Building CSO’s capacity for proposal development, projects design training and Coaching/Tech Support on delivery of Social Stability Initiatives consultant

About the project

International Alert Lebanon is implementing the “Building CSOs’ capacity to deliver social stability projects in West Beqaa, Zahle, and Upper Chouf” project in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) within the framework of “Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE)” programme with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for economic cooperation and development (BMZ).

The project objective is to improve horizontal social stability in target communities through a greater capacity of CSOs to conduct conflict-sensitive activities that further social stability. In the context of the project, social stability is understood as the state of relationships between different communities and groups. Stable and cohesive societies are characterised by positive interactions, attitudes, and trust between different groups.  

The project has two main components: (1) Organizational development and sustainability and (2) Social stability. Under component 1, International Alert’s intervention aims to strengthen CSOs policies and systems as to become more sustainable and impactful. This is done through various trainings and coaching sessions on topics such as conflict and gender sensitivity, strategic planning, financial management, safeguarding, risk management as well as other topics identified as per the organizational needs assessment conducted at the early stages of the project. As for component 2, International Alert will support selected CSOs to integrate social stability element into their programming through a training and accompaniment program targeting the 23 CSOs and then providing them with in-kind grants to deliver local social stability  initiatives.

Through this project International Alert aims to generate learnings on how to work on social stability and conflict sensitive initiatives in local communities across Lebanon.

As a part of the project, International Alert aim to strengthen the capacity of 23 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West Beqaa, Zahle, and Upper Chouf by providing comprehensive training on proposal development, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), communication plans, and integrating conflict sensitivity and social stability  and implementing of 20 social stability initiatives.

Through training, coaching and technical support program, Alert aim is to empower CSOs, fostering social stability, and enabling them to sustain impactful. This includes developing practical skills, utilizing hybrid methodologies, and creating a collaborative learning environment, with a focus on continuous improvement and future partnerships, and equip CSOs with the knowledge and resources needed for effective social stability initiatives, ensuring they contribute positively to the communities they serve.

International Alert is looking to hire a company that can develop the Training and Coaching methodology and tools, as well as provide the technical support. The selected company will also be responsible for hiring a diverse team of experts to manage all three TOR.

Objectives and Scope of Work

The aim of this assignment is to deliver the social stability component related to the project (component two) and it will include three parts:

Part 1: Training CSOs on Proposal Development and Integrating Social Stability into Programming

Objectives

The objective of the consultancy is to foster social stability by empowering, supporting and assisting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in proposal development and sustaining impactful social stability initiatives. Through a comprehensive training program, Alert aims to equip 23 organizations with practical skills in project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and communication plans. Additionally, the consultant will train them in integration of social stability into CSOs' programs.

Also, to enhance the effectiveness of the training, we may employ hybrid methodologies. The consultant is expected to provide a comprehensive 5-day training for each area (total 10 days) to enhance the capacity of 23 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): 3 days for proposal development (designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating) and 2 days to incorporate conflict sensitivity and social stability into CSOs' programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a training methodology integrating interactive sessions, case studies, and group activities.
• Collaborate with the International Alert team to develop the content of the trainings.
• Develop comprehensive training materials, including handouts, templates, and guidelines.
• Provide Pre/Post -training resources for ongoing reference and further learning.
• Conduct five -days group training sessions for Bekaa and upper  houf area to 23 CSOs.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment to promote knowledge sharing among CSOs.
• Provide regular updates on progress, challenges, and proposed solutions to Alert team.
• Work with Alert team to identify areas for continuous improvement in future trainings.
• Encourage cross-organization collaboration during the training to foster future partnerships.
• Prepare a final report that highlights the overall achievements and challenges encountered during the training process.

Deliverables:

1. Develop and submit a detailed training methodology that integrates interactive sessions, case studies, and group activities.
2. Comprehensive training materials, including handouts, templates, and guidelines, to be used during the 5-day training.
3. Conduct five days of group training sessions for the 23 CSOs, covering proposal development, conflict sensitivity, and social stability .
4. Final report that highlights the overall achievements and challenges encountered during the training process. Also recommendations for improvement.

Part 2 : Social Stability Ideation Support

Objectives

The consultant is expected to provide personalized technical support to CSOs in developing their initial concept notes into full proposals, with a focus on integrating conflict sensitivity and social stability principles. Alert aims to equip 23 organizations with valuable knowledge, skills, and resources to improved quality and feasibility of proposals submitted by CSOs, also enhance their overall impact and make positive contributions to the communities they serve and achieve their goals more efficiently

 The consultant is expected to provide a comprehensive two or three coaching sessions to enhance the knowledge of 23 CSOs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the International Alert team to develop the content of the coaching session
• Draft a clear Plan, methodology and tools for conducting the coaching session
• Review initial concept notes submitted by CSOs.
• Conduct individual consultations with CSOs to understand project goals, context, and challenges.
• Provide personalized technical support through virtual consultations or on-site visits.
• Offer feedback on project relevance, feasibility, and sustainability
• Integrate conflict sensitivity and social stability  principles into project ideation.
•  Ensure availability of resources (templates, guidelines) for proposal development.
• Assist CSOs in accessing relevant tools and frameworks to enhance their project proposals.
• ensure alignment with the concepts covered during the training in part 1.
• Address specific challenges or questions raised by CSOs related to conflict sensitivity in their proposals
• Prepare a final report highlighting the overall achievements and challenges encountered during the

Deliverables:

1. Detailed plan for the coaching sessions, outlining the structure, topics, and activities, and clear methodology document outlining the approach and tools used during the coaching sessions.
2. Conduct comprehensive technical support sessions, either virtually or on-site, based on the individual needs of each CSO.
3. Provide practical guidance to CSOs for finalizing 20 proposals, emphasizing the integration of conflict sensitivity and social stability  principles into their projects
4. Final report summarizing the overall achievements, challenges encountered, and lessons learned during the coaching sessions, that Include recommendations for ongoing support and areas for improvement in future initiatives.

Part 3: Coaching/Technical Support to guide the delivery of Social Stability Initiatives

Objective:

The objective of this consultancy is to provide ongoing support and guidance to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the implementation of their 20 social stability  initiatives. The consultant will work collaboratively with Alert's staff to ensure effective troubleshooting, M&E system design and implementation, and long-term planning for sustained impact.

The consultant is expected to provide a comprehensive four coaching session to enhance the knowledge of 23 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in implementing 20 social stability initiatives with regular Check-ins

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the International Alert team to develop the content of the coaching session
• Draft a clear Plan, methodology and tools for conducting the coaching session
• Assign a dedicated Alert staff member to each CSO for ongoing coaching and support.
• Provide an average of 3 to 4 follow up coaching session  per CSO, tailored to their specific needs and project requirements.
• Develop a customized coaching plan for each CSO based on their project's unique needs.
• Offer assistance in troubleshooting ongoing problems and designing/implementing M&E systems.
• Support CSOs in identifying longer-term plans for their work on social stability and community development.
• Collaborate with consultants from Part 2 to tailor coaching and support to the unique context of each CSO's initiative.
• Leverage consultant expertise to enhance the effectiveness of CSOs' social stability activities.
• Collaborate with CSOs to design and implement effective M&E plans .
• Support CSOs in identifying longer-term plans aligned with community needs.
• Provide guidance on engaging with municipal participative processes and strategic donor funding applications.
• Schedule regular check-ins with CSOs to ensure ongoing support.
• Use check-ins to assess progress, address challenges, and provide additional resources as needed.
• Maintain continuity in the relationship between Alert and CSOs.

Deliverables:

1. Developing individualized coaching plans for each CSOs that implement 20 initiatives
2. Providing an average of 4 coaching session for each of the  20 initiatives, addressing troubleshooting, M&E, and long-term planning.
3. Regular check-in reports summarizing progress, challenges, and additional support provided.
4. Final report highlighting achievements and challenges encountered during the coaching process

Methodology

The training/coaching sessions will be conducted in person or/and online. The consultant is requested to develop a methodology which includes different ways and activities to ease the information received by the participants.

Timeline

Dates

Deliverable

 Part 1 Training CSOs on Proposal Development and Integrating Social Stability into Programming

15-Jan-24

Training Methodology and Materials

29 Jan and 04 Feb 24

Conduct five days of group training sessions

12-Feb-24

Final report

Part 2 Social Stability  Ideation Support

01 -Feb-24

Detailed plan and clear methodology

05 Feb to 26 Feb 24

Technical support sessions

26 Feb to 8 Mar 24

Finalizing 20 proposals

15 Mar 24

Final report

 Part 3 Coaching/Technical Support to guide the delivery of Social Stability Initiatives

11 Mar -24

Developing individualized coaching plans for each CSOs

18 Mar to 14 June 24

4 days of coaching for each 20 initiatives

18 Mar to 14 June 2024

Regular check-in reports

1 -Jul-24

Final report

Support and resources to be provided by Alert.

Alert staff will be available to provide the necessary support (including logistics and the needed coordination) to company and its team. 

The company and its team are responsible for his/her own transportation and will need to have his/her own computer. 

Alert will also provide all key background documents (if needed) to support the company and its team to perform the assignment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in organisational social stability intervention with local civil society actors and demonstrated experience in working on similar portfolio of projects with NGOs.
• In-depth knowledge of proposal development, social stability and implementing initiatives, also technical aspects of the project (M&E, communication, budgeting, etc..).
• Experience with and understanding of the local context in West Bekaa, Zahle, and upper Chouf areas.
• Professional and educational background in international relations, governance, international development, policy making, social sciences or other relevant fields to the scope of the consultancy.
• Substantive knowledge and understanding of cultural sensitivity and commitment to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic and ability to conduct trainings, meetings, and focus group discussions in Arabic.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines.

Period:

From January till  first of July  2024, around 80 working days

Compensation:

• Competitive price offers.
• We are considering the possibility of engaging multiple companies to oversee separate activities within the three  Parts .