Conflict Transformation Trainer

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Conflict Transformation Training Consultant

ABOUT SEARCH

Search for Common Ground (Search) is a non-governmental organization working to transform the way societies deal with conflicts. We have over 40 years of experience in peacebuilding and are based in 53 local offices worldwide. We strive to build sustainable peace for generations to come by working with all sides of a conflict, providing the tools needed to work together, and finding constructive solutions. While conflict is inevitable, violence is not. Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict, away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. Instead of tearing down an existing world, we focus on constructing a new one. We shift the everyday interactions between hostile groups of people so they can work together to build up their community, choosing joint problem-solving over violent means. We rely on local staff as well as local partner organizations in order to ensure our work is culturally sensitive, sustainable and well-grounded in the context.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Joint Initiative for Strategic Religious Action (JISRA) in Iraq is a consortium of three international NGOs, namely Search for Common Ground (Search), Tearfund, and Mensen met een Missie (MM), as well as three local partners: Peace and Freedom Organisation (PFO) and INSAN Society, Women Empowerment Organization In Iraq. JISRA aims to promote peaceful coexistence through direct and local partner implementation across Iraq. As a part of this project, Search will hire a consultant to deliver and facilitate a three-day Conflict Transformation training for project staff for all consortium members, including both international and local civil society partners.

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

As part of the JISRA project, Search will train the partner organization staff in Search’s conflict transformation methodology: the Common Ground Approach (CGA) and the Religious Engagement (RE) curriculum, adapted to the local context of Iraq, inclusive of an advocacy training. The CGA focuses on strategies for non-adversarial communication, active listening, empathy building and other skills that help groups constructively communicate and engage across dividing lines over common interests. Using similar skills processes, the RE methodology focuses on the most effective ways to engage religious actors in building intra-, interreligious and multi-sectoral collaboration.

DELIVERABLES

The roles and responsibilities of the consultant will include:

1. Adapt a Conflict Transformation curriculum for a three-day training aligned with Search’s Common Ground Approach (CGA) and CGA to Religious Engagement inclusive of advocacy for the Iraq context along with development of training materials (presentations, handouts, manuals). The adaptation and design of the Iraq specific curriculum can be done online remotely.
2. Coordinate with Search Iraq team on providing the CGA and to incorporate the “CGA” and “CGA to Religious Engagement” to the Conflict Transformation Curriculum and training.
3. Deliver an in-person English, 3- day training in Erbil to 25+ participants, inclusive of:
   1. Search’s conflict transformation methodology: the Common Ground Approach (CGA),
   2. Search’s Religious Engagement (RE) curriculum,
   3. Advocacy approach to engaging duty-bearers.
   4. theoretical inputs, practical exercises, and case studies.
4. Submit post-training evaluation reports assessing participants’ learning outcomes and training effectiveness.in line with Search’s reporting requirements and standards.

TIMELINE

• Develop an English curriculum on the topics identified by Search’s team and in close coordination with Search. Consultant needs to send a draft of the curriculum for review and approval by the Search team.
  • 8 August 2024 – 13 August 2024 – 6 days in total – [Remotely – Online]
• Finalize the English curriculums and training materials, including the development of the training curriculum, training agenda, PowerPoint presentations (pre-/post-tests), and other relevant materials as needed.
  • 14 – 15 August 2024 – 2 days in total – [Remotely – Online]
• Deliver a 3-day training in English to the group of 20 participants approximately. Conduct pre and post-test activity to assess participants’ learning outcomes and training effectiveness.
  • 18 – 20 August 2024 – 3 days in total – [In-person – Erbil, Iraq]
• Submit the final report to Search, documenting the achievements of the training sessions. This report will include an analysis of pre-post tests and outline recommendations for future actions.
  • 21- 22 August 2024 – 2 days in total [Remotely – Online]

EXPERT PROFILE

Successful candidates will be expected to design and present Search with a training agenda and a detailed timetable of training sessions, clearly outlining the topics which will be covered and showing the numbers and types of exercises based on Search’s training manuals. Trainers must employ participatory training techniques and interactive facilitation in alignment with Search’s manuals in order to ensure active engagement and effective learning outcomes.

Additionally, trainers will be expected to have the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in the design, development, and delivery of similar training
• Proven experience in curriculum development
• Ability to tailor training modules to the specific needs of trainees
• Experience in advocacy and awareness-raising
• Knowledge of the Iraq context
• Experience in designing/adapting questionnaires, evaluation forms, and pre and post-tests
• Interpersonal skills that evoke trust and are gender and culturally sensitive
• Willingness and ability to be flexible
• Fluent in English, knowledge of Arabic and Kurdish languages are preferred

Training topics shall include, but are not be limited to, the following:

• Religious Engagement
• Non-violent communication and active listening
• Consensus-building
• Relationship-building
• Conflict analysis
• Promotion of dialogue and dialogue facilitation
• Negotiation and mediation
• Engaging women and youth in peacebuilding
• Non-adversarial advocacy to engage duty bearers
• Dispute resolution to support interfaith action

Throughout the project, trainers are requested to coordinate closely with Search’s Project Manager regarding the curriculum and training material.