Conflict Resolution and Conflict Preparedness Consultant

1. Background Information:

The Community Organization for Development and Empowerment-TCODE-INITIATE is a Nongovernmental, nonprofit, youth-oriented organization based in Lebanon and dedicated to assisting vulnerable communities through youth inclusion and empowerment. While keeping youth at its focus of its mission, TCODE-INITIATE continually endeavors in creating comprehensive and inclusive programs aimed towards the empowerment of youth, and its concentric circles of influence.

In the process of delivering its Mission TCODE-INITIATE aspires to keeping its status as a hub for youth allowing them to: access a safe space, and acquire knowledge and access to a network of social and political influencers enhancing their social participation in decision making processes.

Strengthening MESO and MICRO Organizations and influencers’ Capacity for Communication and Collaboration to effectively promote and advocate for Palestinian rights in Lebanon: The project aims to enhance communication and collaboration among MESO and MICRO level organizations and influencers to effectively advocate for Palestinian rights in Lebanon. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon face numerous challenges, including limitations on property ownership and employment opportunities, as well as restricted access to social services and freedom of movement.

Violence in protracted conflicts exacerbates these challenges, leading to marginalization, stigmatization, fragmentation, and conditioning within societal systems. The project seeks to address these issues by improving communication skills and fostering collaboration among organizations and influencers.

Initiatives include capacity-building workshops to enhance communication skills, support for the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee to draft and pass legislation for Palestinian rights, and fostering alliances with influential individuals and groups. An online platform will provide accurate information to counter misinformation, and engagement with local communities aims to build trust and understanding.

2. Purpose of the Contract:

The consultant will work closely with INITIATE’s team to enhance their understanding of conflict dynamics, improve conflict resolution skills, and develop strategies for conflict preparedness.

3. Tasks:

• Provide comprehensive training and mentoring for INITIATE’s team on conflict transformation and communication, utilizing the agency, culture, and structure approach, as well as the macro, meso, and micro levels of conflict analysis.
• Develop a Conflict Transformation Manual tailored to INITIATE’s needs and context, incorporating the methodologies.
• Conduct a comprehensive organizational analysis to better understand the different structural, legal, social, and cultural factors hindering communication and collaboration.
• Conduct stakeholder and influencer analysis to identify key individuals and groups with the potential to influence public opinion and policy in relation to Palestinian rights, as well as potential allies and opposition.
• Collaborate with INITIATE’s team to develop strategies for effective conflict resolution and conflict preparedness, integrating insights from the conflict analysis methodologies.
• Deliver training of trainers to INITIATE team to be able to deliver conflict transformation and preparedness trainings based on the developed manual.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to INITIATE’s team as they implement these strategies.

4. Qualifications:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict resolution and conflict preparedness, with expertise in utilizing the agency, culture, and structure approach, as well as the macro, meso, and micro levels of conflict analysis.

• Strong understanding of conflict dynamics and the Palestinian context.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

5. Duration:

The duration of the consultancy is 4 months.

6. Reporting:

The consultant will report to the Senior Project Manager at INITIATE, and will work closely with INITIATE’s team to achieve the project’s objectives.

7. Application Process:

Interested consultants should submit their CV, a narrative and financial proposal and a proposed methodology for utilizing the agency, culture and structure approach, as well as the macro, meso and micro levels of conflict analysis, to hr@initiate-lb.org by May 23, 2024.