UNDP Jobs - 63361- Trainer on Conflict Prevention/ and Peace Building

Trainer on Conflict Prevention/ and Peace Building with Focus on Confidence Building Measures

Location :

Various (Tbilisi, Sukhumi), GEORGIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Up to ten fifteen-day missions during three years

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP, with financial support from the EU, launched the Confidence Building Early Response Mechanism (COBERM), which aimed to build confidence amongst communities on both sides of the divide and encourage peace-building in view of conflict resolution in 2010. The second phase of the project was implemented during 2012-2015. COBERM is a neutral, apolitical and flexible grant making mechanism that supports grass roots initiatives in support of peacebuilding in the region. It is envisaged that the third phase of COBERM III will be launched at the beginning of 2016, for a duration of 3 years.

Addressing issues of limited interaction and trust among the conflict affected communities, the project main goals are to:

Support opportunities for confidence building through direct people-to-people contacts;
Build an enabling environment within and across divided communities to strengthen respect for peace and stability while addressing local needs;
Strengthen mutual complementarity between humanitarian responses and dialogue processes.

The following results are envisaged:

The joint EU/UN COBERM platform is widely recognized as an effective mechanism for comprehensive support to grass roots confidence building and dialogue processes through an empowered network of civil society actors;
At least 55 CSO projects address local needs and support people-to-people interaction to foster confidence building within and across divided communities for at least 20,000 people affected by conflict or at risk of conflict;
At least 50 Georgian, Abkhaz and South Ossetian CSOs (of which more than 25% will be women’s and women-led organisations) have greater institutional capacities to mediate peace and confidence-building in constructive ways and address local needs;
At least 5 opportunities emerging though GID and other complementary dialogue fora operationalized through the COBERM Plus window.

One of the lessons learned from the previous phases of COBERM was the need of systematic capacity development of the civil society organizations, old and new. A capacity development component was implemented during COBERM II, when a series of trainings related to conflict sensitive programming and conflict analysis, as well as idea forums were provided for a total of 150 CSOs. These efforts will continue during the third phase of COBERM. This capacity development component aims to provide tools and skills to CSOs to enable them to contribute more substantively to peace-building processes by developing and implementing more visionary and strategic projects.

It is envisaged that the capacity building activities that will be undertaken under COBERM III will provide adequate support to CSOs to:

Better understand the concepts and tools for conflict prevention and peace building to formulate better responses in the area of conflict prevention and peace-building relevant to the given context;
Acquire new skills related to conflict sensitive programming using a gender perspective as well as receive information on innovative approaches and international best practices based on which they can develop projects that address local needs and foster confidence building within and across the divided communities;
Develop, implement and monitor more strategic and sustainable confidence building projects, including through using innovative approaches and tools;
Increase the understanding and consequently widen the space for women’s and women-led organizations to mediate peace and confidence building;
Facilitate partnership building and identification of common ideas;
Facilitate networking meetings among CSOs working on conflict prevention and peace building that will receive a COBERM grant;
Promote and encourage synergies and exchange of best confidence building practices among COBERM grantees;
Design concise and practical templates that help CSOs track and document lessons learned, innovative approaches used including their results as well as best practices.

The current call seeks to set up a roster of highly skilled international trainers that would be available periodically for short term assignments to conduct trainings on conflict prevention/ peace-building concepts, including tools to achieve such development objectives. It is envisaged that such trainings will be conducted up to 4 times a year, and up to 10 times during the life of the project.

The number of trainees is expected to vary according to the number of interested civil society actors in COBERM III and consequently will be known at a later stage. Based on previous experience, it is anticipated that the number of the participants per training will be up to 25.

Trainings will be held in Tbilisi and Sukhumi and/or a third country. Logistical support will be provided by the COBERM team.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following types of trainings are envisaged under the scope of work:

Introductory trainings on conflict prevention and peace building practices. The main objective of these trainings is to increase capacity of potential COBERM applicants (usually local CSOs and representatives of other institutions) in conflict prevention and peace building areas as well as allow them to determine if the objectives the COBERM programme are in line with their own mandate and expertise. Whenever possible, these trainings will be conducted during the announcement period of a call for project ideas. The trainings may be conducted jointly with representatives of the COBERM team who will familiarize CSOs with COBERM III strategy and approaches and provide an overview of the application process. Up to four trainings of such nature are envisaged during the duration of the project.
In depth trainings for COBERM grantees. The main objective of the trainings is to increase the knowledge base in terms of skills development of CSOs implementing confidence building initiatives as well as to create a platform for communication and information sharing among COBERM grantees. Up to four such trainings are envisaged during the duration of the project.
Trainings with networking component in third countries for COBERM grantees. It is envisaged that up to 2 trainings will be held in third countries. The aim of these trainings is to combine a skills development module (e.g. mediation, negotiation, conflict sensitive communication, etc.) as well as provide a participatory platform among COBERM grantees for sharing of information, reflection on lessons learned, identifying best practices and future strategies for cooperation. The venue of the third country would be determined at a later stage. Up to two such trainings are envisaged during the duration of the project.

Main tasks for introductory trainings:

Provide an overview of concepts and tools for conflict prevention with focus on confidence building for representatives of civil society. Focus of training can be on what is confidence building and help participants “unpack” the concept and devise contextually appropriate ideas. Provide information on conflict sensitive programming. It is essential that these trainings link theory with practice and specific context;
Facilitate stimulating participants’ creativity and help them think innovatively and multidisciplinarily;
Conduct an “idea forum” that enable partnership building and identification of common ideas/themes among the participants;
Encourage discussions of strategic issues and joint planning through stimulating networking among CSOs working on conflict prevention and peace building.

Main deliverables for introductory trainings:

Prior to delivering the training, the international trainer is expected to submit the training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts to COBERM for review and translation in local languages, as needed (latest by 2 weeks in advance or as agreed with COBERM team);
Conducting up to two trainings for up to two groups depending on the number of potential applicants) and one training in Sukhumi on conflict prevention, peace-building and tools related to confidence building (each training will last for 2 days);
Conduct an “idea forum” to identify major ideas and partnerships within the group;
Conduct an evaluation of the training and wrap up;
Upon request, facilitate networking meetings among CSOs that received a COBERM grant;
Summary of trainings for posting on the website prepared and a mission report on analysis of observations and recommendations from during the trainings, including documenting best practices/innovative approaches and needs assessment for future trainings (to be submitted by email one week after completion of trainings).

Example of activity timeframe and responsible party for introductory trainings:

Preparation and submission of training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts: 3 days (International Trainer – Home based);
Preparation of trainings in Tbilisi: 1 day (International Trainer+ COBERM team);
Trainings in Tbilisi (up to 2 trainings): 2-4 days (International Trainer + COBERM Team);
Trip to Sukhumi: 1 day (International Trainer);
Debriefing in Sukhumi and preparation: 1 day (International Trainer+ COBERM Team);
Training in Sukhumi (1 training): 2 days (International Trainer+ COBERM Team);
Trip back to Tbilisi: 1 day (International Trainer);
Preparation and submission of summary of trainings and brief report: 2 days (International Trainer – Home based).

Main tasks for in depth trainings:

Develop in depth training modules on peacebuilding related issues that can have a practical application in development projects for the given context. For example, these trainings can be a combination of skills development modules along with deepening the understanding of the COBERM grantees on specific issues and tools that can be used in peace building dialogue processes, or other types of interventions. Exact topics will be determined in a participatory way, seeking inputs from the COBERM grantees;
Develop an in-depth training on gender and peacebuilding to increase understanding on these issues and provide practical tools in support to increasing women and women’s organizations involvement and participation in various humanitarian and peace related processes.

Main deliverables in depth trainings:

Prior to delivering the training, the international trainer is expected to submit the training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts to COBERM for review and translation in local languages, as needed. (latest by 2 weeks in advance or as agreed with COBERM team);
Conducting up to two trainings for up to two groups depending on the number of potential applicants) and one training in Sukhumi on conflict prevention, peace-building and tools related to confidence building (each training will last for 2 days);
Evaluation of training and wrap up;
Summary of trainings for posting on the website (maximum one week after the trainings are finished on the field) prepared and a mission report on analysis of observations and recommendations from during the trainings, including documenting best practices/innovative approaches and needs assessment for future trainings (to be submitted by email one week after completion of trainings).

Example of activity timeframe and responsible party for the in depth trainings on conflict prevention and peace-building:

Preparation and submission of training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts:3 days (International Trainer – Home based);
Preparation of trainings in Tbilisi: 1 day (International Trainer);
Trainings in Tbilisi (up to two trainings): 2-4 days (International Trainer);
Trip to Sukhumi: 1 day (International Trainer);
Debriefing in Sukhumi and preparation: 1 day (International Trainer);
Training in Sukhumi (one training): 2 days (International Trainer);
Trip back to Tbilisi: 1 day (International Trainer);
Preparation and submission of summary of trainings and brief report: 2 days (International Trainer – Home based).

Main tasks for trainings with networking component in third countries:

Develop an interactive training module that will allow for reflection and analysis of opportunities and challenges of confidence building interventions in the given context;
Focus on classical conflict prevention skills, such as negotiation, mediation, conflict sensitive communication, etc. by using interactive and innovative approaches;
Design a networking agenda that would facilitate sharing of experiences and collection of lessons learned and best practices that would result in greater interaction among COBERM grantees;
Develop an interactive scenario/role play, etc. to stimulate networking and cooperation.

Main deliverables for trainings with networking component in third countries:

Prior to delivering the training, the international trainer is expected to submit the training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts to COBERM for review and translation in local languages, as needed (latest by 2 weeks in advance or as agreed with COBERM team);
Conducting one training for one group of CSOs for up to 25 participants (training will last for up to 2 days);
Facilitate one networking meeting for CSOs on lessons learned and best practices identified during projects’ implementation (1 day);
Evaluation of training and wrap up;
Mission report on analysis of observations and recommendations from during the training/networking meeting (to be submitted by email one week after completion of trainings).

Example of activity timeframe for trainings with networking component in third countries:

Preparation and submission of training methodology, agenda, modules and handouts: 2 days (International Trainer – Home based);
Travel to third country: 1 day;
Conduct training: Up to 3 days (International Trainer);
Facilitate networking meeting/lessons learned: 1 day (International Trainer);
Travel back from third country: 1 day (International Trainer);
Prepare and submit mission report: 2 days (international Trainer-Home based).

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Technical Competencies:

Communication skills:

Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate with different civic actors;
Flexibility, discretion and tact;
Experience in managing trainings in multi-cultural/ethic audience.

Professional skills:

Good analysis and judgment;
Teamwork, proven management and results-orientation;
Ability to advice on development of conflict prevention and conflict resolution project proposals;
Strong ability in managing politically sensitive issues, in a responsible way.

Technical aptitude:

Strong oral presentation skills to stimulate lively discussion and facilitation of training on conflict prevention, peace building, including confidence building issues with tangible results taking into account the local context.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's degree in social sciences, international relations, political science, or other related domain; concentration in conflict prevention and peace-studies would be highly desirable (minimum qualification requirement: 5 points);
PhD will be an asset (additional 5 points).

Experience:

Substantive international experience (at least 7 years) in the field of conflict prevention, peace-building and conflict-sensitive development (minimum qualification requirement: 7 years - 10 points, more than 7 - additional 5 points);
Substantive experience (at least 5 years) with trainings on results-oriented development in the areas of conflict prevention, peace building, including a gender perspective and human rights based-approach etc. (minimum qualification requirement: 5 years - 10 points, more than 5 - additional 5 points);
Proven track of excellent diplomatic skills and ability to work in very sensitive political environments;
Knowledge of the United Nations system, practices, and procedures, including UNDP program modalities, particularly in conflict-affected areas; knowledge of EU processes would be an asset;
Previous experience in the facilitation/participation in peace processes and dialogue activities would be an asset for the position;
Knowledge of the post-Soviet transitional context in general and Georgian context in particular would be an asset (5 points).

Language:

Fluency in English is required;
Knowledge of Russian highly desirable (5 points).

Evaluation:

The Offerors for International Trainer will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis, against combination of technical and financial criteria. Technical evaluation stage encompasses desk review, review of training methodology and/or proposed training samples and interview of offerors. Offerors not meeting any of the minimum technical qualification requirements will be automatically excluded from the list of offerors for further technical evaluation. Maximum obtainable score is 100, out of which the total score for technical criteria equals to 70 points (70%) and for financial criteria 30 (30%). Offerors who pass 70% of maximum obtainable scores of the desk review (i.e. 50 x 70% = 35 points) as a result of a desk review of offers will be invited for the interview and requested to provide training methodology. Those offerors who pass 70% of maximum obtainable scores of the technical criteria (i.e. 70 x 70% = 49 points) will be considered as short-listed offerors.

Financial Proposal:

A financial proposal will be requested from the shortlisted offerors, only. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. The payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables should be accompanied by the proposed number of installments. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal, including terminal expenses. This includes all travel to the duty station/third country/repatriation travel.