Policy Brief Consultant – Beirut

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Policy Brief Consultant to lead a three‑phase research and advocacy project on early childhood development (ECD) in conflict‑affected settings in Lebanon. Based in Beirut, the consultant will work closely with the Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Coordinator to produce an evidence‑based policy brief that informs IRC’s advocacy efforts.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct a desk review of global and Lebanon‑specific evidence on the impact of conflict on ECD, identifying gaps and relevant national policies.
• Develop focus‑group discussion (FGD) and key‑informant interview (KII) tools, select interviewees, and carry out qualitative data collection with caregivers, ECD experts, government officials and humanitarian actors.
• Analyze literature, FGD and KII findings, draft an outline, and produce a full advocacy brief, incorporating feedback from IRC and validation workshops.
• Deliver interim outputs including an inception note, work plan, desk‑review summary, interview tools, and final brief.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in public policy, social sciences, international development or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy product development, or research, preferably within humanitarian or child‑protection contexts.
• Proven experience designing and conducting qualitative research (FGDs, KIIs).
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and synthesis abilities for evidence‑based policy writing.
• Experience producing policy or advocacy briefs.