International Alert is one of the world’s leading peacebuilding organisations, with over 30 years of experience supporting communities, advising governments, organisations and companies on how to build peace. Alert works with people in conflict-affected and threatened areas to make a positive difference for peace; to improve the substance and implementation of international policies relevant to peacebuilding; and to strengthen the peacebuilding sector.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Consultant for Development of Women Safe-Space Facilitators’ Guide / Manual
Location: Nigeria
Summary
- International Alert is seeking the services of a Consultant for Development of Women Safe-Space Facilitators’ Guide / Manual.
- This is part of the deliverables of the Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability in North-West Nigeria: Samun Adalchi Shine Kwanciyar Hankali (Achieving Justice Promotes Stability)
Background
- In our ongoing efforts to foster safer and inclusive environments for vulnerable populations, we are seeking the expertise of a qualified and experienced individual or team to develop a comprehensive Women Safe Space Manual. This manual will be a vital tool in empowering facilitators to effectively create and manage safe spaces for women, ensuring they can openly discuss and address GBV-related issues without fear of judgment or discrimination.
- The Safe Space Manual will be divided into three parts, focusing on the prevention, management, and overcoming of GBV. Each part will comprise sessions that cover concept and theory, design, planning and preparation, characteristics and techniques, as well as checklist, pre- and post-dialogue stages/processes.
- To ensure the manual’s contextual relevance and effectiveness, it will be developed through structured community research methodologies, including perception surveys, capacity needs assessments, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) with women associations, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders.
Objectives
- To create a comprehensive and user-friendly resource that includes sessions on prevention, management, and overcoming of GBV, covering concept and theory, design, planning and preparation, characteristics and techniques, as well as checklist, pre- and post-dialogue stages/processes.
- To empower facilitators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively create and manage safe spaces for women, where they can openly discuss and address GBV-related issues in a supportive and non-discriminatory environment.
- To ensure the Safe Space Manual addresses the specific needs and challenges of the target communities by utilizing structured community research methodologies, including perception surveys, capacity needs assessments, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs).
- To promote gender equality, empower women, and contribute to the prevention, management, and overcoming of gender-based violence within conflict-affected communities.
- To contribute to International Alert’s project objective of transforming conflict-affected communities into resilient, peaceful societies by addressing critical issues related to gender-based violence and promoting safer and inclusive environments.
Methodology
- A detailed methodology with tools for carrying out the assignment will be developed in collaboration with International Alert as part of the inception report to be submitted by the prospective consultant.
- The development of the safe space manual will be a participatory process, beginning with a needs analysis to determine the precise needs of the target populations.
- The manual will be organized into three parts: prevention, management, and overcoming of GBV, and tailored to local contexts through community research. Interactive content, including case studies and reflection exercises. Pilot testing and expert input will refine the manual, ensuring it’s comprehensive and user-friendly.
- The finalized manual will be disseminated, providing training and support to empower facilitators in creating safer spaces for addressing gender-based violence.
Outputs and Deliverables
All deliverables will be agreed with the International Alert focal person. Outputs to include:
- A comprehensive outline of the methodology to be used for the manual development, including toolsfor the needs assessment, community research methodologies, and expert input processes.
- A detailed curriculum framework outlining the learning objectives and session plans for each part of the manual.
- A well-structured and user-friendly manual addressing the prevention, management, and overcoming of gender-based violence (GBV). It will consist of three parts, each containing sessions on concept and theory, design, planning and preparation, characteristics and techniques, as well as checklist, pre- and post-dialogue stages/processes.
- A report summarizing the feedback and insights gathered from the pilot test conducted with facilitators. The report will include recommended revisions and improvements based on the test results.
- Finalized Manual: The Safe Space Manual revised and refined based on the pilot test feedback, expert input, and peer review. The finalized version will incorporate all necessary updates and improvements.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s Degree or a higher qualification in, Gender Studies, Conflict Studies, International Development, or in other related Social Sciences
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in gender issues, women’s rights, or related fields, with a deep understanding of gender-based violence and its impact on communities.
- Experience in developing educational materials, training programs, or manuals, with the ability to structure content, define learning objectives, and design interactive activities for experiential learning.
- Proficiency in conducting needs assessments, perception surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to gather valuable insights and inform the manual’s content.
- Proven track record in facilitating workshops or training sessions on GBV, gender equality, or related topics, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and create safe and inclusive learning environments.
- Experience working with diverse communities, understanding cultural sensitivities, and collaborating with local stakeholders to ensure the manual’s relevance and effectiveness.
- Demonstrated expertise in addressing gender-based violence, implementing GBV programs, or working with survivors to promote healing and empowerment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex concepts clearly and concisely, ensuring the manual is accessible to facilitators and participants.
- Demonstrated sensitivity and empathy towards survivors of GBV, promoting a non-judgmental and supportive approach in the development process.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, incorporating their insights and feedback into the manual’s content and design.
Timeline and Budget
- International Alert plans for development of the dialogue facilitation manual/guide to be undertaken as soon as possible with the final draft expected to be delivered by 30th September 2023 at the latest. Duty of care for this assignment lies with the consultant(s).
Application Closing Date
30th July, 2023.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications electronically to: [email protected] with “Consultancy for Women Safe-space Facilitators’ Manual / Guide” in the subject line.
Expression of Interest
- The consultant will be responsible for collecting any additional resources necessary to complete the assignment.
- Persons/firms interested in this opportunity need to submit and inception report or a technical proposal (no longer than 8 sides of A4) detailing their proposed methodology, evidence of previous work and writing samples of related work and a CV and cover-letter detailing their expertise and competence to carry out the assignment creditably.
Note
- To be considered, applicants need to submit the above and their fee expectation / requested daily rate.
- International Alert will only contact successful candidates.