Request for Trainer Common Ground Approach (CGA) – Training of Trainers (ToT) and / or Community Dialogue Approach (CDA) Training of Trainers (ToT)

The Programme

To support local civil society organisations (CSOs) in maintaining a civic space for peacebuilding programmes within targeted communities in Syria by leveraging: 1) CSOs' strengthened strategic and technical capacities, 2) CSOs’ enhanced ability to identify and respond to community needs in an inclusive and gender sensitive manner, and 3) strengthened linkages between grassroot-level CSOs across dividing lines and higher-level implementers.

Goal and Objectives of the Consultancy

We are searching for an experienced training consultant to deliver one or two trainings of trainers (ToTs) on Search’s Common Ground Approach (CGA), and / or Community Dialogue Approach (CDA), as part of Search’s Civil Society Support Program. The trainer will be responsible for the preparation, delivery, and documentation of the CDA ToT’ activities, and /or  CGA ToT’s activities. At the end of this training component, participants will have developed an in-depth understanding of the CDA / CGA and will be able to implement it directly as well as deliver the training to other groups, including community members and other community-based and civil society organisations. Candidates can either apply to deliver either or both CDA / CGA ToTs.

Geographic Locations

These will be shared with the shortlisted candidates, but includes locations in the MENA region. Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, training and coaching sessions will be delivered online. 

Deliverables

The role and responsibilities of the master trainer will include:

• Develop a training methodology and agenda, clear objectives and expectations of each session, based on Search’s CGA and/or CDA modules and in consultation with the project management team. It is key to note here that Search will support the trainer in the design of the training component by providing him/her with Search’s inhouse training material. However, some additional supporting material may need to be developed; 
• Develop / update evaluation forms, such as pre and post-tests, in coordination with Search’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and project teams;
• Deliver an online ToTs on the CDA or/and CGA to 24 CSO representatives, split in two groups of 12. If implemented separately, each training is expected to last five (5) full working days (five sessions for each group, two sessions per day). If the trainer wishes to apply to deliver both trainings, an more integrated and shorter agenda may be suggested; 
• Ensure the quality, timely, inclusive and creative implementation of the training opportunities, and guarantee the active engagement of all participants. Search values the implementation of proactive and engaging sessions, including approaches promoting learning-by-doing. Exercises and practice rounds should be integrated onto the training methodology; and
• Submit a final report on the training sessions in line with Search’s reporting requirements and standards, including pre and post tests analysis, the developed training material, and feedback and recommendations.

Requirements of the consultant

The following skills and experience are expected by Search for the consultant:

• Bachelor degree in international relations, gender and development, social sciences, peace building studies or other relevant fields;
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in community dialogue, community capacity building, conflict transformation, conflict/gender sensitivity, negotiation and/or mediation approaches;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a trainer;
• Has benefitted from a previously held CGA and/or CDA ToT;
• Knowledge of Community Dialogue Approach’s and /or Common Ground approach’s tools and materials;
• Previous experience in delivering remote/online trainings;
• Solid understanding of the project cycle phases and tools;
• Proven experience in the design, development, and delivery of similar trainings and developing evaluation forms and pre and post-tests;
• Ability to tailor training modules to the specific needs of trainees;
• Experience in raising awareness and mobilizing disadvantaged communities;
• Possess empathy towards trainers, including their characteristics, their concerns and the obstacles they may encounter in mastering what is being taught;
• Possess excellent facilitation skills, including managing groups; an ability to draw out thoughts and ideas from others;
• Flexibility in terms of working hours based on the needs of the selected CSOs;
• Excellent interpersonal skills that evoke trust and are gender and culturally sensitive;
• Strong knowledge of the Middle East context;
• Previous experience in working with international organizations; and
• Proven language skills: the training will be conducted in Arabic - Reporting will be conducted in English.