Proposal development and projects design training 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. 

International Alert’s intervention aims to support CSOs in three areas - West Beqaa, the Upper Chouf areas, and Zahle - to strengthen social stability in the respective communities. As part of the process, participating CSOs will have an opportunity to strengthen their policies and systems to become more sustainable organisations. Participant CSOs will:

• Receive training on conflict and social stability as well as on how they can integrate conflict sensitivity and gender sensitivity within their projects. Furthermore, training sessions will be combined with coaching to address organisational development needs.
• Receive training including coaching on strategic planning, enhancing financial management, HR management, procurement, accountability, child safeguarding, advocacy, and communication, based on the organisation’s capacity assessment.
• Receive coaching on the design and implementation of initiatives aiming to enhance social stability, pending granting funds to applying CSOs.
• Participate in reflection, learning, and story-telling sessions supported by Alert to capture the results of the initiatives and consolidate learning on how to work on social stability and conflict-sensitive initiatives in the future.

As a part of the project, International Alert is responsible to conduct a three-days training on practical aspects of proposal development, project design, implementation, M&E, and communication plans using conflict sensitivity and social stability within the programs of the selected CSOs. Three trainings will take place to two participants from each of the selected organizations grouped by region for their ease of participation.

 The aim of these training sessions is:

• To enhance the capacity of project staff and partners on conflict sensitivity and social cohesion in proposal development, project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and communication plans.
• To ensure that projects are designed and implemented in a way that considers the potential impacts on social stability and conflict dynamics, and that they contribute to building and strengthening social stability in the communities where they are implemented.
• To support project staff and partners in developing M&E systems that measure the progress and effectiveness of projects in contributing to social stability and preventing or mitigating conflicts within their areas.
• To help project staff and partners communicate effectively about project activities, outcomes, and impacts, and engage with diverse stakeholders, including marginalized and conflict-affected groups.

The consultant needs to develop the methodology and tools for the needed training.

Objectives of the consultancy

The overall objective of the consultancy is to support International Alert in providing training sessions related to social stability and on the practical aspects of project design, implementation, M&E, communication plans while developing the concept notes and proposals.

The specific objectives are:

1. To develop the content of the trainings in partnership with International Alert team.
2. To conduct four-day training sessions for two representatives from each of the 23 civil society organizations (CSOs). This training will focus on conflict sensitivity and social stability principles, including essential social stability concepts, and guide participants in integrating these concepts into their programmes, proposal, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan, communication plan, strategic plan, and daily activities.
3. To draft a clear methodology and tools for conducting the training.
4. To prepare a final report highlighting on the overall achievements and challenges faced in the training.

Methodology

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

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 the consultant. 

The consultant is 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 Consultant perform the assignment.

Deliverables

The Consultant is responsible for 4 deliverables:

• Deliverable 1: Detailed training agenda including the methodology and tools to be used based on an inception meeting with Alert.
• Deliverable 2: Conduct the training.
• Deliverable 3: Final report on the training session with a set of recommendations.

Timeline

Deliverable

Number of days

Develop the Training workplan, training materials and detailed agenda – 

4 days

Conduct the training 3 day - Conflict sensitivity and social cohesion in programming aspects

4 days per area - Total 8 days

Submit draft of the report + presentation.

2 days

Submission of the Final report

2 days

Total

16 days

Consultant profile

• At least 5 years of experience in conducting trainings related to social stability, conflict sensitivity, proposal development, communication, and any other similar topics.
• In-depth knowledge of the project management cycle, proposal development, and technical aspects of the project (M&E, communication, budgeting, etc..).
• Experience with and understanding of the local context in West Bekaa, Zahle, and Chouf areas.
• Professional and educational background in international relations, international development, diplomacy, gender, or peacebuilding.
• 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 interviews and focus group discussions in Arabic.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, including following data protection guidelines.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Education degree

A relevant university degree

Languages

- English: Excellent.

-  Arabic: Excellent.

Period:

From November to December 2023

Compensation:

 Competitive price offers.