The purpose of this consultancy is to support the French adaptation of the Second Edition of the Terminology Guidelines for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
These guidelines are internationally recognized tools that standardize language used in child protection policy, legal frameworks, and advocacy work. The updated second edition reflects evolving global standards, including technological developments and improved safeguarding approaches.
The consultant will contribute to:
- Translating updated sections of the guidelines into French
- Supporting technical writing and editorial review processes
- Documenting interagency working group discussions
- Ensuring consistency between English and French versions
- Refining terminology for clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance
Importance of Standardized Child Protection Terminology
Accurate and consistent language plays a critical role in child protection systems. The terminology used in policy and advocacy directly influences how governments, organizations, and communities understand and respond to abuse and exploitation.
Key reasons why standardized terminology matters:
- Prevents misinterpretation of legal and policy language
- Strengthens international cooperation across agencies
- Improves consistency in safeguarding laws and responses
- Reduces stigma and victim-blaming language
- Enhances clarity in advocacy and training materials
The revised guidelines also incorporate modern considerations such as:
- Gender-sensitive and gender-neutral language
- Intersectional approaches to vulnerability
- Emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse
- Inclusion of lived experiences from survivors
Background of the ECPAT International Project
ECPAT International is a global network operating in over 115 countries through 143 member organizations. Its mission focuses on eliminating all forms of sexual exploitation of children, including trafficking, online abuse, exploitation in travel and tourism, and harmful practices such as forced marriage.
The Terminology Guidelines project originated from an interagency working group established in 2014, involving 18 international organizations. The first edition was released in 2016 and translated into multiple languages.
The second edition, launched in 2025, expands and updates the framework to reflect:
- Advances in international human rights law
- Emerging research on child protection
- Evolving digital threats and online exploitation
- Increased emphasis on survivor-informed approaches
Key Responsibilities of the Consultant
The consultancy involves a combination of translation, technical writing, editorial review, and coordination support.
Translation and Technical Adaptation
The consultant will be responsible for translating newly updated sections into French while ensuring consistency with the existing French edition.
Key tasks include:
- Translating revised guideline sections accurately
- Maintaining technical precision in legal and policy language
- Ensuring consistency in terminology across documents
- Adapting content for clarity and readability in French
Documentation and Meeting Support
The consultant will also support coordination within the French Interagency Working Group.
Responsibilities include:
- Attending working group meetings remotely
- Taking detailed and structured notes
- Summarizing key discussions and decisions
- Recording agreed terminology changes and unresolved issues
Editorial Review and Quality Assurance
A major part of the role involves reviewing and refining the French adaptation to ensure quality and alignment with agreed standards.
Tasks include:
- Proofreading translated content for accuracy and consistency
- Identifying overly literal or unclear translations
- Updating terminology in line with evolving standards
- Ensuring gender-sensitive and child-focused language use
- Integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders
Required Skills and Professional Profile
The consultancy requires a highly skilled professional with experience in translation, editing, and technical writing in sensitive policy contexts.
Ideal qualifications include:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field
- Experience in translation or editorial work for policy documents
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to synthesize complex multi-stakeholder input
- Familiarity with child protection or human rights frameworks
Preferred experience:
- Work on terminology harmonization projects
- Experience in international development or humanitarian contexts
- Background in child protection or sexual exploitation issues
- Knowledge of legal or policy drafting processes
Strong French language proficiency is essential, along with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage confidential information responsibly.
Why This Consultancy Matters in Global Child Protection
The adaptation of standardized terminology into multiple languages is essential for ensuring global alignment in child protection efforts. Without consistent language, policies and interventions risk becoming fragmented or ineffective.
This consultancy contributes to:
- Improved international coordination on child protection
- Stronger legal clarity in francophone countries
- More effective advocacy and awareness campaigns
- Better training tools for practitioners and policymakers
The work also supports the broader humanitarian goal of strengthening protection systems for vulnerable children worldwide.
Application Process and Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- A one-page expression of interest
- An updated CV
- Proposed daily consultancy rate (USD)
Applications must be sent to vacancy@ecpat.org by 20 May 2026, with “TG French” included in the subject line.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Conclusion: Strengthening Global Child Protection Through Language
The consultancy offered by ECPAT International represents a specialized opportunity within the humanitarian and child protection sector. By supporting the French adaptation of globally recognized terminology guidelines, the consultant will contribute to improving clarity, consistency, and effectiveness in how child sexual exploitation and abuse are addressed worldwide.
This role highlights the growing importance of precise language in humanitarian work, where translation is not just linguistic but also deeply tied to legal accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and the protection of children’s rights.
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