Consultancy : Reviewing ECPAT’s comprehensive approach to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Policy and Procedures

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in all its manifestations i.e. exploitation of children in prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some forms of such as early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 122 members working at national and local levels in 104 countries. Our strength lies in the diversity of our membership, collectively and individually working to address the issue. From large national coalitions to small grass-roots initiatives, we are committed to bringing together a broad range of expertise and perspectives to unravel the web that perpetuates this abuse.

The ECPAT International Secretariat coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional level programmes, and undertakes programming, advocacy and research and facilitates a range of network initiatives.

Safeguarding in ECPAT

The ECPAT International Secretariat has last reviewed its Child Safeguarding policy and procedures in 2019. We now want to look at our current existing policies related to safeguarding, human resources related policies and others to develop a comprehensive Safeguarding framework for the organisation to keep Children and Adults safe and prevent harm in the exercise of our work. This forms part of our commitment to strengthening accountability and aims to ensuring alignment with latest standards, practices and legislation to uphold high safeguarding standards for everyone engaged with our organisation. The Secretariat of ECPAT International aims to be a leader in integrating a safeguarding culture in its entire strategy, programmes and operations.

ECPAT International is seeking a consultantto support us in the development of a comprehensive framework for Safeguarding Children and Adults in the implementation of our work. This aims to ensure strong policies and procedures to reduce risks and allow for effective reporting, assessment and implementation of actions to prevent and protect upon an incident of abuse, exploitation or violation to children and vulnerable adults.**

Consultancy Objectives

The consultant selected will support the organization to upgrade and develop our safeguarding framework and system, based on current policies (Child Safeguarding, Code of conduct), self-assessment and the potential risks posed to children and adults in the conduct of our work. The work will be conducted in two phases.

Phase 1 – Develop and upgrade ECPAT Safeguarding framework and system – estimated 10 days

• Identify gaps and areas of improvement in light of our recent internal rapid assessment;
• Develop the overall Safeguarding framework;
• Develop and/or upgrade ECPAT Safeguarding Policy, and related procedures, processes and systems for reporting and managing investigations, including detailed terms of reference for the complaint management committee, clauses to be included in various forms of contractual arrangements, mechanisms for reporting from the public and beneficiaries, and coherence with other ethical policies in place.

Phase 2 – Develop education and training materials for Safeguarding implementation – estimated 5 days

• Develop education materials in English for the Safeguarding system
• Develop training package for induction on Safeguarding and for specialized functions (Focal Point, etc)

Timetable

The assignment is estimated to 15 working days.

Phase 1 will be carried out between October and December 2022. A detailed plan and timeline will be defined and agreed with the Consultant at the start of the assignment.

Phase 2 will be developed, following satisfactory approval of phase 1, from January 2023 to March 2023.

Consultant Profile

• An experienced Safeguarding Expert with demonstrated expertise in leading the development of Safeguarding frameworks, including child safeguarding
• Experience in child safeguarding and survivor-centred approaches is critical
• Previous experience as a safeguarding lead in an organisation
• Track record in the development of training materials
• Strong writing and analytical skills

Additional Information

• This is a home-based position using own equipment and communication tools; the consultant should be available for online calls with the Secretariat based in Bangkok Thailand, and with different time zones.
• All discussions and documents relating to this Terms of Reference will be treated as confidential by the involved parties.
• The Consultant is expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the values of ECPAT International and in compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures including Child Safeguarding Policy and the Code of Conduct.