Development of a set of Global Guidelines to protect boys affected by sexual exploitation and abuse

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations working together for the elimination of the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in all its manifestations i.e., exploitation of children in prostitution, online child sexual exploitation, sale and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism and some forms of child, early and forced marriage. The ECPAT Network currently consists of 141 member organisations working at national and local levels in 113 countries.

The ECPAT International Secretariat coordinates the global work of the organisation and is based in Bangkok, Thailand. The Secretariat designs and implements global and regional level programmes, and undertakes programming, advocacy and research and facilitates a range of network initiatives.

Context of Consultancy

The ECPAT Global Boys Initiative (GBI) has conducted a series of 17 case studies collecting and documenting practices of organizations supporting boys at risk or victims and survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse https://ecpat.org/global-boys-initiative/

These case studies – with others currently in development- document practices, challenges and lessons emerging from different contexts, and highlight how services and protection responses can better take into account the specific experiences of boys. They serve as practical, locally-led examples for civil society organisations and practitioners seeking to better understand how boys are affected, how to design and implement prevention and response activities, and what resources are needed.

Across these diverse contexts, one key learning consistently emerges: despite significant differences between countries and regions, many of the challenges faced are very similar. These include stigma surrounding boys’ experiences of sexual abuse and exploitation, legal and policy barriers that limit recognition and access to protection, and investigation and response mechanisms that are often not gender-sensitive. In many contexts, these factors contribute to underreporting, limited access to services, and responses that do not fully take into account boys’ specific experiences and needs.

This work of documentation has been strongly collaborative with each local organisation and its staff, from design to review and validation of the content and final product. This process has allowed the ECPAT GBI to build knowledge that is grounded in the experience and expertise of practitioners working directly with boys and communities, while also aligning with the expertise, strategic priorities and resources of the Global Alliance for the Protection of Boys from Sexual Violence (GAPB), linking practice-based evidence with technical guidance and funding streams (OAK Boys and Carlson Family Foundation) supporting this work.

The next step, in line with the collaborative spirit of the programme, is to translate this collective learning into a set of Global Guidelines validated by practitioners, experts and other relevant stakeholders during a global event. Building on the insights generated through the case studies, available research and evidence, these Global Guidelines will aim to consolidate practical knowledge that can support organisations, service providers and policy actors in strengthening their approaches to preventing and responding to sexual abuse and exploitation against boys.

The development of the Global Guidelines will culminate in the 2027 ECPAT Global Boys Summit (GBS), which will bring together the partner practitioners from the case studies, members of the GAPB, donors and child protection agencies to validate and refine the document and discuss pathways for its implementation, uptake and dissemination.

Key Objective of The Assignment

As part of this assignment, the selected consultant will build on the learning from the ECPAT Global Boys Initiative series of case studies in working with boys affected by sexual exploitation and abuse to develop the content of the Global Guidelines, and will be required to:

• Conduct a series of online consultations with relevant stakeholders (from local civil society organisations to international agencies) to define the content, needs to be addressed and format of the Global Guidelines;
• Draft, review inputs and consolidate inputs from the series of case studies, survey findings and online consultations to develop the Global Guidelines;
• Support the design of the methodology for the 2027 ECPAT Global Boys Summit and suggest sessions to help participants work on, review and validate the content and format of the Global Guidelines;
• Support the facilitation of the 2027 ECPAT Global Boys Summit for the review and validation work, and support the creation of a dissemination and uptake plan;
• Integrate the final inputs after the Summit and finalise the content of the Global Guidelines and the dissemination plan.

Key Deliverables

• Summary note of the online consultations, outlining the preferences of involved stakeholders in terms of content, format and needs;
• First draft of the Global Guidelines (including findings of the online survey and the online consultations) for review;
• Design of a suggested methodology for the 2027 ECPAT Global Boys Summit, which includes format of the sessions for technical review and discussions for dissemination and uptake;
• Attendance and Co-facilitation of the Summit and note-taking of key inputs and action items;
• Final content of the Global Guidelines and supporting dissemination plan.

Timeline

This consultancy requires an estimated number of 30 working days – to be defined according to the suggested methodology – within the period 24 May 2026-mid-March 2027.

Consultant Profile

The consultant needs to have:

• Demonstrated experience including work on similar assignments, including in developing tools for the protection of children against sexual violence and case management tools and programmes;
• Proven knowledge and previous experience with children’s rights, child protection, or gender equity issues;
• Experience in facilitating workshops and/or multi-stakeholder consultations;
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex inputs into practical guidance;
• Understanding of and commitment to the ECPAT International values;
• Advanced ability to work in English (ability to work in Arabic, French or Spanish would be an asset);
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and within the established deadline;
• Availability to participate in the 2027 ECPAT Global Boys Summit (in person) – location to be yet confirmed;
• High ethical standards and commitment to human rights and feminist principles.

Additional Information

• This is a home-based position using their own equipment.
• The Consultant is expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with the values of ECPAT International and in compliance with the organisation’s policies and procedures including Safeguarding Policies and the Code of Conduct.
• The maximum budget available for this assignment is 11,000 USD. ECPAT will cover travel and related costs separately.

Our Commitment

• As ECPAT’s International Secretariat we recognise that our strength lies in the diversity of the people who make up our global network, staff, volunteers and consultants. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds and cultures can strive and be themselves. This means we will challenge ourselves to do better and to continue learning, to create and maintain a working environment steeped in respect, tolerance, safety, and where all parties are valued equally.
• As a child-focused organisation, ECPAT has a strong commitment to child safeguarding and rigorous procedures, and the successful candidate will be required to sign our 2 codes of conduct.

Interested applicants are requested to submit an email to vacancy@ecpat.org with the subject line: “Your Name – GBI guidelines.” Please include the following documents in your submission:

• An Expression of Interest
• CV outlining experience
• Two short draft methodological options (max. one page per option). Each option should outline the proposed approach, key steps and timeline (including number of working days) to carry out the assignment
• Requested daily fee (USD)- travel to the Summit will be reimbursed based on actual costs in economy class and as per ECPAT’s travel policy
• Proposed payment conditions

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks from the deadline, it means that your application has not been successful.

Use of AI tools

The use of generative artificial intelligence tools is not permitted in the development of the Global Guidelines and related materials under this consultancy. All analysis, drafting and consolidation of inputs must be carried out directly by the consultant(s).

Submission Deadline

All proposals must be submitted no later than 23:59 CEST on 10th of May 2026.

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