Consultancy: Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) / Operational Manual for the Management of a Safe Space for Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) -at Mission for Community Development Program (MCDP)

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) for Consultancy Services for Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) / Operational Manual for the Management of a Safe Space for Child Domestic Workers (CDWs)

1. Organizational Background: Mission for Community Development Program (MCDP) is an Ethiopian non-governmental, non-religious, non-profit organization established in 1998. Dedicated to improving the living conditions of vulnerable children and women through integrated community development strategies, MCDP leverages over 25 years of operational experience alongside a strong network of civil society, private sector, and government stakeholders.

In partnership with the Freedom Fund, MCDP is executing the Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) Project in Addis Ababa, operating a dedicated Safe Space in the Addis Ketema Sub-City. While a foundational Safe Space Manual was established under PEMS I, an internal gap analysis against international operational standards highlighted the need for a fully standardized, step-by-step Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure high-quality, consistent, and accountable service delivery.

2. Purpose and Objectives the primary objective of this consultancy is to design, validate, and finalize a field-ready SOP and operational toolkit for managing Safe Spaces for CDWs. The SOP must transition theoretical guidelines into concrete, actionable procedures grounded in relevant national legal frameworks (Labor Proclamation No. 1156/2019, Revised Family Code, and Criminal Code) and international conventions (CRC, ILO C138, C182, C189).

• Develop clear, step-by-step procedures across core operational modules (including intake, case management, direct care, trauma-informed psychosocial support, family tracing/reunification, safeguarding, and data protection).
• Formulate functional, practical tools, forms, and assessment templates for frontline operational staff.
• Establish clear linkage pathways with community structures, government primary schools, youth centers, and relevant local authorities.
• Conduct stakeholder validation and draft a targeted staff roll-out/orientation plan.

3. Scope of Work and Key Deliverables The assignment will be executed over a period of 7–8 weeks (approximately 35 working days LOE) and includes the following key deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Inception Report & Detailed Work Plan (within 5 working days of signing).
• Deliverable 2: Legal and Policy Framework Review Note (Week 2).
• Deliverable 3: Draft SOP/Manual (Zero Draft) covering all required components (Weeks 3–4).
• Deliverable 4: Stakeholder Validation Workshop & Report (Week 5).
• Deliverable 5: Finalized, Print-Ready SOP/Manual with Comprehensive Practical Annexes (Weeks 5–6).
• Deliverable 6: Staff Orientation Plan & Briefing Materials (Week 7).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Social Work, Human Rights, Child Rights, International Development, or related social sciences.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven professional experience in developing SOPs, operational manuals, or procedural guidelines for humanitarian or development programs (experience with child protection, CDWs protection or safe spaces is highly preferred).
• Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in Ethiopian child protection legislation, labor frameworks, and international child rights standards. Specifically Strong understanding of the socio-economic and protection dynamics affecting Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) is highly desirable.
• Skills: Exceptional analytical, drafting, and tool-design skills, with a track record of translating complex regulatory mandates into field-level operational toolkits.

Reporting

The consultant will report progress and provide updates to the Project Coordinator and Program Manager at MCDP, and will work closely with them throughout the assignment.