Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) has announced a call for proposals for a Lead Research Consultant on Technology-Facilitated Violence (TFV) Against Children in Humanitarian Contexts. The consultancy offers an opportunity for experienced researchers to contribute to an important operational research initiative examining digital risks facing children affected by conflict, displacement and humanitarian crises. The selected consultant will lead the technical research process, including study design, methodology development, enumerator training, qualitative and quantitative analysis, data synthesis and preparation of the final research report. The consultancy is expected to be implemented during Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, with final deliverables scheduled for early 2027. The available budget is between €15,000 and €18,000 EUR, inclusive of VAT. About Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) Terre des Hommes Netherlands is an international child rights organisation focused on preventing and stopping child exploitation while empowering children to make their voices heard. The organisation’s work is guided by five core principles: Children at the Centre, Safety and Well-being, Intersectionality, Power Awareness, and Sustainability. Through this consultancy, TdH NL seeks to strengthen the evidence available to humanitarian organisations dealing with technology-related risks affecting children in crisis settings. Why This Research Matters Conflict, displacement and humanitarian emergencies can severely weaken the traditional protective environments surrounding children. At the same time, children and families increasingly rely on digital devices and online platforms for communication, education, social interaction and access to humanitarian services. This increased digital dependence can expose children to serious risks, including online recruitment, financial or sexual extortion, cyberbullying, harassment, exploitation and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. According to the consultancy call, much of the existing research on these issues focuses on high-income settings. There is therefore a need for practical evidence that reflects the realities of children living in humanitarian and displacement contexts. The research will focus on Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Bangladesh and Ukraine, generating evidence that can help humanitarian actors improve child protection programming, safeguarding systems and policy responses. Objectives of the Consultancy The Lead Research Consultant will investigate how children navigate digital environments in humanitarian and displacement settings. The research will examine children’s patterns of social media use, digital self-expression and levels of digital literacy. It will also map the nature and prevalence of online threats, including cyberbullying, harassment, recruitment, extortion and exploitation. Another key objective is to understand how children themselves perceive safety and rights in digital spaces. The research will explore what children expect from governments, humanitarian organisations, platforms and other duty-bearers in terms of protection and accountability. The consultant will also assess structural weaknesses within existing humanitarian protection systems. This includes examining capacity constraints, referral gaps and vulnerabilities that may arise when humanitarian organisations themselves use digital technologies to deliver assistance. The research will ultimately translate its findings into practical, evidence-informed recommendations for humanitarian organisations, policymakers and child protection practitioners. Key Responsibilities The successful consultant will have substantial responsibility for the technical execution of the research. Research Design and Tool Development During the first phase, the consultant will develop the study protocol and adapt the research methodology to the different humanitarian contexts. Responsibilities will include preparing focus group discussion guides, quantitative survey tools and ethical review documentation. The consultant will ensure that the research approach is appropriate for children and sensitive to trauma and safeguarding concerns. Enumerator Training and Supervision The consultant will prepare for and participate in training workshops for field enumerators and research partners. This will include providing technical guidance on research methods, ethical standards, data collection procedures and appropriate approaches when engaging children and vulnerable populations. The consultant will also provide oversight during the piloting and launch of fieldwork. Data Analysis and Synthesis A major component of the consultancy will involve analysing qualitative and quantitative research data from the target countries. The consultant will lead qualitative thematic coding, using tools such as NVivo or Dedoose, and conduct statistical analysis of survey datasets. Analysis will need to appropriately consider variables such as age, gender and displacement status, helping identify differences in children’s experiences and vulnerabilities across contexts. Final Research Report The consultant will draft and finalise a comprehensive research report bringing together findings from the different countries. The final report should provide clear analysis and practical recommendations that can be used to improve frontline child protection programming, safeguarding practices and policy advocacy. Who Can Apply? TdH NL is seeking a highly experienced research professional with an advanced postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Child Rights or a related discipline. Applicants should have an extensive track record of conducting participatory, trauma-informed qualitative and quantitative research, particularly in child protection, technology-facilitated violence or humanitarian and crisis settings. Strong analytical capabilities are essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience with qualitative thematic coding and statistical data analysis, including the ability to disaggregate findings by age, gender and displacement status. Experience developing and delivering research ethics and data collection training for field enumerators is also required. Excellent technical writing skills and experience producing high-level research reports for international audiences will be important for the position. Consultancy Budget and Timeline The total budget available for the Lead Research Consultant is €15,000–€18,000 EUR, inclusive of VAT. Applicants must submit an itemised financial proposal showing their daily fees and other applicable consultancy costs within the stated budget. TdH NL will separately cover and manage direct in-country operational expenses such as survey software, enumerator stipends, local venue hire, logistics, transport, translations and dissemination workshops. The assignment will run across Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, with the final research deliverables expected in early 2027. How to Apply Interested researchers should submit an application package by email using the subject line “Consultancy Proposal – Lead Research Consultant (TFV)”. Applications should be sent to Abby Roberts, Technical Expert – SEC, at a.roberts@tdh.nl. The application package must contain: CV or Technical Portfolio – highlighting relevant experience in child protection and technology-facilitated violence research. Technical Proposal – outlining the proposed methodology, analytical framework, training strategy, ethical approach and work plan. Financial Proposal – providing an itemised breakdown of daily fees and workshop participation costs, up to the maximum budget of €18,000 inclusive of VAT. Application deadline: 16 September 2026. Safeguarding and Ethical Requirements Because the consultancy involves research concerning children and vulnerable populations, TdH NL places significant emphasis on safeguarding, integrity and ethical conduct. The successful consultant will be required to comply with TdH NL’s Safeguarding Policies, Code of Conduct and Ethical Content Policy. The organisation maintains zero tolerance for child abuse, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, misuse of power and other forms of misconduct. Successful candidates will also be subject to appropriate screening and reference checks. Why Researchers Should Consider This Consultancy The assignment presents an opportunity for an experienced researcher to contribute to an emerging area of child protection, digital safety and humanitarian research. By examining technology-facilitated violence across multiple crisis-affected settings, the study aims to generate practical evidence that can help organisations better understand children’s digital experiences and strengthen protection mechanisms. Researchers with expertise in child rights, humanitarian research, digital risks, safeguarding and mixed-methods research are encouraged to carefully review the requirements and submit their proposals before the 16 September 2026 deadline. 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