Children practitioner jobs in edinburgh

Job Title: Volunteer Support Officer

Salary: £12,600 pro-rata (£25,200 FTE)

Working: Hours: 17.5 hours per week (some evening and weekend work required)

Contract: Fixed Term for 3 months from start date (may be extended)

Location: Home based

Benefits: NCT membership with access to exclusive benefits, pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus 8 bank and public holiday.

About us at the NCT

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online.

 NCT is committed to social justice and equity. We are dedicated to being an anti-racist charity and believe that inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Being there for every parent requires bold action to challenge inequalities. By creating inclusive spaces and services that are built on collaboration and trust, we welcome and celebrate diversity and strive to meet the needs of the pregnant women, new parents, families and communities that we serve.

As the world changes and new challenges are thrown up for parents, our charity must change too. Join us now and be part of this journey, and ensure that every parent feels connected, confident and safe. 

About the role

You will help by recruiting, supporting and managing our 3,000 volunteers across the UK and Channel Islands who deliver parent support and fundraising activities. This work will be perfect for someone who can pick things up quickly, can manage shifting priorities and a large volume of work. You must be able to work with sensitive information.

You will help by recruiting, supporting, and managing volunteers who deliver parent support and fundraising activities.

Responsible for supporting volunteers to organise and deliver parent support and fundraising activities this role is perfect for someone who loves variety in their work.  Speaking to volunteers, developing new resources, thinking creatively, and improving processes are all a big part of this role.

We are looking for someone who is:

· Passionate about delivering a good volunteer experience.

· Great at communicating with a diverse range of people.

· Naturally curious and good at unpicking complexity.

· Willing to be brave and try new ideas or learn new skills.

Tasks will be email management, taking ownership of NCT First Aid courses responding to queries, social media, volunteer registration/de-registration, using multiple spreadsheets and approving events.

The candidate will need to be available during the hours of 8-4pm. Working pattern, 3.5 hours over 5 days but could do longer days over 3/4 days for the right person.

What we offer

We can offer flexible working based on the requirements of the role. Talk to us during the interview process to discuss your individual circumstances.

We are taking positive action to increase diversity throughout our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion for all our people and the parents and families that we support. 

We are committed to zero discrimination both internally and externally regardless of visible or invisible difference such as sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital/civil partnership, family status including single parents, socio-economic background and pregnancy and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

We welcome and actively encourage applications from all candidates including those from under-represented groups within NCT such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability.

 The welfare and safety of individuals is at the heart of everything that we do. NCT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. 

Closing date for applications: 27th June 2025 – 5:00pm

Interviews: W/C 7th July 2025

Start date: 21st July 2025

Job Title: NCT Walk & Talk Project & Outreach Manager

Salary: £32,000

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 1st November 2026

Location: Home based with travel throughout England to volunteer events and activities

Benefits: NCT membership with access to exclusive benefits, pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus 8 bank and public holiday.

About us at the NCT

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online.

 NCT is committed to social justice and equity. We are dedicated to being an anti-racist charity and believe that inclusion is everyone's responsibility. Being there for every parent requires bold action to challenge inequalities. By creating inclusive spaces and services that are built on collaboration and trust, we welcome and celebrate diversity and strive to meet the needs of the pregnant women, new parents, families and communities that we serve.

As the world changes and new challenges are thrown up for parents, our charity must change too. Join us now and be part of this journey, and ensure that every parent feels connected, confident and safe. 

About the role

We are recruiting a Project & Outreach Manager to help raise the profile and accessibility of NCT Walk & Talk across England supporting volunteers to leverage NCT’s existing local networks and encouraging take up in new areas. 

Funded by Sport England, as part of an ambitious programme of change for NCT Walk & Talk, this post will be responsible for increasing the number of walks taking place and the number of new and expectant parents engaging with this service. This is a key role under the ‘More Parents, More Impact pillar of our For Every Parent 2023-28 strategy which will support NCT's focus on tackling health inequalities, enabling parents to create connections and build local, supportive communities.

The post holder will be responsible for increasing the number of walks taking place and the number of new and expectant parents engaging with this service. This is a key role under the ‘More Parents, More Impact pillar of our For Every Parent 2023-28 strategy which will support NCT's focus on tackling health inequalities, enabling parents to create connections and build local, supportive communities.

This is a full-time role but we would be happy to talk about flexible hours for the right candidate so please just let us know in your supporting statement if this is something that you would like us to consider. This role will involve some evening and weekend work and flexibility to attend events.

Working as part of the wider Volunteering Team your great organisation skills will enable you to juggle a busy but rewarding workload. You will be able to prioritise multiple tasks, with excellent attention to detail. A background in working with parents that may be from communities experiencing disadvantages with previous experience of managing volunteers UK wide. You will help by recruiting, supporting, and managing volunteers who deliver NCT Walk & Talk in their local area. 

This role is perfect for someone who loves variety in their work where no day is the same.  Speaking to volunteers, working with external professionals and stakeholders, thinking creatively, report writing and improving processes are all a big part of this role.

We are looking for someone who is: 

· Agile and able to adapt to changing priorities

· Great at communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Experienced in leading projects involving volunteers.

· Able to manage a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment.

What we offer

We can offer flexible working based on the requirements of the role. Talk to us during the interview process to discuss your individual circumstances.

We are taking positive action to increase diversity throughout our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion for all our people and the parents and families that we support.

We are committed to zero discrimination both internally and externally regardless of visible or invisible difference such as sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital/civil partnership, family status including single parents, socio-economic background and pregnancy and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

We welcome and actively encourage applications from all candidates including those from under-represented groups within NCT such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability.

The welfare and safety of individuals is at the heart of everything that we do. NCT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. 

Closing date for applications: 4th July 2025 – 5:00pm

Interviews: W/C 14th July 2025

The Interview will involve a verbal presentation task

The purpose of this role is to provide leadership, oversight and curation to the FYT Leadership Team, and to lead the smooth running of the FYT Organisation which supports the wider FYT Movement. This will include coordinating the delivery of the strategic plan, leading fundraising, and working closely with the FYT Board to oversee the smooth running of the organisation.

Hours: 22.5 hrs per week
Salary: £24,116 per annum (£40,194 pro rata) + 9% pension
Holidays: 5 weeks plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas
Location: Working from home, with nationwide travel expected

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the FYT Movement – Engage with movement members
   • Listening
   • Inspiring
   • Taking inspiration from
   • Facilitating collaboration and cross-pollination
2. Lead the FYT staff team – supporting, supervising, enabling and encouraging and ensuring appropriate HR functions are carried out. 
3. Lead the fundraising strategy for the organisation, giving attention to securing grants, as well as donor fundraising . Report as necessary to funders.
4. Work with the Finance Officer to manage the budget and finances within the parameters agreed by the Board.
5. Facilitate the effective function of the Leadership Team, enabling the smooth and efficient carrying out of the strategic priorities.
6. Provide Line Management support and supervision to the other members of the Leadership Team.
7. Develop, implement and monitor FYT’s strategic plan in partnership with the FYT team and board
8. Engage in practical theological reflection on FYT’s mission and how it is expressed.
9. Attend and contribute as required to Board meetings, working closely with the Chair and Board to ensure that appropriate issues are raised, and that any agreed action is put into effect.
10. Be an advocate for marginalised young people, the issues they face, and youth workers and projects working with them (pursuing prophetic mischief, provocation, and taking up our unique space in the youth ministry community).
11. Make links with appropriate Christian, voluntary and statutory bodies and to represent FYT in appropriate forums and pursue opportunities for collaborative working.
12. Support the active promotion of the FYT training and resource offer.
13. Lead the monitoring and evaluation (impact assessment) of FYT’s work

Other functions:

1. Meet regularly with Line Manager for supervision.
2. Undertake administration and keep necessary work records.
3. Comply with all FYT policies and procedures.
4. Work collaboratively with the FYT leadership team and Board to ensure that organisational policies are regularly reviewed.
5. Engage in CPD/lifelong learning.
6. Undertake any other tasks that may be requested, commensurate with the nature and level of the post and as may be required by the Board of Trustees.

Additional Information

• The Leadership Team is supported by a contract with Giraffe HR that assists in the day to day running of the organisation, primarily managing the finances of the organisation.
• Engagement in ongoing, regular youth work with marginalised young people is not a requirement of this post, but encouraged. FYT will be flexible where possible in order to facilitate this.

At Young Sounds UK our mission is to help musically talented young people from low-income families fulfil their potential. We're seeking our first Evaluation Director to join a small, thriving organisation and lead our evaluation strategy. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will generate insights that strengthen programme delivery, and how we understand and share our impact.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 14 July 2025 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development

Role overview 

Young Sounds is a reflective organisation. We’ve always invested time and effort in seeking out, understanding and demonstrating the difference our programmes are making. We believe in learning from experience. This is what we mean by evaluation.

We have recently secured funding to build on our evaluation work to date, and it is a priority for us to more fully embed evaluation throughout our work – the Evaluation Director will be critical to us achieving this. The Evaluation Director is a new role and will lead the development and implementation of Young Sounds’ evaluation strategy, ensuring that our work is evidence-based and impactful.

Key areas of responsibility 

• Evaluation strategy and organisational learning 
• Programme evaluation 
• Organisational capacity and culture 
• Research and policy engagement 
• Quality assurance and reporting 

Operations Officer (Internal role names: Scheduler, Response Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator)
 

Time: 2.5 days per week (20 hours). Monday is an essential working day, the rest of the time can be worked flexibly within business hours.

Where: Remote - UK based. Two team days per year in London / South East or online. 

Salary: £26,000 full time equivalent 

Deadline: 27th June 

As Scheduler, you’ll help allocate new client referrals to our team of practitioners and coordinate smooth handovers between team members. You’ll work closely with the Scheduling Lead and wider operations team to ensure efficiency and continuity of care.

In the Response Coordinator role, you'll manage all incoming enquiries via phone and email, ensuring timely responses and directing queries to the appropriate team member.

As Volunteer and Placement Coordinator, you’ll oversee the onboarding of volunteers and Music Therapy student placements, matching individuals to suitable settings, and handling DBS checks and references.

You’ll also contribute to ongoing improvements by sharing feedback and insights from your role to support the development of internal systems and processes.

Accountabilities

This role involves a range of duties that may vary week to week. Key responsibilities include:

• Responding promptly to general enquiries from individuals and organisations via phone and email

• Supporting the scheduling team with new referrals, service contracts, and opportunities, including liaising with Music Therapists and Community Musicians

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in our CRM system (Salesforce or similar experience is desirable), including logging communications and key information

• Ensuring clear and consistent communication with clients, referrers, and partner organisations regarding referrals and enquiries

• Creating and managing service agreements using Jotform

• Assisting with assurance and compliance paperwork

• Transferring referral data and supporting team members in keeping client records current

• Coordinating student placements and volunteer onboarding, including DBS and reference checks and matching to appropriate settings

• Signposting individuals to relevant resources where appropriate

• Providing operational support to team members and directing queries to the appropriate colleague

Person specification

We are looking for a highly organised, efficient individual who can work independently and take initiative when needed. The ideal candidate will demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in all communications, with a warm and supportive telephone manner and the ability to write clear, compassionate email responses to clients and referrers.

Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach are essential, as this role involves close interaction with colleagues across the team. An understanding of, or willingness to learn about, music therapy and the experiences of our clients is important.

Confidence using digital tools and systems is essential, as the role involves working with a range of platforms to support service delivery and coordination.

Key essential competencies: 

• Excellent and clear communication both written and verbal 

• Attention to detail

• Ability to prioritise effectively where needed

• Ability to work with sensitive data confidentially and in line with GDPR requirements

• An empathic and understanding approach

• Understanding of safeguarding practices and willingness to stay up to date with regular training

• Ability to understand the needs of our clients to help ensure the right support, in collaboration with the practitioners 

• Ability to work responsively to changes

Desirable: 

• Experience of working with a CRM database, Salesforce is preferable

• Experience using Google workspace and Google Docs and Sheets 

• Experience working with Jotform and Slack is preferable

Training will be provided in all these areas should you not have experience working with these platforms. 

Job benefits

With our benefits there is something good for everyone. We are a progressive organisation that believes building a good team culture is not only good for everyone who works for us – but it makes a difference to how we engage with our clients too.

That’s why when you join Chiltern Music Therapy, you can expect to receive a wide range of impressive employee benefits including:

• Competitive annual leave allowance

• Flexible working

• High street discount shopping portal

• EAP package - access to confidential support and wellbeing services

About Chiltern Music Therapy

Chiltern is an award-winning social enterprise that provides music therapy, community music services and training to over 1700 people of all ages and many different needs across England each year. Formed in 2011 from a desire to change how music therapy was offered in the UK, we hold accessibility and financial inclusivity at our heart, working across health, education, social care and community settings.

Proud to be a self-managed and employee-owned organisation, we strive to create a world where music therapy is the transformative thread in the lives of the children and adults we support. At Chiltern we recognise the different strengths within our team. We provide an environment where people can take charge of the work they do and make informed decisions using professional judgement and life experience, alongside peer support. We’re welcoming, inclusive, and have worked hard to create a positive environment that we are proud of. You can find out more about us on our website.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a one-page covering letter which should include your reasons for wanting to join Chiltern Music Therapy and suitability for the role.

We welcome enquiries and applications from people of all identities and backgrounds and value diversity in our workforce.

Closing date for applications: Due to high volume of applications we are closing this early on Friday 27th June 2025. 

We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible as we may close applications early depending on application numbers.

For more information about Chiltern Music Therapy please visit our website

About the Role

As Director of Devolved Nations, you will:

• Lead Carers UK’s work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, driving strategic impact and ensuring alignment with the UK-wide mission.
• Shape and deliver national strategies that bring about real improvements in carers’ lives.
• Collaborate with government, public bodies, the voluntary sector, and other stakeholders to influence policy and secure statutory funding.
• Provide inspirational leadership to the Carers Scotland, Carers Wales, and Carers NI teams.
• Contribute to UK-wide senior leadership and organisational development.

You’ll need to be flexible, with travel across the UK, including overnight stays and occasional weekend work.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant senior leadership experience in policy, public affairs, or charity leadership.
• A deep understanding of the political and policy landscapes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Strong governance knowledge and experience working with Boards or Committees.
• A track record of building influential relationships across sectors, including with senior government officials and funders.
• Excellent people management skills and the ability to lead dispersed teams.
• Commitment to Carers UK’s values of being Attentive, Ambitious, and Achievers.
• Experience working with or understanding the needs of unpaid carers is highly desirable.

And who:

• Is passionate about caring and can inspire their teams to deliver new and innovative ways to campaign for and support carers as we close our 60th anniversary in 2025 and move towards our strategic review in 2026.
• Will be an active member of the Senior Management team working collaboratively across the organisation, ensuring consistent messaging and support across all four nations.
• Who is able to proactively represent the charity, engaging a wide range of stakeholders.

For more information please download the full job description

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 days with long service) + bank holidays
• An additional 3 paid days leave over Christmas and New Year
• Up to 10 days paid care leave
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance cover (2x salary)
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Free Health Cash Plan with a free, unlimited and confidential 24 hour advice, support and information line; free, unlimited and confidential GP line access; a wellbeing portal and app plus cash back to set limits for dental, optical and therapy treatments, plus kids cover and retail and restaurant discounts
• Paid Special Leave
• Organisational sick pay scheme
• Paid volunteer leave
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion staff network groups
• A recognition scheme including a values winner of the month
• Season ticket, cycle, and technology loans
• A learning and development culture with access to a Learning Management System

We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer, a Carer Confident Employer, a Carer Positive employer, and part of the Happy to Talk Flexible Working scheme. We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge and have achieved the Disability Confident Employer (level 2).

Diversity and Inclusion

Carers UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects our community. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from those with lived experience of caring. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Consultancy work (Afghanistan Programme)

Terms of Reference for a Final Evaluation and Report

ToR

Consultancy work: Final Evaluation and Report

Commencement date

4 July 2025

Duration

c. 8 weeks (subject to change)

Accountable to

CAFOD Afghanistan team – Grace How and Kitty Chevallier

Overview: Conduct a Final Evaluation for a project entitled ‘Provision of humanitarian and livelihood support’, also known as ‘HELA’ (Humanitarian and Economic Livelihoods Assistance’). The 3-year project is funded by Misereor / Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe (KZE), with co-funding provided by CAFOD. It is implemented by two local partners in Afghanistan, in three provinces, between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2025.

CAFOD has been supporting local organisations in Afghanistan, including the two implementing partners for this project, since the 1980s to help tackle issues of poverty and injustice and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

Background and Context

Project Brief: This project is a result of partnership and joint work between CAFOD and the consortium members. The project builds on CAFOD’s existing programming in Afghanistan which strengthens the capacity of at-risk households by diversifying their livelihood options. The project focuses on meeting basic needs as well as promoting inclusive development, with the objective of strengthening resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable. As the project approaches the final few months of implementation, CAFOD is seeking to engage an external consultant to conduct a participatory final evaluation for this project. This will evaluate how effectively the project has been implemented, its major impacts and lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar programming. It is expected that the final evaluation will have a particular focus on the consortium partners’ ways of working: the strength of their collaboration, the efficacy and suitability of monitoring and evaluation approaches, and the benefit of learning events and strategies used through the project.

CAFOD and our partners are working with the same target group throughout the duration of the project, not only providing humanitarian and livelihood support, but also raising awareness amongst participants of families' rights from an Islamic perspective. Over the past two decades, much work has been undertaken to empower Afghan households and enable them to exercise their agency. Partners are taking a variety of approaches to further these aims in the project.

Ultimately, the project aims to support and ensure that the rights of poor and vulnerable people in Bamyan, Kabul, and Kunduz provinces are upheld and they have increased agency in their social and economic development.

Directly, the project has been planned to achieve programme outcomes:

1. The basic needs of targeted households are met.
2. Targeted participants have improved resilience through diversified livelihoods.
3. Targeted community leaders and members (male and female) are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to promote and uphold their rights from an Islamic perspective.

Project Target Group and Location: The project will reach a total of 350 participants in three provinces of Afghanistan (Bamyan, Kunduz and Kabul) with a combination of humanitarian assistance, livelihoods training and other activities.

Project Duration: September 2022 – August 2025 (36 months)

Scope of the Final Evaluation:

The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the overall performance and objectives of the completed project, in relation to the specified objectives, logical framework, and work plans. The evaluation will examine the extent to which project outcomes have been achieved, the quality and sustainability of results, and the relevance and appropriateness of strategies employed and ways of working. This participatory evaluation will analyse not only what has been achieved, but how it was achieved, how it was measured, and what could have been improved. This will include an examination of accountability measures, and how participants and other stakeholders were engaged throughout the implementation process, including how participants were given the opportunity and encouraged to share feedback and help shape the design of the project. The consultant will make and explain recommendations for consideration in implementing future projects of a similar nature.

The evaluation should include a review of the project’s monitoring data, secondary documents, a workshop with staff, and some direct data collection from key stakeholders including targeted participants taking part in the livelihoods training activities, as well as their relatives and community members. Findings of the evaluation will be used to guide and improve future project design and implementation. They should be written up into a final evaluation report (no more than 30 pages) which will be made available to CAFOD, Misereor and both partners.

As well as assessing progress towards logical framework indicators, the evaluation should focus on capturing, documenting and assessing lessons learned to inform future project design and implementation.

The assessment will be conducted in close coordination with CAFOD’s Afghanistan team, including the Country Programme Representative, Programme Officer, and Programme Support Officer.

Objectives of the Final Evaluation:

1. To assess the project and its effectiveness in meeting its three outcomes and supporting targeted Afghan households, through material assistance, livelihoods skill training and associated support, advocacy initiatives, and other activities.
2. To evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the projects MEAL systems:
   1. To what extent did project monitoring and evaluation help track project progress and achievements?
   2. How effectively was participation and accountability built into project design and implementation, and partners’ ways of working with stakeholders?
   3. How effectively were learning opportunities used throughout the project (including peer learning and exchange visits, learning workshops, regular progress workshops, etc.)?
3. To assess and review consortium functionality, partnership dynamics, and collaboration.
4. To capture and assess key lessons learned from the project from various stakeholders including project staff, participants, civil society groups involved in the project, community leaders and other community members.
5. To assess the sustainability and impact of project achievements, including:
   1. Changes in participants’ social and economic agency and participation
   2. Shifts in community attitudes and behaviours
   3. Capacity built among local partners and stakeholders.
6. To produce a high-quality report, no longer than 30 pages, which will be shared with CAFOD, Misereor and implementing partners.

Deliverables and proposed deadlines:

• Develop a short inception report with proposed methodology, plans and tools for collecting data from stakeholders, for the final evaluation (1st and 2nd week of contract), to be discussed and agreed with CAFOD and partners.
• Gather data from relevant stakeholders (3rd and 4th week of contract)
• Submission of draft report (6th week of contract)
• Review and revision of report based on feedback (6th and 7th week of contract)
• Submission of final report (8th week of contract)
• Presentation of report to CAFOD and partners– date to be confirmed.

Methodology:

• The evaluation should adopt a participatory mixed-methods approach, beginning with a desk review before integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that data collected is triangulated and can be communicated, explained and contextualised.
• It is expected that the consultant will combine surveys/questionnaires with structured interviews, FGDs and KIIs. Note that to enable the open and unrestricted sharing of opinions and information, the data can be anonymised where relevant and appropriate.
• Evaluation team members are encouraged to use innovative methods to collect and analyse data. The qualitative component will allow for more in-depth data gathering to gain more insightful findings from relevant target groups regarding their experience of the project and its impact.
• Data is expected to be gathered from key project stakeholders, including:
  • Targeted participants (in vocational training, first aid training, and Local Leaders Committees).
• The midterm evaluation will be supported by two workshops: an initial developmental workshop in which the data collection methods will be discussed with CAFOD staff and representatives from partners to obtain feedback and input; and a feedback and validation workshop after submission of the draft report, to obtain input on findings and recommendations.
• The consultant(s) are expected to propose the most suitable method of sampling/randomisation and the sample size will be determined in collaboration with CAFOD and partners. Information shall be collected from across specified beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders.
• All data collected during the baseline study will be disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location.

Ethical Considerations

The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the midterm evaluation:

• The evaluation will be conducted by an independent and impartial external consultant.
• Quantitative data will be obtained from a randomly selected representative sample. 
• Participation in the study will be voluntary, and individuals must be able to curtail their participation in the study at any time. 
• The safety of participants and implementing partner staff will be paramount.
• Anonymity, confidentiality and safeguarding of study data (both during data collection and for data storage) will be guaranteed. 
• There will be no risks and benefits for individual participants.
• The culture, norms and traditions of study populations will be respected and laws of the country upheld.
• Participation in the evaluation will involve no additional security or safety risks for participants, in light of the current context in Afghanistan.
• The content of the evaluation will be treated confidentially and only shared with CAFOD, partners and Misereor.

Required Competencies:

• A minimum master’s degree in social sciences or relevant field;
• Other training/certifications in thematic areas relevant to the project will be an asset (livelihoods, gender, behavioural change communication etc.);
• Other professional training on Research Methodology, Development Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation from recognised institutes/universities would be an asset;
• A proven track record of an ability to pragmatically apply in-depth knowledge and experiences of issues and practices in the fields of humanitarian, livelihoods and gender in Afghanistan;
• Strong computer and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical documents/ reports, conduct interviews as part of background research.

Demonstrable Skills and Experience:

• Record of publication of social research documents, evaluation reports, survey reports, study reports on livelihoods and rights issues is a strong asset;
• Experience of carrying out mixed-methods studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (at least 2 recent reports should be submitted with the RFP);
• Strong background of statistical data analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages (in Stata or SPSS);
• Member of professional societies/forums (e.g. evaluation society) will be an asset;
• At least 6 years’ experience managing evaluations, baselines and/or assessments for community-based programmes, including since August 2021;
• Experience in delivering high quality assessments, research or evaluations for institutionally funded projects such as FCDO/DFID, EU or USAID;
• Experience working with and/or evaluating the work of national NGOs and CSOs in Afghanistan;
• A gender-balanced team (at all levels) is highly desired;
• Ability to adapt plans and approaches, sometimes at short notice;
• Fluency in English essential; ability to conduct interviews in Dari and Pashto essential.

CAFOD is committed to creating a safe environment for all project participants, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The consultant will be expected to follow these commitments and sign and adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by 29 June 2025. Please see CAFOD website to email the documents requested below

• Updated CVs (lead consultant and associates if any)
• Technical proposal with proposed methodology and detailed work plan
• 2 examples of similar assessments, evaluations, research, analytical report writing in English
• Financial proposal: Up to a maximum of USD 14,000. This fee should include all consultancy costs, including data collection costs (travel, accommodation, food etc.) as well as all applicable VAT and Tax.

Submissions will be reviewed and scored according to a) the criteria and considerations listed in this Terms of Reference, b) the suitability of the project plan/method statement and c) value for money.

Management and Reporting Arrangements:

The recruitment and initial briefing to the consultant will be managed by CAFOD, in consultation with the project partners.

Both in-country implementing partners will provide logistical and administrative support and guidance, including supply of relevant documentation, and help with the organisation of meetings and interviews (the financial costs of this will be covered by the consultant). Additionally required costs such as refreshments for FGDs will be paid for by partners. The consultant will be responsible for working with partner staff to arrange interviews and field visits ensuring all relevant stakeholders are available at the place and time agreed; the consultant(s) will provide facilitation of workshops, FGDs, meetings and field visits.

Deliverables will be reviewed, appraised and accepted by members of CAFOD’s Afghanistan staff, in consultation with the relevant partner staff members. 

Summary Timeline (subject to change):

19 – 29 June

Circulation of TORs and Invitation to Submit Quotations

29 June

Closing date for applications

2 July – 3 July

Interviews with short-listed consultants

4 July

Final consultant selection and contract signing

5 July – 4 August

Planning, document review and fieldwork

14 August

Submission of draft report to CAFOD

15 - 23 August

Review, feedback and revision of report

31 August

Presentation of report findings and recommendations to CAFOD, partners, and Misereor.

The selection consultant(s) will be expected to fully agree to comply with all relevant CAFOD policies during the contracted period including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide references.