Call for Proposals: Selection of a Local Organization

Project Title: Women, Peace, and Security in Arab States (Phase III)
Implementing Partners: UN Women, the Professional Mediation Centre of Saint Joseph University, and International Alert
Funded by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Project Duration: August 2024 - January 2025
Location: Tyre, Lebanon

Background

In the context of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, the deteriorating security situation on Lebanon's southern border has precipitated a humanitarian crisis, forcing numerous families to flee their homes and seek refuge in the city of Tyre. These internally displaced persons (IDPs), now residing primarily in public schools, are experiencing heightened stress, anxiety, and social tensions. This situation has led to increased familial and communal conflicts within shelters, exacerbating the challenges faced by IDPs, particularly women and young girls.

Under Output 2.1 of the Women, Peace, and Security in Arab States project, the aim is to strengthen the capacity of women and young women local mediators to foster social cohesion and prevent conflict within these communities. The project will address the immediate needs of IDPs in Tyre, with a specific focus on those residing outside formal shelters, through a series of targeted activities.

Scope of Work

International Alert invites proposals from qualified local organizations to implement the following activities:

1. Mediation Sessions

• Objective: Facilitate conflict resolution and enhance social cohesion among IDPs through structured mediation.
• Activities:
  • Organize and conduct 50 mediation sessions focused on resolving disputes within the displaced community.
  • Employ a structured approach to mediation, ensuring an inclusive environment that promotes dialogue and negotiation among participants.
  • Utilize trained mediators, particularly women mediators, to lead these sessions, ensuring culturally sensitive and gender-responsive interventions.
• Expected Outcomes: Reduction in conflicts and enhanced community cohesion within IDP populations in Tyre.

2. Active Listening Sessions

• Objective: Provide emotional support and promote engagement among IDPs, particularly before and during mediation processes.
• Activities:
  • Conduct regular active listening sessions designed to create a safe space for IDPs to express their concerns and emotions.
  • Integrate these sessions with broader outreach activities to monitor community dynamics and identify potential conflicts early on.
  • Facilitate these sessions with an emphasis on alleviating stress and fostering trust within the community.
• Expected Outcomes: Increased engagement and emotional well-being among IDPs, leading to more effective conflict resolution.

3. Psycho-social Support

• Objective: Address the psychological and social impacts of displacement on IDPs, particularly focusing on trauma, anxiety, fear, and depression.
• Activities:
  • Provide tailored psycho-social support services, including counseling and therapy sessions, to individuals and families within the displaced community.
  • Focus on mitigating the adverse effects of displacement on mental health and interpersonal relationships.
  • Ensure that psycho-social support is accessible and responsive to the specific needs of women, young girls, and other vulnerable groups.
• Expected Outcomes: Improved mental health and social well-being among IDPs, contributing to overall community stability.

4.Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations must demonstrate:

• Experience: A proven track record in mediation, conflict resolution, and psycho-social support, particularly within displaced or vulnerable communities in Lebanon.
• Impact: Significant presence and impact in Lebanon, with a preference for organizations that include women local mediators as members or leaders.
• Capacity: Ability to implement gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate interventions, particularly focusing on the needs of IDPs outside formal shelters.
• Expertise: Knowledge and experience in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and providing psycho-social support in crisis contexts.

Submission Requirements

Interested organizations are required to submit a comprehensive proposal that includes the following:

• Organizational Profile: A detailed overview of the organization, including its mission, experience, and previous work in related fields.
• Technical Proposal: A detailed plan outlining the approach to implementing the specified activities, including methodology, timelines, and expected outcomes.
• Team Composition: Information on the proposed team of women mediators, including their qualifications and experience in mediation and conflict resolution.
• Financial Proposal: A detailed budget breakdown for the proposed activities, including all associated costs, ensuring the total budget does not exceed $17,000, and including all associated costs.
• Supporting Documents: Any additional documentation that demonstrates the organization’s capacity and experience in similar projects.