1. Background

Sightsavers is an international organization working to prevent avoidable blindness, support equality for people with disabilities and advocate for an inclusive society for all.  We have been working in Pakistan since 1985. 

Sightsavers as one of the partners of consortium led by British Council is initiating a new project “GOAL” (Girls and Out of School Children: Action for Learning). This project is aimed at improving access to for out of school children through accelerated learning and improving educational attainment of in-school girls and boys in South Punjab and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.  This program is part of the UK’s global commitment to enhance educational opportunities for girls, addressing the significant barriers many girls in Pakistan face, such as social and cultural restrictions, costs, and accessibility issues. It addresses challenges like social and economic barriers that limit educational opportunities for girls. By enhancing teacher capacity and improving school management, the project aims to create a supportive learning environment and build a more inclusive education system that empowers girls and helps them succeed in school and beyond. This initiative aligns with broader global goals to promote equitable education and support for vulnerable groups.

One of the components of the project is to ensure that children have safe environment in schools. Therefore, we are seeking a consultant to conduct a review of existing legislations, policies and frameworks related to child safeguarding and protection in Punjab and KP, with a focus on how these policies are connected to the education systems in these provinces. This analysis will help identify the current links between safeguarding practices and education. The findings from this review will guide the project in developing school-level safeguarding policies and procedures, strengthening capacity of teachers, head teachers and school management committees to make sure that children are learning in safe environment free from harm and exploitation. 

2. Objective

The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a review of existing legislative/policy and institutional framework regarding child protection/ safeguarding in Punjab and KP provinces, focusing on their relevance with the the education systems.  In addition, the consultant will identify gaps within the existing policies and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen these frameworks. These recommendations will guide the project in developing effective school-level safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring that protective measures are successfully integrated into the education system, thereby promoting a safer environment for children. 

Specific Objectives: 

- Review of existing legislative/policy and institutional frameworks regarding child safeguarding/protection

- Explore the existing safeguarding practices at school level and identify gaps in implementation of existing policies. 

- Assess teachers' knowledge and understanding of child safeguarding to explore capacity building needs.

- explore children understanding of safeguarding issues in schools and there suggestions for improving the situation. 

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

1. Desk Review:

                  I.         Review relevant national and provincial legislation, policies, frameworks, and institutional mechanisms related to child safeguarding and protection in Punjab and KP.

                 II.         Identify and document the policies specifically linked to the education sector, noting gaps and areas of improvement.

1. Field Data Collection:

• Conduct Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with: 
• Representatives from relevant departments (e.g., Child Protection, Social Welfare, Education)
• Education department officials including teachers and school administrators to understand their perspectives on existing child safeguarding mechanisms.
• FGDs with children in selected districts to explore their understanding of safeguarding practices/procedures in place in both provinces.

Consultant will use approved data collection tools and list of stakeholders for KIIs and FGDs by Sightsavers. 

1. 4.     Analysis and Reporting:

Map out the existing child safeguarding mechanisms and identify how these links with provincial (Punjab, KP) education systems.

Provide recommendations based on the review, highlighting gaps, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen safeguarding policies within the educational framework.

1. 5.    Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report:

Detailed work plan, including methodology for desk review, FGDs, and KIIs.

2. Draft Report on Policy Mapping:

Preliminary findings from desk review and initial consultations.

Documentation of existing child safeguarding policies and mechanisms in Punjab and KP, with a focus on education sector linkage.

3. Final Report:

Comprehensive report covering the desk review and field findings, including analysis of gaps and recommendations for strengthening school-level safeguarding.

Presentation of findings to the Sightsavers team.

1. 6.     Qualifications

• Master's degree in social sciences, Education, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in child protection and safeguarding, particularly in the education sector.
• Familiarity with policy mapping, institutional analysis, and conducting FGDs/KIIs.
• Experience working in Punjab and/or KP would be advantageous.

1. 7.    Duration and Timeline

Duration: 30 working days

1. 8.    Management and Reporting

The consultant will work under the supervision of Sightsavers team, providing regular updates and discussing progress as needed.

1. 9.    Application Process

Qualified consultants are invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) along with their proposals, including:

1. Brief work plan and methodology.
2. CV(s) of consultant(s) involved.
3. Relevant experience and examples of similar assignments.
4. Proposed budget and daily rate.