematic brief on the impact of crises on young children with disabilities. This role involves conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and creating actionable recommendations for humanitarian actors. The consultant will work to ensure that the unique needs of these vulnerable children are addressed through inclusive Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) services. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in the lives of children affected by crises and to advocate for their rights and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience in disability inclusion in humanitarian action.
• Strong understanding of young children's needs in crises.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature review on disability inclusion and ECDiE.
• Develop a thematic brief addressing children's needs in crises.

Skills

Disability Inclusion

Early Childhood Development

Research and Analysis

Report Writing

Humanitarian Action

Education

Advanced degree in Disability Studies

Advanced degree in Early Childhood Development

Advanced degree in Humanitarian Studies

Job description

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.

About Moving Minds Alliance

MMA originated as a donor collaborative in 2017 committed to increasing early childhood development in emergencies (ECDiE) as a priority area of focus for the humanitarian sector. It has since evolved to become a multi-stakeholder alliance advocating for early childhood development in every crisis response, leveraging the strengths of diverse actors, from the local to the global.

We envisage a world in which families and communities affected by crisis can nurture the wellbeing and development of their young children and uphold their rights.

MMA’s new 2025-2030 strategic priorities are to:

●Grow and develop the community of ECDiE advocates

●Accelerate innovation and new ways of working in the current crisis response system; and

●Generate and promote uptake of research, evidence, and learning for the purpose of advocacy in ECDiE.

MMA has established itself as a thought leader through the production of innovative research and engagement in advocacy. Between 2022 and 2023, it developed a comprehensive Young Children in Crisis Settings advocacy toolkit comprising multiple thematic briefs. The toolkit provides systematic evidence about the impact of crisis and displacement on young children through their critical period of early development. It underscores the significance of early childhood development services in emergency contexts, and identifies the importance of ensuring provision of holistic and integrated early childhood development, in line with the nurturing care framework, addressing issues such as nutrition, education, gender, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and child protection.

Purpose of Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based thematic brief on the impact of crises and displacement on young children with disabilities (0-8 years) and the importance of holistic ECDiE services.

Young children with disabilities (0-8 years) face compounded vulnerabilities during crises and displacement. Children are more likely to become disabled during crises and displacement. Pre-existing challenges are intensified by the breakdown of essential services, including health, education, and social support, which increase the likelihood that children with developmental delays are not identified and cannot benefit from early interventions. There is overwhelming evidence about the increased risks of neglect, abuse, and exclusion risks that children with disabilities face.

To promote optimal development of children with disabilities, holistic Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) services are crucial. These services, when designed to be inclusive, can provide the necessary nurturing care, stimulation, and support for children with disabilities and their caregivers. This thematic brief will serve as a resource for humanitarian actors, policymakers, and practitioners to understand the critical role of holistic ECDiE services in supporting young children with disabilities and their caregivers during crises and displacement.

Scope of Work

To develop the brief, the consultant will be required to:

●Complete a literature review of relevant research, reports, guidelines, and best practices on disability inclusion in humanitarian action, ECDiE, and caregiver support, with a specific focus on young children (0-8).

●Analyze existing data and evidence on the impact of crises and displacement on young children with disabilities and their caregivers.

●Develop a clear, concise, and accessible thematic brief (approximately 15-20 pages) that addresses the objectives outlined above, which:

○Addresses the specific needs of children with diverse disabilities (e.g., physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial)

○Provides practical recommendations and action-oriented guidance, including specific strategies and tools for humanitarian actors to implement inclusive ECDiE services.

The brief must

●Articulate the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by these children and their caregivers in emergency contexts.

●Explain why holistic ECDiE services are a must for supporting young children with disabilities and their caregivers in crisis and displacement

●Highlight the importance of caregiver support and engagement in ECDiE programming.

●Provide practical recommendations and action-oriented guidance for humanitarian actors on how to ensure the provision of inclusive and accessible ECDiE services.

●Address diverse crisis and displacement contexts, including relevant case studies and examples from various settings.

Deliverables

●An inception report outlining the consultant's approach, methodology, and timeline.

●A draft, fully referenced, thematic brief for review and feedback.

●A consultation workshop with technical experts, including ECD and disability experts, to obtain feedback on the draft, and workshop report

●A final, fully referenced, thematic brief in English

Timeline

The timeline to complete this consultancy is 10 weeks and the suggested deadline for the final thematic brief is on July 31st.

Partner/Consultant Requirements

The ideal consultant will possess the following qualifications and experience:

●Advanced degree in disability studies, early childhood development, humanitarian studies, or a related field.

●Knowledge of relevant human rights instruments, guidelines and best practices, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

●Extensive experience in disability inclusion in humanitarian action and ECDiE, particularly in crisis and displacement contexts.

●Strong understanding of the specific needs of young children with disabilities (0-8 years) and their caregivers.

●Demonstrated expertise in developing thematic briefs, reports, and other knowledge products.

●Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, including demonstrable experience of inclusive research methodologies and caregiver-centered approaches.

●Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise language.

●Experience working with international organizations and/or humanitarian agencies.

Application Process

Prospective consultants are required to submit the following as part of their application:

●A proposal (no more than 5 pages, excluding annexes) with details on the suggested approach, including timeline and budget breakdown.

●A CV highlighting relevant experience

●At least two examples of previously authored knowledge products (thematic briefs, reports, research papers, and other knowledge products)

We welcome proposals from subject matter experts with lived experience of crisis and/or displacement

Please note: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. MMA reserves the right to close applications earlier than the defined deadline if a suitable consultant is selected.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.