About Moving Minds Alliance MMA originated as a donor collaborative in 2017 committed to increasing early childhood development in emergencies (ECDiE) as a priority area of focus for the humanitarian sector. It has since evolved to become a multi-stakeholder alliance advocating for early childhood development in every crisis response, leveraging the strengths of diverse actors, from the local to the global. We envisage a world in which families and communities affected by crisis can nurture the wellbeing and development of their young children and uphold their rights.

MMA’s new 2025-2030 strategic priorities are to:

●        Grow and develop the community of ECDiE advocates

●        Accelerate innovation and new ways of working in the current crisis response system; and

●        Generate and promote uptake of research, evidence, and learning for the purpose of advocacy in ECDiE.

MMA has established itself as a thought leader through the production of innovative research and engagement in advocacy.  Between 2022 and 2023, it developed a comprehensive Young Children in Crisis Settings  advocacy toolkit comprising multiple thematic briefs. The toolkit provides systematic evidence about the impact of crisis and displacement on young children through their critical period of early development. It underscores the significance of early childhood development services in emergency contexts, and identifies the importance of ensuring provision of holistic and integrated early childhood development, in line with the nurturing care framework, addressing issues such as nutrition, education, gender, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and child protection. Purpose of Consultancy

The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive and evidence-based thematic brief focusing specifically on the crucial intersection of early childhood development and health in crisis and displacement settings. This brief will detail how Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) can be effectively integrated within health interventions to optimize support for young children affected by crisis and displacement.

Scope of Work

The consultant is required to:

●        Complete a literature review of relevant research, reports, and guidelines on ECDiE, health sector interventions in emergencies, and the impact of crises and displacement on young children focusing on the 0-8 year age range.

●        Develop a clear, concise, and accessible thematic brief (approximately 15-20 pages) that addresses the objectives outlined above, which:

○        Articulates the critical linkages between the health and ECDiE sectors in emergency and displacement contexts.

○        Explains the importance of embedding ECDiE into health interventions to ensure holistic nurturing care for children aged 0-8 years.

○        Provides program examples, practical guidance and recommendations for health actors on how to integrate ECDiE into their interventions.

○        Highlights the importance of caregiver support and engagement in ECDiE programming.

○        Articulates the "why," "what," and "how" of integrating ECDiE within health interventions in crisis and displacement settings

The brief must:

●        Be accessible and relevant to a diverse audience, including health professionals, policymakers, practitioners and funders within the health or ECD sectors.

●        Address diverse crisis and displacement contexts, including relevant case studies and examples from various settings.

●        Identify and distil existing best practices and lessons learned from ECDiE integration in health interventions.

●        Provides practical recommendations and action-oriented guidance for health actors.

●        Addresses the "why," "what," and "how" questions related to ECDiE integration in health interventions.

 

Deliverables

●        An inception report outlining the consultant's approach, methodology, and timeline.

●        A draft, fully referenced, thematic brief for review and feedback.

●        A consultation workshop with technical experts, including ECD and health experts,  to obtain feedback on the draft, and workshop report

●        A final, fully referenced, thematic brief in English

Timeline

The timeline to complete this consultancy is 10 weeks and the suggested deadline for the final thematic brief is on July 31.

Partner/Consultant Requirements

The following presents a non-exhaustive list of desired qualifications for the prospective partner:

●        Advanced degree in public health, early childhood development, or a related field.

●        Extensive experience in ECDC/ECDiE programming, advocacy and research, particularly in crisis, emergency, and displacement contexts.

●        Strong understanding of the health sector and its role in emergency response.

●        Demonstrated expertise in developing thematic briefs, reports, and other knowledge products.

●        Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, including demonstrable experience of inclusive research methodologies and caregiver-centered approaches.

●        Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise and accessible language.

●        Experience working with international organizations and/or humanitarian agencies.

●        Demonstrated knowledge of issues affecting the 0-8 age range in emergency settings.

●        Knowledge of global health guidelines and best practices.

Application Process

Prospective consultants are required to submit the following as part of their application:

●        A proposal (no more than 5 pages, excluding annexes) with details on the suggested approach, including timeline and budget breakdown.

●        A CV highlighting relevant experience

●        Examples on delivering written knowledge products like thematic briefs, reports, research papers, and other knowledge products

We welcome proposals from subject matter experts with lived experience of crisis and/or displacement

Please note: Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. MMA reserves the right to close applications earlier than the defined deadline if a suitable consultant is selected.