Protecting children from exploitation remains one of the world’s most urgent development priorities. As technology advances, migration patterns evolve, and cross-border movement increases, children continue to face growing risks of trafficking, online exploitation, sexual abuse, and other forms of violence. To better understand these challenges and strengthen child protection systems, Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) has announced two major consultancy opportunities aimed at conducting comprehensive scoping studies in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
These consultancies present an exceptional opportunity for experienced researchers, consultants, and research organizations specializing in child rights, human trafficking, qualitative research, and child protection systems to contribute directly to evidence-based programming that will shape future interventions across Africa.
The two assignments form part of TdH Netherlands’ broader commitment to preventing all forms of Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC) through systemic change rather than temporary interventions. Although each consultancy focuses on different geographical and thematic contexts, both share a common objective: generating reliable evidence that will guide future child protection programming and strengthen national and regional responses to child exploitation.
About Terre des Hommes Netherlands
Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) is an international child rights organization dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up in an environment free from exploitation, abuse, and violence.
Rather than focusing solely on responding to abuse after it occurs, the organization emphasizes long-term systemic change by addressing the underlying causes that expose children to exploitation.
Its work is guided by five core principles:
- Children at the centre
- Safety and well-being
- Intersectionality
- Power awareness
- Sustainability
TdH NL collaborates closely with governments, communities, children, civil society organizations, institutional partners, and the private sector to design evidence-based interventions that create lasting impact.
Through these newly announced consultancies, the organization seeks to strengthen child protection systems by generating high-quality research that will inform future programming across East and West Africa.
Why These Consultancy Opportunities Matter
Across Africa, children continue to face increasing risks resulting from migration, poverty, conflict, climate change, technological advancement, and weak child protection systems.
While governments and development partners have made significant investments in child protection, major knowledge gaps still exist regarding:
- Patterns of child migration
- Human trafficking networks
- Online child sexual exploitation
- Cross-border child protection
- Mental health vulnerabilities
- Digital safety
- Institutional response mechanisms
- Access to trauma-informed services
- Effectiveness of existing child protection systems
Without reliable evidence, it becomes difficult for governments, NGOs, and development organizations to design interventions that address the actual needs of vulnerable children.
The consultancy assignments therefore seek to bridge these knowledge gaps through extensive field research, stakeholder consultations, institutional mapping, and evidence generation that will guide future programming.
Two Countries, Two Strategic Child Protection Initiatives
Although announced separately, the Ethiopia and Nigeria consultancies complement one another by focusing on different dimensions of child exploitation.
1. Ethiopia: EmProtect+ Regional Child Protection Initiative
The Ethiopia consultancy supports EmProtect+, a regional initiative designed to protect children along high-risk transport corridors in East Africa.
Unlike traditional child protection projects that focus only on local interventions, EmProtect+ adopts a regional systems-change approach.
Its goal is to connect:
- National child protection systems
- Regional transport governance
- Cross-border cooperation
- Advocacy initiatives
- Knowledge-sharing platforms
- Evidence generation
- Institutional reforms
The programme focuses particularly on children living and moving along the Addis Ababa–Moyale–Nairobi transport corridor, where migration exposes many children to trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The Ethiopia study will determine whether the EmProtect+ model can successfully expand into the country.
Understanding the Addis Ababa–Nairobi Transport Corridor
The transport corridor connecting Addis Ababa and Nairobi has historically served as an important route for both trade and migration.
Recent improvements in transportation infrastructure and the introduction of direct public transport between the two capitals have significantly increased cross-border movement.
While this creates economic opportunities, it also introduces new child protection challenges.
Research already indicates that many children from southern and central Ethiopia migrate through this corridor seeking:
- Employment
- Better educational opportunities
- Economic survival
- Escape from conflict
- Escape from forced marriage
- Escape from poverty
Unfortunately, many become vulnerable to:
- Human trafficking
- Sexual exploitation
- Forced labour
- Abuse during transit
- Online exploitation
- Smuggling networks
These growing risks make the corridor an important focus for future child protection interventions.
Existing Child Protection Challenges in Ethiopia
TdH NL’s preliminary desk review identified several factors increasing children’s vulnerability.
These include:
Poverty
Many families continue to face severe economic hardship, encouraging children to migrate in search of employment.
Climate Change
Climate-induced displacement is becoming increasingly common across Ethiopia, forcing many households to relocate.
Conflict
Conflicts such as the Tigray War have displaced thousands of families and increased child migration.
Rural-to-Urban Migration
Children often leave rural communities hoping for better educational and employment opportunities.
Early Marriage
Some girls migrate to escape forced or early marriages.
Online Exploitation
Digital connectivity has created additional risks.
Research cited by TdH NL indicates that approximately 10% of internet-using Ethiopian children aged 12–17 experienced online sexual exploitation in 2021.
Weak Support Services
Although Ethiopia has established mechanisms such as:
- One Stop Centres
- Child helplines
- National anti-trafficking coordination structures
significant challenges remain, including:
- Limited trauma-informed care
- Shortage of trained psychosocial professionals
- Overcrowded services
- Limited cross-border coordination
These findings underscore the need for stronger evidence and improved institutional coordination before expanding the EmProtect+ programme.
Nigeria: SCROL 2.0 – Safe Minds Online Initiative
The second consultancy focuses on Nigeria under TdH Netherlands’ SCROL 2.0 (Safe Minds Online) programme.
Unlike the Ethiopia assignment, which centres on migration and transport corridors, the Nigeria consultancy addresses Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE).
SCROL 2.0 builds upon lessons learned from the first phase of the programme and introduces a stronger emphasis on the relationship between:
- Mental health
- Digital safety
- Healthy online relationships
- Trauma-informed programming
- Child protection systems
The programme recognizes that online exploitation cannot be addressed through law enforcement alone.
Instead, it requires coordinated action involving:
- Families
- Schools
- Governments
- Civil society
- Technology companies
- Mental health professionals
- Child protection agencies
Nigeria has been identified as a priority country for a future SCROL 2.0 pilot because of both its digital growth and the increasing number of online child exploitation cases reported nationally.
Why Nigeria Was Selected
Nigeria has become one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
Rapid internet adoption, smartphone use, fintech innovation, and technology entrepreneurship have created significant opportunities for economic growth.
However, increased digital connectivity has also exposed children to new online risks.
According to the Terms of Reference, Nigeria records the highest number of reports to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline in West Africa.
Between 2021 and 2022, reported cases increased by more than 100%, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive and protective measures.
The country has already enacted legislation addressing Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA), creating an enabling environment for evidence-based interventions, advocacy, and institutional strengthening.
The consultancy will therefore generate the evidence needed to guide the implementation of a future SCROL 2.0 pilot programme across Nigeria.
Comprehensive Research That Will Shape Future Child Protection Programmes
Both consultancy assignments go far beyond conventional research projects. Rather than simply collecting data, the consultants will generate practical evidence that will directly influence the future design, implementation, and expansion of Terre des Hommes Netherlands’ child protection programmes in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The selected consultants will work closely with TdH NL to conduct rigorous qualitative research, engage with children and communities in ethical ways, map stakeholders, identify service gaps, and recommend strategic interventions that can produce long-term systemic change. The studies will also help TdH NL determine whether its flagship programmes—EmProtect+ in Ethiopia and SCROL 2.0 in Nigeria—can be successfully expanded into these countries.
Ethiopia Consultancy: Research Objectives
The Ethiopia consultancy is centred on understanding the prevalence of Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC) and cross-border child trafficking along the Addis Ababa–Moyale–Nairobi transport corridor. The consultant will assess whether Ethiopia is ready for the expansion of the EmProtect+ programme by examining child protection systems, institutional capacity, and regional cooperation mechanisms.
The study seeks to answer several important questions:
1. Understand the Risks Facing Children Along the Transport Corridor
The consultant will investigate the different forms of sexual exploitation experienced by children living along or migrating through the Addis Ababa–Nairobi transport corridor.
This includes examining:
- Offline sexual exploitation
- Online sexual exploitation
- Cross-border trafficking
- Domestic trafficking
- Exploitation occurring during migration
- Risks associated with transport hubs
The research should provide a detailed understanding of where these risks occur and how they affect children.
2. Identify the Root Causes of Child Exploitation
The consultant will analyse why children become vulnerable to exploitation.
Key drivers include:
- Poverty
- Climate-induced migration
- Gender inequality
- Economic hardship
- Family instability
- Harmful social norms
- Lack of educational opportunities
Primary data should be collected directly from:
- Children
- Caregivers
- Community members
All research activities must comply with TdH NL’s child safeguarding, accountability, and ethical participation standards.
3. Map National and Regional Stakeholders
An important component of the study involves identifying institutions already working on child protection.
The stakeholder mapping exercise should include:
- Government ministries
- Regional institutions
- Law enforcement agencies
- Civil society organizations
- International organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Private transport sector actors
- Regional cooperation mechanisms
This mapping will help TdH NL establish partnerships for future implementation.
4. Evaluate Existing Child Protection Systems
The consultant will assess:
- Existing child protection mechanisms
- Cross-border referral systems
- Trauma-informed services
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services
- Psychosocial support services
- Educational opportunities
- Economic resilience programmes
- Vocational training opportunities
The study should identify both strengths and gaps within these systems.
5. Recommend Future Programme Expansion
Finally, the consultant will recommend:
- Geographic hotspots
- Strategic entry points
- Priority intervention areas
- Partnership opportunities
- Operational approaches
These recommendations will guide the possible rollout of EmProtect+ in Ethiopia.
Nigeria Consultancy: Research Objectives
The Nigeria consultancy focuses on Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE) and digital child protection under the SCROL 2.0 programme.
Rather than concentrating on migration, this study examines how children experience exploitation within digital environments and how institutions can better prevent and respond to online abuse.
The consultant will undertake the following research objectives.
1. Understand Online Risks Facing Children
The consultant will identify:
- Types of online exploitation
- Digital platforms where abuse occurs
- Online behaviours increasing vulnerability
- Digital environments exposing children to harm
The study should explore both emerging and existing online risks.
2. Examine Drivers of Online Exploitation
Special attention will be given to factors such as:
- Mental health
- Parenting and caregiving environments
- Family support systems
- Emotional wellbeing
- Digital literacy
- Social vulnerabilities
These factors will help explain why some children become more vulnerable to online exploitation than others.
3. Analyse Nigeria’s Policy Landscape
The consultancy will review:
- Existing child protection legislation
- OCSEA laws
- Reporting mechanisms
- Institutional response systems
- Digital safety policies
The consultant should identify barriers preventing children from accessing support services and recommend improvements.
4. Map Key Stakeholders
Stakeholder mapping will include:
- Government ministries
- Child protection agencies
- Civil society organizations
- Law enforcement agencies
- Telecommunications companies
- Technology companies
- Existing TdH NL partners
The goal is to identify organizations capable of supporting future SCROL 2.0 implementation.
5. Evaluate Potential Partner Organizations
Unlike many research assignments, this consultancy requires consultants to assess not only the existence of organizations but also their capacity to become implementation partners.
Assessment criteria include:
- Experience
- Technical expertise
- Geographic reach
- Previous child protection work
- Organizational capacity
- Systems-strengthening experience
6. Assess TdH NL’s Operational Model
The consultant will determine how TdH NL’s partner-led implementation model can be effectively introduced in Nigeria.
This includes identifying:
- Opportunities
- Risks
- Partnership strategies
- Long-term sustainability measures
The recommendations will guide future SCROL 2.0 programming.
Expected Deliverables
Both consultancies require consultants to produce comprehensive reports supported by high-quality evidence and practical recommendations.
Although each assignment focuses on different thematic areas, the required outputs are remarkably similar.
The final deliverables include:
Comprehensive Context Analysis
Consultants will prepare detailed reports examining:
- Social context
- Legal environment
- Institutional landscape
- Child protection ecosystem
- Existing programmes
- Current challenges
Stakeholder Mapping
Each consultancy requires a complete mapping of:
- Government institutions
- NGOs
- Community organizations
- Development partners
- Private sector actors
- Regional bodies
The mapping should include recommendations on potential partnerships.
Technical Recommendations
Rather than simply describing problems, consultants must recommend:
- Future programming options
- Strategic priorities
- Geographic focus areas
- Operational hotspots
- Systemic reforms
- Partnership models
Methodological Documentation
Each consultant must provide a comprehensive methodological package containing:
- Research methodology
- Interview guides
- Focus group discussion guides
- Data collection tools
- Raw data
- Verbatim interview transcripts
- English translations where applicable
This ensures transparency and enables TdH NL to use the findings for future evidence-building initiatives.
Project Timelines
Ethiopia Assignment
The Ethiopia consultancy is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The work will be carried out in three phases:
Phase 1 (September–October 2026)
Preparatory activities including:
- Desk research
- Literature review
- Stakeholder mapping
- Development of interview guides
- Concept note preparation
Phase 2 (November 2026)
Fieldwork involving:
- Stakeholder interviews
- Community consultations
- Engagement with government institutions
- Transport sector consultations
Phase 3 (December 2026)
Final activities include:
- Data analysis
- Validation meetings
- Final report preparation
Nigeria Assignment
The Nigeria consultancy will take place during Q3 and Q4 of 2026, with final deliverables expected in early November.
The assignment includes:
Phase 1
- Desk review
- Stakeholder mapping
- Interview planning
- Concept note
Phase 2
- Eight to ten qualitative stakeholder interviews
- Six to eight focus group discussions with children and caregivers
Phase 3
- Data analysis
- Report writing
- Submission of final report
Additionally, TdH NL plans to send a two-person mission to Nigeria during the research period to meet key stakeholders alongside the consultant and gain first-hand insight into the country’s child protection landscape.
Consultancy Budgets
Both assignments offer competitive consultancy budgets.
Ethiopia
The consultancy budget is up to €20,000, covering a maximum of 20 working days, including data collection costs and applicable taxes.
Nigeria
The consultancy budget ranges between €15,000 and €18,000, inclusive of VAT, research costs, and travel expenses (excluding the travel costs of TdH NL’s accompanying mission).
Who Is Terre des Hommes Netherlands Looking For?
Terre des Hommes Netherlands is seeking highly experienced consultants or consultancy firms capable of leading technically sound, ethical, and participatory research assignments. Given the sensitive nature of child protection and sexual exploitation, successful applicants must demonstrate not only strong research skills but also a deep commitment to safeguarding children and conducting responsible fieldwork.
Both consultancies require professionals who can engage effectively with government institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and children while producing high-quality evidence that can shape future programmes.
Although the Ethiopia and Nigeria assignments focus on different contexts, the desired consultant profiles share many similarities.
Required Qualifications for the Ethiopia Consultancy
Applicants interested in leading the Ethiopia EmProtect+ scoping study should possess extensive expertise in child rights research and regional child protection systems.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Extensive experience conducting participatory and qualitative research.
- Strong expertise in child protection programming.
- Demonstrated understanding of Sexual Exploitation of Children (SEC).
- Experience researching child migration and trafficking dynamics.
- Deep knowledge of the Horn of Africa context.
- Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s political, institutional, and civil society landscape.
- Knowledge of human trafficking mechanisms and cross-border migration issues.
- Fluency in English.
- Fluency in relevant Ethiopian local languages.
- Proven experience conducting ethical, safe, and age-appropriate research involving children.
TdH NL also notes that consultants or consultancy firms already based in Ethiopia will be strongly preferred because of their contextual understanding and ability to undertake fieldwork efficiently.
Required Qualifications for the Nigeria Consultancy
The Nigeria consultancy requires similar research expertise but with stronger emphasis on digital child protection and online safety.
Preferred applicants should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience conducting qualitative and participatory research.
- Strong understanding of Online Child Sexual Exploitation (OCSE).
- Knowledge of child protection systems.
- Familiarity with mental health and psychosocial support systems.
- Ability to conduct ethical child-focused qualitative research.
- Fluency in English.
- Fluency in relevant Nigerian local languages.
- Strong contextual understanding of Nigeria.
Preference will be given to consultants or agencies based in Nigeria to ensure cultural relevance and stronger stakeholder engagement.
Unlike the Ethiopia assignment, the Nigeria Terms of Reference explicitly state that both individuals and consultancy agencies may apply, provided there are no conflicts of interest and all due diligence requirements are met.
Commitment to Integrity and Child Safeguarding
Because these consultancies involve children and vulnerable populations, TdH Netherlands places safeguarding and ethical conduct at the centre of the assignments.
Successful consultants will be required to comply with the organization’s Integrity Framework before signing a consultancy agreement.
Among the mandatory requirements are the following:
- Signing the TdH NL Code of Conduct.
- Signing the Conflict of Interest Policy Declaration.
- Signing the Ethical Content Policy.
For the Nigeria assignment, additional safeguarding responsibilities include:
- Safely recruiting and supervising researchers, translators, and enumerators.
- Ensuring all staff comply with safeguarding standards throughout the study.
- Preparing a safeguarding risk assessment based on “Do No Harm” principles.
- Developing clear referral pathways to child protection organizations and mental health service providers in case children disclose abuse.
- Obtaining TdH NL approval for all child assent and parental consent forms before fieldwork begins.
These measures reinforce TdH NL’s commitment to protecting children throughout the research process and ensuring that no harm results from participation in the studies.
Application Requirements
Applicants should carefully prepare a complete application package. While the submission email differs for each consultancy, the required documentation is largely the same.
Applicants are expected to submit:
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) for individuals or organizational credentials for consultancy agencies.
- A motivation letter explaining their suitability for the assignment.
- A proposed approach and work plan outlining:
- Research methodology.
- Data collection strategy.
- Proposed timeline aligned with TdH NL’s schedule.
- A detailed financial proposal showing:
- Daily consultancy rates.
- Travel expenses.
- Data collection costs.
- Applicable taxes.
- Overall budget breakdown.
These documents will enable TdH NL to evaluate applicants’ technical competence, methodological approach, and financial feasibility.
How to Apply
Ethiopia Consultancy
Interested applicants should submit their applications via email to Ms. Zoe de Melo, Programme Manager for the Sexual Exploitation of Children Programme.
The Terms of Reference list the official application email as z.demelo@tdh.nl.
Deadline: The Ethiopia Terms of Reference do not specify a final application deadline. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Nigeria Consultancy
Applications for the Nigeria consultancy should be submitted via email to Lucía Montes.
The official application email is l.montes@tdh.nl.
Application Deadline: 16 August (inclusive).
Why These Opportunities Are Significant
These consultancy opportunities offer much more than short-term research assignments. They provide experienced professionals with an opportunity to contribute to long-term systems change that can improve child protection across Africa.
By generating reliable evidence, identifying institutional gaps, strengthening partnerships, and informing future interventions, the selected consultants will directly influence how TdH NL and its partners respond to child trafficking, online exploitation, migration-related vulnerabilities, and digital safety challenges.
The Ethiopia assignment has the potential to shape the future expansion of the EmProtect+ regional child protection model across the Horn of Africa, while the Nigeria consultancy will help design the next phase of SCROL 2.0, a programme focused on preventing Online Child Sexual Exploitation through mental health support, digital safety, and community engagement.
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Conclusion
The Terre des Hommes Netherlands consultancy opportunities represent an excellent chance for experienced researchers, child protection specialists, consultancy firms, and development professionals to apply their expertise to high-impact assignments with regional significance. Through the EmProtect+ initiative in Ethiopia and the SCROL 2.0 programme in Nigeria, TdH NL seeks evidence that will strengthen policies, improve child protection systems, foster cross-sector partnerships, and guide future interventions addressing both offline and online sexual exploitation of children.
Successful consultants will play a pivotal role in informing strategic investments, strengthening safeguarding mechanisms, and promoting sustainable solutions that protect vulnerable children from exploitation. Professionals with strong backgrounds in qualitative research, child rights, trafficking, online safety, mental health, and systems strengthening are encouraged to prepare competitive applications and submit them within the specified timelines. These consultancies provide an opportunity not only to contribute to rigorous research but also to influence national and regional child protection programming that could improve the lives of thousands of children across Africa.
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