ECPAT International
Consultancy : Drafting of briefs for practitioners on online child sexual exploitation and abuse
December 2022 – February 2023
Organisational Context
ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children 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 child, early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 122 members working at national and local levels in 104 countries.
Consultancy Details
In the context of the Disrupting Harm project, ECPAT developed the ‘survivor conversations’ approach for the purpose of ensuring young people who have been victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse are active participants in related research. Using this approach, participation can be managed in an ethically mindful, psychologically safe, respectful, and dignified way. The ‘survivor conversations’ approach centers around the young person rather than the researcher or the research methodology. It is built on the principle that participants have, and understand themselves to have, significant control over the process, including decisions concerning what they choose to share and not share.
Thirty-three conversations were held with female and male young people who had been subjected to online child sexual exploitation and abuse in Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Malaysia and Cambodia. All were aged between 16 and 23 years old during the conversations, but were aged between 9 and 17 years old when they were subjected to the online exploitation and abuse. Their accounts are insightful and crucial. These young people welcomed the opportunity to engage in conversations about their experiences, the gaps and the solutions in the hope of helping others. Key messages and insights from the survivors’ conversations were analysed and collated in a standalone report authored by ECPAT International and planned to be launched in early 2023.
As additional and complementing outputs from the Disrupting Harm overall findings and survivors’ report, ECPAT has decided to produce up to 5 briefs for practitioners, short and practical documents designed to support targeted practitioners to improve their practice using research-based information.
ECPAT is seeking a consultant to draft a series of 5 briefs for practitioners (teachers, psychologists, parents, etc.) based on the key messages and findings from the survivors’ conversations report along with other ECPAT’s work where the same methodology to involve young survivors was used (Survivors’ Perspectives and Global Boys Initiative). ECPAT will provide the Consultant with themes and target audiences for each brief. Examples of topics would be: 1) How to guide, empower and support youth in dealing with a friend’s disclosure; 2) Sex and sexuality: going beyond one’s discomfort in talking about such topics with one’s children/students. The consultant will then develop the briefs on the chosen themes based on practice knowledge and experience. Potentially during the assignment additional topics for additional briefs.
Key tasks
- Based on the key messages from the survivors’ conversations conducted by ECPAT in the framework of the Disrupting Harm project – with linkages where possible to the Survivors’ Perspectives and Global Boys Initiative – develop an outline for the briefs for practitioners. The briefs should be designed to support specific groups of practitioners to improve their practice using research-based information.
- Develop and draft FIVE 5-page briefs focusing on themes identified by ECPAT. The briefs for practitioners should identify very specific challenges and clearly indicate actions and tools to address those challenges.
- Accommodate feedback on each draft brief from the ECPAT Research Team.
Consultant Profile
- Prior experience working as a practitioner or with communities of practitioners in the field of child protection and support services for children.
- Demonstrate knowledge on child sexual exploitation and abuse;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Track record of producing resource tools and guidance for practitioners on addressing (online) child sexual exploitation and abuse preferably;
- Advanced degree in Psychology or Social Work is an asset;
- Accountability;
- Ability to work autonomously and multi-task;
- Fluent in English language (spoken and written)
Deliverables : Due date
Finalise work plan in collaboration with the ECPAT Research Unit : 10 December 2022
Develop an outline for the practice briefs in collaboration with the ECPAT Research Unit : 10 December 2022
Complete 5 briefs for practitioners (including accommodating one round of feedback) : 28 February 2023
(staggered approach with first drafts getting to ECPAT for review in early January)
Timeframe
It is expected that this short-term consultancy will require approximately 20 working days (4 days per brief) over a period of 3 months: December-February 2022- (Based on 5 briefs).
Management and Reporting Arrangements
The Consultant will report to the ECPAT Research Team of ECPAT International.
Additional Information
- This is a home-based position; the consultant will work from home but should be available online to have meetings with the ECPAT’s Research team in Bangkok (GMT+7), if needed;
- 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 Staff Code of Conduct.
How to apply
Expression of interest: please send to [email protected]
- CV
- cover email
- Financial proposal per brief
- Short workplan proposal
Mention in the subject header: your name and “Consultant Practice Briefs”
Deadline: 30 November 2022 – please note that expressions will be reviewed as they come in so ECPAT encourages you to apply early.
Closing date: 30-Nov-22