Childcare Policy Research and Advisory Consultant – Jordan

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

Childcare Policy Research and Advisory Consultant – Jordan

The Middle East Field Support Services Project (ME-FSSP)

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title:

Childcare Policy Research and Advisory Consultant – Jordan

Position/ Contract Type: Long Term Consultancy

Duration of Initial Contract: Up to 9 months, starting ASAP (Maximum of 63 days)

Position Location: Amman, Jordan

Language Required: Arabic and English

1. BACKGROUND

The National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA) is a strategic national partner to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) in Jordan and is involved in multiple GAC-funded projects in the country.

In April 2024, NCFA was assigned by the Government of Jordan to lead the development of a national Childcare Policy. To support this effort, GAC, through the Middle East Field Support Services Project (ME-FSSP), is providing technical expertise to NCFA. The ME-FSSP, implemented by Cowater International, is facilitating the recruitment of a consultant who will review global best practices and provide advisory support in integrating international experiences into Jordan’s national policy.

1. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support NCFA, its partners and the team of consultants in developing and formulating the National Child Care Policy document.

1. DESCRIPTION OF TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will deliver the following:

1. Review of Global Experiences:
   • Conduct a comprehensive review of international best practices in developing and implementing national childcare policies.
   • Identify successful models and strategies, highlighting approaches relevant to the Jordanian context.
   • Provide case studies from countries with similar socioeconomic conditions to Jordan.
2. Analysis of Key Challenges:
   • Outline common challenges faced globally in designing and executing childcare policies.
   • Analyze how other countries have addressed issues such as accessibility, affordability, quality of services, and workforce development.
3. Mid Term Report:
   • Submit a report listing and summarizing global best practices, key challenges, and tailored recommendations for Jordan.
   • Include an action plan outlining steps for integrating these insights into the national childcare policy.
4. Collaboration with the Local Expert/s:
   • Work closely with the local consultant who is leading the policy development to contextualize global experiences, ensuring they align with Jordan’s legal framework, national strategies, and current initiatives.
   • Provide technical support in drafting policy recommendations and solutions tailored to Jordan’s childcare landscape.
   • Participate in joint workshops, consultations, and stakeholder meetings to ensure a coordinated approach.
5. Policy Development Support:
   • Contribute to drafting key sections of the national childcare policy, integrating global insights and local realities.
   • Offer strategic advice on mechanisms for policy implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
6. Final Report:
   • Submit a final report summarizing the whole assignment.
7. CONSULTANT PROFILE
   1. Education

• A Master’s degree (PhD is a plus) in Public Policy, Early Childhood Development, Education, Social Sciences, Human Rights, or a related field.

1. Experience and Skills

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in early childhood development, social policy analysis, or childcare policy formulation.
• Strong knowledge of international frameworks and best practices in early childhood care and education (ECEC).
• Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations on policy development.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting policy analysis, research, and stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent report writing and advisory skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.

1. Language

• Fluency in Arabic and English – speaking, reading and writing.

1. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

• The Consultant will be contracted under the ‘Middle East Field Support Services Project’ (ME-FSSP), being implemented in Jordan by Cowater International, for Global Affairs Canada. The contract will be administered through the ME-FSSP.
• The Consultant will be responsible and accountable for the deliverables under this contract to the relevant Program Technical Lead within Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman and NCFA’s Secretary General.
• Work will be performed out of the NCFA’s premises or the Consultant’s own office, and the Consultant will be responsible for providing all required overhead, including maintaining internet access and an email account.
• When not operating from the NCFA, the Consultant is expected to use their own workspace, equipment and materials (office space is not provided).
• The Consultant will be paid according to the agreed-upon daily rate based on the level of effort reflected in the monthly financial timesheet and reports. Activities and services rendered should be in line with what has been approved by the relevant Program Technical Lead in Canada’s Jordan Development Program, at the Embassy of Canada in Amman.