Debate Expert

Terms of Reference (TOR)

About Adyan:

Adyan is a foundation for managing diversity, promoting solidarity and safeguarding human dignity. We are a group of individuals who want a world that embraces diversity, in which we live together in peace. We work locally, regionally and globally to achieve Inclusive Citizenship, develop Education on Living Together, activate Religious Social Responsibility, and promote Spiritual Solidarity. We also seek to contribute to Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and advancing Freedom of Religion and Belief. We work through homegrown solutions in Education, Research, Policy Making, Media, and Community Engagement Networks.

About the project:

The Alwan Debate project is inspired by “Alwan”: Educational Program on Living Together, which has been running since 2007 at Adyan Foundation. However, this project in particular, has a focus on debating around controversial topics, since it is vital to bring youth together to share ideas about:

Identity, Religious Diversity and Common Values, Mutual understanding of Christianity and Islam, Reconciliation and Solidarity, Media Literacy against Hate Speech, Conflict transformation, Richness in Heritage, Freedom of Religion and Beliefs, On-violent Communication, & Faith & Science (Inter-school debate)

It aims to cultivate curiosity, to embrace diversity and debate positively, hoping to achieve by that an impact on their communities through public engagement and collaboration. It will be implemented in 30 schools diversely distributed all over Lebanon during the 2024-2025 school year. The age groups range between 15 & 17, distributed in groups of 15 to 20 students per institution.

The debate expert accepts to work according to the terms of this TOR.

Scope of Work/Assignment

The Debate expert will work in direct collaboration with the head of the Education Unit and in coordination with the educational external expert and data analyst to:

• Develop the debate techniques manual including guidelines for the school and inter-school debate sessions. The manual will serve as a guide for teachers during the  
  program.

• Train 30 teachers on the debate techniques and on the manual-related content. Teachers will be trained to teach debate techniques and to promote inclusivity and dialogue about the 10 topics listed in the “About the project” section.

• Monitor the school club debate sessions (30 visits per year/one per school) and collect data in coordination with the data analyst and the teacher, by making sure that the answers, arguments and questions are being noted and submitted by the teacher. The debate expert will attend one random club debate in 30 schools and provide advice for the teachers based on observation and will share input on how to prepare the participants to communicate their views to a broader audience.

• Capture the Interschool debate data during the interschool debate activity which can cover:

1. The main arguments and perspectives presented by the students in relation to the Faith and Science topic.
2. The quality of Argumentation by assessing the strength of reasoning and evidence used by debaters.
3. An evaluation of the debaters' communication skills and audience engagement.
4. The measurement of the depth and credibility of research conducted to support arguments, including the effectiveness of debaters' rebuttals and counterarguments.

• Contribute to the development of the booklet entitled "Big questions answered by Alwan Lebanon Students” where, in coordination with the data analyst and the educational expert, there will be a compilation of captured conclusions of the discussions, as well as the answers and interactions of the students in the schools and during the inter-school debate.

• Contribute to the organization of an inter-school debate on "Faith & Science."

• Participate in the closing ceremony which will mainly consist of a panel discussion by students who will share their experiences.

Key outcomes:

• 30 teachers are capacitated in teaching and practicing debate techniques.
• A reference manual on debate techniques and guidelines is developed and customized based on the topics presented in the “About the project” section.

• 30 school visits to provide support and guidance to the teachers and collect data while visiting the clubs (answers, challenges, strengths…).
• A compilation of conclusions and analytical results to be added to the final booklet entitled "Big questions answered by Alwan Lebanon Students”.

Expertise Deliverables

The debate expert for Alwan debate will be required to work individually and collaboratively to deliver the below:

Deliverable

1- Develop the debate techniques’ manual in Arabic   

Workload - 5 working days

Deliverable    

2- Provide 1 training day for 30 teachers (includes development of training program and delivery)

Workload - 1 working day

Deliverable

3- Monitor the school club debate sessions     

Workload - 15 working days

Deliverable

4- Compile and analyze the captured conclusions from the discussions, as well as the answers and interactions of the students in the school and inter-school debate (to be added to the booklet.)

Workload - 7 working days

Deliverable

5- Attend the interschool debate and ceremony         

Workload - 2 working days

Educational Background and Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communication, political science, law, or related fields with more then 5 years of experience in competitive debate and public speaking.
• Proven track record in training and mentoring debate teams, as well as in developing comprehensive debate manuals and instructional materials.
• Proficiency in developing and conducting training sessions for educators on debate techniques, employing innovative and interactive methodologies to effectively enhance student skills.
• Strong ability to coordinate with different experts with the capacity to lead and guide discussions among young students with confidence and flexibility, inspiring engagement and commitment.
• Skilled in coaching debate teams or individuals with the ability of mentoring new debaters and serving as a judge in debate tournaments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Arabic and English with previous experience in co-editing debate manuals including new debate techniques or formats.
• Understanding of youth debating challenges with familiarity in handling controversial topics, coupled with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

Term and workload

The debate expert term will start on July 10^th,2024 and will end on September 30^th, 2025.  The expert is expected to work as per the agreed upon workplan during this period for the project.

Copyrights and confidentiality

All the data and information shared or produced in the framework of this ToR are exclusively the property of Adyan Foundation. The expert has to commit to full confidentiality related to this project, besides what Adyan makes public from its results. 

Code of conduct

The expert agrees to fully respect Adyan’s ethos and code of conduct that is considered an integral part of this contract and added to it in Annex.

Application

Interested experts should submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing relevant qualifications, experience, and achievements.
• Brief description of similar consultancy/projects (not more than one page)
• Brief suggested plan of action (not more than one page)

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevance and clarity of suggested plan of action.
• Demonstrated experience and achievements in similar projects.
• Qualifications and expertise of the individual consultant.

All CVs and proposals must be submitted no longer than the July 5^th 2024.

Please submit your CV/Proposal electronically to [email protected] with the subject line: "Debate expert – Alwan debate - [Your Name]