Training Workshop on Advocacy to Bekaa Dialogue Group

Sustaining Spaces for Dialogue and Conflict sensitive Resource Management in the Bekaa

Phase III

1. Project Overview:

Phase III of the project builds on the achieves and learning of the previous two phases. In Phases I and II, the Bekaa Dialogue Group (BDG) was established and its capacities built on conflict-mapping, conflict-analysis, and facilitation skills. Phases I and II of this project constituted piloting and proof of concept of the dialogue model and the approach of integrating conflict sensitivity into water management in the Bekaa: developing a dialogue mechanism (facilitating dialogue, supporting initiatives and establishing a platform for increased outreach through the conference).

Phase III aims at consolidating the learning and building on these results to a) further strengthen and grow the dialogue mechanism, with a focus on local ownership and sustainability, b) develop and connect up additional dialogue groups, and c) connect up the dialogue process with key institutions. This third phase will focus on capitalisation of learning, scale up and replication of the dialogue mechanisms, transfer of capacities and evidencing the approach for similar dialogue and conflict mitigation projects in Lebanon.

The project is being implemented in Central Bekaa.

2. Scope of work:
The scope of this consultancy is to prepare and deliver a two-day training workshop on advocacy and designing community initiatives with social stability objectives for members of the Bekaa Dialogue Group. The workshop is expected to be conducted during August 2019 in Central Bekaa.
 

3. Training objectives:

• To enhance the participants’ skills in advocacy and campaigning including strategies, advocacy messages and tools.
• To support the participants in designing campaigns and community initiatives with social stability objectives
• To support the participants in designing an Action plan for their community initiatives covering the needs, methods of implementation and follow-up in a conflict sensitive manner.

4. Training topics shall include problem identification through the BDG’s scope of work, objective and message formulation, advocacy and campaigning strategies and tools, designing community initiatives with social stability objectives, building alliances and coalitions, assets and resources.
 

5. Participants profile:

Participants are members of the Bekaa Dialogue Group who met to work together to promote community stability and cohesion in the Bekaa, by reducing tension. This group includes influential individuals with diverse affiliations, backgrounds and nationalities representing all sectors of civil society and local authorities. Since the beginning of the year 2016, they are regularly studying the causes of tension in the region and ways of reducing their repercussions. They are of different age and professional backgrounds, are gender- and nationality-mixed – mostly Lebanese and Syrian.

6. Training Methodology:

The training will use participatory learning approach, such as real case studies, simulations and discussions. Topics will be addressed in an interactive way which will combine practical exercises to theory. Participants are expected to share their experiences through active participation which will offer an excellent opportunity for them to learn by doing.

7. Assignment duration

Three days will be divided in two days’ workshop delivery and one day for preparation and reporting.

8. Deliverables

• Training Agenda.
• Training materials (Power Point Presentation, Document, exercises, …).
• Final evaluation form.
• Training workshop report including workshop evaluation analysis.
   

9. Consultant profile / person specification

• Proven track record of delivering high quality, tailored advocacy training and capacity development services in Lebanon.
• Proven track record of developing successful advocacy strategies and campaigns in Lebanon.
• Past experience working with community-based and civil society groups required, with experience of working with local and national institutions a strong asset.
• Demonstrable understanding of conflict and gender sensitivity required.
• Fluency in Arabic and English required.
• Knowledge of peacebuilding and social stability a strong asset.
• Knowledge of context of Central Bekaa a strong asset.