1. Background

Violence Against Children (VAC) is a pervasive issue in Papua New Guinea (PNG), with a substantial percentage of children experiencing various forms of violence during their upbringing. The consequences of VAC are profound, impacting the physical, mental, and social well-being of children and hindering the progress of communities and society at large. The existing child protection system in PNG, as outlined in the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015 and associated Regulations (2016), faces significant challenges in terms of training, support, and care provision.

2. Objectives

The objective of this consultancy is to support Equal Playing Field (EPF) in enhancing the child protection system in PNG. This will involve reviewing, developing, and delivering training packages, standard operating procedures, and assessment frameworks for child protection officers, foster carers, and out-of-home care providers. The consultant will also work closely with faith-based and civil society organisations to certify their staff as child protection officers and establish child-safe community networks across PNG.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for, or collaborate in, the following activities:

• Review and redesign registered training packages and standard operating procedures for child protection case management in PNG.
• Collaborate with faith-based and civil society organisations to certify their staff as child protection officers, starting with EPF.
• Reaccredit the training course through the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) as the uniform national accreditation for government and non-government child protection officers.
• Develop and deliver training packages and standard operating practices for the training and assessment of foster carers and out-of-home care providers, aligning them with international best practices.

4. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:

1. Review of registered training packages and standard operating procedures for child protection case management in PNG. (remote)
2. Updated and enhanced registered training packages and standard operating procedures for child protection case management in PNG. (remote)
3. Training packages and assessment frameworks for foster/kinship carers and out-of-home care providers aligned with international best practices. (remote)

Additionally, the consultant may also negotiate involvement in the delivery of training in PNG though this is not a requirement for selection.

1. Delivery of training packages to twenty staff. (face-to-face in PNG)

5. Duration and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to commence as soon as possible. The detailed timeline, including milestones and deadlines, will be mutually agreed upon with the selected consultant.

6. Qualifications and Expertise

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

• Extensive experience in child protection systems, including training, case management, and assessment.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and delivering training programs for child protection officers, foster carers, and out-of-home care providers.
• Knowledge of international best practices in child protection and related fields.
• Familiarity with the legal and regulatory framework of child protection in PNG is highly desirable.

7. Payment

Payment will be made in PGK or AUD depending on tax residency and based on the agreed milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract.

Note: This Terms of Reference is subject to change based on the specific needs and requirements of the project, as determined by EPF and the selected consultant.

Interested consultants are free to call Adam on +61 431 433 561 and invited to submit a short proposal outlining their approach, methodology, timeline, and budget.