HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS CURRICULUM DEVELOPER AND 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 30 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

Rights Advance: Improving Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights in Iraq – is a project that will be implemented by the two co-applicants: Search for Common Ground (Search), and Iraqi al-Amal Association (IAA). The action is developed jointly and built on many years of experience within this field of expertise. This action addresses the needed space for Human Rights Defender (HRD) and duty bearers, and competing interests have been identified for progressive and inclusive human rights reforms and established political and governance interests and concerns.

The project’s overall objective is to contribute to the protection and promotion of Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly, in view of strengthening the human rights enabling environment.

• Impact: Contribute to the protection and promotion of Fundamental Freedoms, particularly Freedom of Association and Peaceful Assembly in view of strengthening the human rights enabling environment.
• Outcome 1: Civil human rights actors and community members are supporting the freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly in Iraq.
• Outcome 2: Civil society actors (HRDs, academics. and activists), CSOs, and governmental stakeholders are contributing to making a transformative impact in the field of human rights within restrictive Civic Space.

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

To successfully implement this project, the consultant will need to follow a structured approach. Below are the steps involved in developing the curriculum and delivering the training sessions:

• The consultant should be familiar with the Iraqi context, focus on challenges faced by HRDs, analyze existing training materials and Search tools relevant to empowering HRDs, and enhance their advocacy skills.
• Develop a detailed curriculum that aligns with the project objectives outlined.
• Organize the curriculum into modules covering topics such as advocacy skills, stakeholder engagement, conflict-sensitive communication, and media campaign development.
• Ensure the curriculum is tailored to address the specific needs and context of HRDs in Iraq.
• Prepare engaging and interactive training materials, including presentations, case studies, group activities, and handouts. Ensure that the materials are culturally sensitive and inclusive, considering the diverse backgrounds of the participants.
• Facilitate interactive discussions, practical exercises, and knowledge sharing among participants.
• Collect feedback from participants at the end of each training session to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Use feedback to make changes with necessary adjustments and improvements to future training sessions.
• Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the training program, outcomes achieved, challenges faced, and recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives.
• Document best practices and lessons learned during the curriculum development and training delivery process for knowledge sharing and future reference.

By following these steps diligently and staying flexible to accommodate the specific needs of HRDs in Iraq, the consultant can effectively empower HRDs with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for human rights successfully. Once the curriculum is developed, the consultant will have to deliver the training in-person in Erbil, Iraq.

DELIVERABLES

The roles and responsibilities of the consultant will include:

• Training sessions for 36 HRDs in advocacy, community mobilization, and creative approaches to human rights documentary filmmaking.
• Two 3-day training sessions, dividing the total participants into two groups of 18 each. The sessions will be conducted over six consecutive days.
• Develop a tailored curriculum on advocacy, community mobilization, and creative approaches to human rights documentary filmmaking for HRDs.
• Conduct engaging and interactive workshops using Search’s Digital Peacebuilding Guide, Common Ground Approach to Advocacy, and non-adversarial advocacy approach.
• Assist HRDs in developing positive and inclusive messages, focusing on diverse perspectives and specific policy solutions related to human rights issues.
• Facilitate discussions to help HRDs identify key challenges and opportunities that will inform future advocacy policy briefs and human rights films.
• Deliver training sessions in person in Erbil,Iraq, ensuring alignment with the project objectives and the local context.

TIMELINE

• Consultant to develop a curriculum on the topics identified by Search’s team and in close coordination with Search. The curriculum has to be done in Arabic, with basic summary in English. Consultant needs to send a draft of the curriculum for review and approval by the Search team. – 19 May – 30 May 2024 (to be fully approved by Search)
• Conduct pre and post-test activity prior to beginning of each of the training sessions, and at the final day of the training to evaluate the effectiveness of the trainings. – 9 June -14 June 2024.
• Deliver a 3-day training to the first group of 18 participants. – 9 June – 11 June 2024 – 3 days total [In-person – Erbil, Iraq]
• Deliver a 3-day training to the second group of 18 participants. – 12 June – 14 June 2024 – 3 days total [In-person – Erbil, Iraq]
• Revise and finalize the training facilitator guide and curriculum based on feedback from the previously mentioned training sessions. – 15 June – 20 June 2024.
• Submit a final training assessment report. – 21 June – 29 June 2024

EXPERT PROFILE

Qualified candidates will be expected to demonstrate their capability to develop and present a comprehensive training agenda along with a detailed timetable of training sessions. Trainers are expected to utilize interactive facilitation and participatory training methods aligned with Search’s guidelines to ensure active participation and effective learning outcomes:

• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and delivering similar training programs.
• Proficiency in curriculum development.
• Ability to customize training models to suit the specific needs of participants.
• Experience in advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• To have at least 8 years of experience in training and curriculum development.
• A minimum education level of a bachelor’s within that same field or a master’s degree,
• Knowledge of the Iraqi context.
• Competence in designing/adapting questionnaires, evaluation forms, and pre/post-tests.
• Interpersonal skills reflecting trustworthiness, men and women equality, and cultural awareness.
• Willingness and capability to adapt to changing requirements.
• Fluency in Arabic and proficiency in English is advantageous.

The training program will cover a variety of essential topics revolving around peacebuilding and freedom of association, such as:

• Principles of Peacebuilding
• Understanding Freedom of Association and Civil Society
• Techniques for Conflict Resolution
• Facilitating Inclusive Dialogue
• Advocacy Strategies for Human Rights and Social Equality
• Youth Involvement in Peacebuilding Initiatives
• Effective Common Strategies for Non-violent Interactions
• Community Mobilization and Engagement

Throughout the consultancy, trainers will be required to maintain close coordination with Search’s Project team to ensure the curriculum and training materials are in harmony with project goals and objectives. The integration of these critical themes into the training curriculum aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively contribute to peacebuilding efforts and promote human rights through innovative and engaging mediums.