Your mission
We aim to develop and test a short, modular, play-based intervention for families with children experiencing (externalising) behavioral problems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and humanitarian settings. We intend to have a modular intervention that can be implemented as an add-on to existing psychosocial interventions, such as War Child’s interventions
Stronger Together,
BeThere, or for parents of children participating in
TeamUp, or other.
This consultancy is a key component of a 3-year research project funded by LEGO Foundation’s scheme Thriving Through Play.
The main task of the consultant will be to develop a play-based family module, encouraging caregivers to interact with their children (who show behavioural problems) using play. The consultant’s work will be based on already completed steps: (i) literature review (formal and grey) gathering evidence on existing and assessed interventions in LMICs, (ii) stakeholder analysis/feedback to understand what experts regard as needs, gaps and interest for such an intervention; and (iii) formative participatory research which will collect insights from people with lived experience (i.e. families with children experiencing behavioural problems). The literature and stakeholder analysis have been completed and will be shared with the consultant for input.
In 2026, we plan to conduct formative participatory research together with a community advisory board (CAB) in Lebanon, which will further provide important input to inform the intervention development and Theory of Change workshops. The development shall include two phases of field-testing (e.g. with 5-15 families) and adaptations. Once developed, we aim to conduct a feasibility randomized controlled trial (fRCT).
Main Task and Deliverables:
- Facilitate Theory of Change workshops
- Co-creation workshops with (i) psychologists; (ii) people with lived experience (families); (iii) scaling partners, and (iv) scaling product owner.
- Develop first draft of intervention manual
- Review the submitted documentation based on agreed criteria
- Review prior work and add expert’s existing knowledge
- Develop intervention content outline
- Once outline is agreed, then:
- Create 3-4 modules of 45-90 min each session
- To be delivered by non-specialists
- Culturally appropriate for Lebanese and Syrian conflict-affected populations
- Develop final draft of intervention manual
- Provide guidance to field-testing, including mixed methods using qualitative and quantitative data collection
The consultant will join the core team of the research project: Principal Investigator, Scientific Coordinator, Research Coordinator based in Lebanon, implementing partner (Right To Play) and academic partner (American University Beirut).
Your profile
Essential skills- At least advanced/Master degree in clinical psychology, social work, public health or related
- At least >10 years of experience in the area of family-based interventions, family mental health, child-parent interventions
- Proven track record of intervention development and evaluation in family mental health
- Willingness to travel to Lebanon, approx. 1-2 trips within 2026
Soft skills- Excellent analytical and writing skills
- Strong communication skills and cross-cultural sensitivity
Desirable- Familiarity with Lebanon and/or the Middle East context
- Extensive experience in providing training and supervision
- Strong experience on community engagement
Funding: LEGO Foundation Thriving Through Play
What we offer
What we offer
- Location : home-based, with availability for calls with GMT+1/+2; for travels to and within Lebanon, WCA will cover flight costs, transport, accommodation and expenses
- War Child does not offer relocation.
- Type of Contract : Consultancy contract .
- Duration: Approximately 40-80 days within 12 month period, from March/April 2026 to January/Feb 2027, with fluctuating workload – more at the beginning and during peak moments, with workshops in Q2 of 2026. Reduced involvement with advisory role during the start of the fRCT, Q1 2027.
- Meaningful Impact: The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families affected by conflict, contributing to long-term, sustainable change.
- Equal Opportunities: War Child is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and inclusion, respecting all individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability.
- Workplace Culture: War Child is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace that prioritizes safety and fairness for all individuals. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying within our organization
Why You Should Apply- Make a Real Impact: Your work will directly contribute to providing quality education to children who need it most, creating lasting change in their lives.
- Career Growth: Join a dynamic organization that values your professional development and offers opportunities for learning, growth, and innovation.
- Global Reach: Play a key role in scaling a ground-breaking programme that operates in multiple conflict-affected regions around the world.
- Collaborative and Mission-Driven: Work alongside passionate colleagues and partners united in a mission to protect children and help them thrive despite adversity.
How to ApplyQualified candidates are encouraged to submit their proposal
before 4th January 2025., We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended.Proposal submission should include:- CV
- Cover letter / technical proposal covering the above ToR
- Quote with estimated number of days and daily professional fee
if you have any question please contact alexandra.bleile@warchild.net
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By submitting your application you certify that all of the statements made in your application are true, complete, and correct and are made in good faith. You understand that falsifying, misrepresenting or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for rejection of your application or withdrawal of any offer of appointment or, if an appointment offer has been accepted, this will be ground for employment sanctions, such as, but not limited to, instant dismissal. In addition, you understand that you need to submit a Criminal Record Certificate and that, if you fail to submit it, no employment relationship can be established.War Child is an international organisation, and we are committed to be a diverse and inclusive employer, placing human and child rights at the centre of our existence and work. We hire our new colleagues based on their talents, competences and shared values; we do not distinguish them based on their age, gender and gender identity, race, color, ethnicity, religion, culture, sexual orientation, disability etc.The safety of children and youth is a paramount and essential to War Child’s work. War Child has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse. To prevent placing children and youth at any risk this subject is addressed in our recruitment and selection procedures. Moreover, the accepted candidates will be required to state their commitment/ intent to be aware, consider and adhere to the minimum standards applicable in development and humanitarian settings, such as humanitarian values and principles, Sphere Humanitarian Charter, Standards in the Humanitarian Standards Partnership, Core Humanitarian Standard, International Humanitarian Law, Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and IASC Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.Disclaimer- Only applications received via our website are processed.
- If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed.
- It could be that during our selection process the closing date for the vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active.
About us
The War Child Alliance is an international non-governmental organization committed to providing psychosocial support, child protection, youth empowerment programming and quality education to the children affected by armed conflict. We implement evidence-based interventions to empower key stakeholders—including governments, educators, caregivers, and communities—to foster children’s wellbeing, education, and self-determination. We work with global teams with team members being based in different locations. War Child is currently operates in: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (soon to be registered), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Learn more about War Child and our programmes
https://www.warchild.net/ Safeguarding and Integrity
Our work with children and at-risk adults to keep them safe is the most important thing we do. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in all areas of our work. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours and practices that puts children and/or vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and/or harm. All (prospective) employees will be expected to be compliant with and sign up to our Child Safeguarding policy, our Code of Conduct and PSEA: Adults at Risk Policy. You can find the Child Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policy here: Integrity & Safeguarding - Home
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB)
We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to ensuring that all our people and job applicants are treated fairly, irrespective of where, what or whom they were born, or of other characteristics. We want to offer a safe and inclusive workplace where all our people, especially those who are currently marginalised or underrepresented, can be themselves at work. You can read our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) policy on our website, and if you have any questions about our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) do get in touch: DEIB.team@warchild.net
