Community & Home-based Learning (chbl) Model (individual Consultant)

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About the Organization

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 over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions.

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Project Overview

The IRC, in partnership with various local organizations, is implementing a three-year transformative education project titled 'Playful Education Pathways for Ethiopia (PEPE)' in crisis-affected areas of Amhara and Tigray from January 2026 to December 2028. The project aims to improve foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills for 150,620 out-of-school children while building resilience within Ethiopia's education system.

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Major Responsibilities

Conduct a Participatory Study

• Review existing education policies and strategies to assess enabling environments for Community and Home-Based Learning (CHBL) models
• Conduct technical in-depth interviews with experts from relevant educational bodies
• Perform participatory assessments with teachers, caregivers, children, and community leaders to identify barriers to CHBL implementation
• Map available resources for content delivery, including safe spaces and community structures

Development of National/Regional CHBL Guidelines

• Outline the rationale of the model and its core implementation strategies
• Define competencies and training requirements for facilitators and community volunteers
• Establish supervisory structures and minimum operational standards for learning environments

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Expected Deliverables

• Draft inception report outlining technical approach, work plan, and data collection methodology
• Final inception report incorporating feedback received from IRC
• Draft assessment report for review, incorporating findings from data collection
• Present assessment findings at a validation workshop and incorporate stakeholder feedback
• Draft national/regional CHBL model guideline for review and facilitate a validation workshop

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Duration of the Consultancy

The consultancy is expected to occur between April and June 2026, in accordance with the agreed work plan.

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Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Promote and participate in initiatives to build team engagement and inclusion
• Foster learning and dialogue to strengthen safeguarding and adherence to IRC policies

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Educational Requirements

• MA in Education or related fields

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Preferred Experience and Skills

• Minimum 12 years in conducting participatory assessments in the education sector
• Experience in reviewing education policies and producing high-quality teaching materials
• Track record of collaboration with government stakeholders and community members
• Familiarity with the education sector and community structures in Amhara

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Language Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English and Amharic

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Certificates and Licenses

• Sample works and certificates proving successful completion of similar assignments
• Legal registration (license) to provide consultancy services is an advantage

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Professional Standards

IRC workers must adhere to the values outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct: Integrity, Service, and Accountability. This includes policies on Beneficiary Protection, Child Safeguarding, preventing Workplace Harassment, and combating Trafficking in Persons.

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Equal Opportunity & Gender Equality

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer, considering all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive team characterized by critical reflection and power sharing. IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions and offers benefits that create an inclusive work environment for women.

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