Terms of Reference

Consultant for a Study (Children’s Voices for Return)

Background

In the context of the evolving situation in Syria, discussions around voluntary return among Syrian refugee families in Jordan have increased significantly. As intentions to return continue to emerge, there is a critical need to better understand children's perspectives, priorities, and concerns regarding the possibility of returning to Syria. While return-related assessments often focus on household-level decision-making, children's views remain underrepresented despite the profound impact that return may have on their protection, wellbeing, education, social connections, and future opportunities.

The Children’s Voices for Return Study aims to generate evidence on Syrian refugee children's perceptions, intentions, and concerns related to voluntary return through an innovative participatory qualitative methodology. The findings will inform the design and strategic direction of the Coaching for Life (CfL) Programme, support sustainability planning, and identify appropriate support mechanisms for children who may return to Syria. In addition, the study will contribute to child-sensitive return and reintegration planning at both national and regional levels, while aligning with Save the Children Jordan’s commitment to ensuring that children's voices are meaningfully reflected in decisions and policies that affect their lives.

Objective

To generate evidence-based, child-centered insights into Syrian refugee children's perceptions, intentions, priorities, and concerns regarding voluntary return to Syria, in order to inform child-sensitive programming, return and reintegration planning, and decision-making at programme, national, and regional levels.

Scope of Work and Key Tasks

The selected consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing the Children’s Voices for Return Study and delivering high-quality evidence on Syrian refugee children's perspectives regarding voluntary return to Syria.

The consultant will be expected to:

1. Methodology

The consultant will develop and implement a participatory, child-centered assessment methodology that places children’s voices and perspectives on return to Syria at the core of the research process. The methodology should include:

• Child-friendly, age-appropriate, and creative methods that enable children to express their views in safe and meaningful ways.
• A detailed study design, sampling approach, data collection tools, work plan, and analysis framework.
• An inclusive and ethical approach that complies with child safeguarding and research ethics standards.
• An inception meeting with Save the Children Jordan (SCJ) to validate the methodology, tools, sampling approach, and implementation plan prior to data collection.

2. Development of Data Collection Tools

• Design child-friendly qualitative data collection tools, participatory activities, and facilitation materials that promote creative modes of expression.

• Through these tools we need to ensure to explore children:

• Intentions and willingness to return to Syria;
• Hopes, aspirations, and expectations for the future;
• Fears, concerns, and perceived risks associated with return;
• Perceptions of safety and belonging;
• Family dynamics and children's role in return-related decision-making;
• Social connections and aspects of life in Jordan they may miss if they return;
• Perceived support needed for successful reintegration.
• Identity, Home, and Sense of Belonging
• Reintegration Expectations
• Friendships and Peer Relationships
• Education and Learning Continuity plan

• Translate all tools and reports into English and revise them based on SCJ feedback.

3. Data Collection and Facilitation

• Recruit and train qualified data collectors and facilitators, including orientation on the data collection tools, child safeguarding and ethical research practices.
• Facilitate and oversee all data collection activities.
• Conduct approximately 20 participatory workshops in Zatari camp and 10 workshops in Azraq camp with children and adolescents.
• Ensure meaningful child participation and create safe spaces for children to express their views and experiences.
• Transportation will be provided for both camps.

4. Data Analysis

• Clean, process, and analyze qualitative data.
• Identify key themes, trends, concerns, and recommendations emerging from children's perspectives.
• Triangulate findings across different data sources and participant groups ensuring age-disaggregated analysis and comparison.

5. Reporting and Validation

• Prepare a Draft Study Report (30 pages) presenting findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Submit final data collection tools in English and translated into Arabic.
• Validation workshop
• Submit a Final Study Report incorporating feedback from SCJ and stakeholders.

 Deliverables

• Inception Report.
• Data collection tools in Arabic and English.
• Training materials and facilitator guides.
• Qualitative data and thematic analysis.
• Draft Study Report.
• Validation workshop presentation.
• Final Study Report.
   

Qualifications and Experience:

1.Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
2.Demonstrated experience in designing and facilitating interactive workshops, consultations, or participatory activities with children and adolescents; experience incorporating arts-based and creative expression methodologies is considered an asset.
3. Minimum of three years of experience in conducting qualitative research, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.
4. Proven experience working in humanitarian and/or international development contexts.
5. Excellent analytical, report-writing, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present findings clearly and effectively.

Timing:
4 months (5^th July – 5^th Nov 2026)

To apply

• Submit a CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit technical a financial proposal, including a work plan and estimated costs, as part of the next stage of the recruitment process.
• Qualified Males and Females are welcome to apply.