Psychological First Aid Impact Evaluator - Jordan And Egypt

Consultancy Opportunity: Psychological First Aid Impact Evaluator, Location: Jordan and Egypt Duration: Approx. 20 days. Starting Day: Approx. 6 February 2016   Purpose:  Save the Children will conduct a small-scale impact evaluation of PFA (Psychological First Aid) in one country, which examines qualitative changes in skills, knowledge and attitudes that are assumed to have been embedded into everyday work after staff and partners have taken part in the PFA trainings. The evaluation also aims to better understand if any gaps in staff / partners’ knowledge, skills and attitudes exists post PFA training which act as barriers for staff and partners to support children’s wellbeing during ongoing conflict and protracted refugee contexts. The project will complement learnings from other efforts to evaluate PFA trainings and help to inform the content and method for future PFA impact evaluations. The impact evaluation will take place in a pre-selected country in MEE region (Egypt). 10-15 staff will be selected to take part in an observation in the field and a semi-structured interview. The consultant is expected to lead this work, with technical assistance from the MHPSS and Child Protection Thematic Advisors based in MEE and Denmark.   KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Take the lead on developing (i) an observation coding framework and (ii) a semi-structured interview schedule with technical support from above mentioned SCI colleagues. These tools have a clear purpose and structure (see below). Use these frameworks to conduct the assessments in the field (Egypt) for this impact evaluation. Analyze and present findings to the PDQ regional team, and based on this meeting then submit a final evaluation report to the regional MHPSS specialist (to be further shared with SCD CP team). The consultant is also expected to comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.   Following this process, the concrete outputs of this consultancy are: A qualitative impact evaluation report, which highlights which of PFA skills, knowledge, attitudes from staff / partners working directly with children have been embedded into their everyday working style, supported by concrete examples taken from the field observations. Clear recommendations as part of the final evaluation report regarding any evident gaps in PFA skills, knowledge, attitudes from staff / partners working directly with children, which can be used to support developing an “enhanced” PFA training for SC staff and partners.   Guidance on tools: The observation framework will be based on the skills and competencies taught to staff / partners during their PFA training (e.g. non-intrusive, practical care and support; assessing needs and concerns; listening, but not pressuring people to talk; comforting children and helping them to feel calm; helping children connect to information, services and social supports; protecting children from further harm).  Importantly, this observation framework will also examine behaviours that some staff / partners may mistakenly perceive to be part of PFA (e.g. not “psychological debriefing” or counseling techniques; no detailed discussion of the distressing event; not asking children to analyze what happened or put time and events in order; PFA involves being available to listen to people’s stories, it is NOT pressuring people to tell you their feelings or reactions to an event).  This framework will be used during observations in the field of the selected staff to assess their skills and knowledge.   To mirror and support the observation framework, a semi-structured interview schedule and coding framework will be developed which examines and evaluates the same skills/ competencies (by asking for concrete examples of skills used, and via vignettes / case study examples) as well as examining attitudes linked to PFA competencies (e.g. confidence, motivation, openness, etc.).   QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Essential Degree within the field of mental health and psychosocial support (e.g. psychologist, social worker) or other relevant area. Significant knowledge and experience from the field of MHPSS, particularly Psychological First Aid. Significant knowledge and experience from developing and implementing tools for monitoring and evaluating MHPSS programmes. Ability to write clear and effective reports. Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy. A high level of written and spoken English and Arabic. Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children. In particular, a good understanding of the Save the Children mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support Desirable Experience working in emergency response, protracted crises or fragile state contexts (experience from the MEE region is a strong advantage)   Qualified candidates are encouraged to send their CVs by March 5th, 2016 to the below e-mail address (job title should be mentioned in the subject line): MEEregionaljobs@savethechildren.org Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking process. We need to keep children safe, so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  A police check will be required for this position.