Terms of Reference (ToR): Consultant to Lead ADA Project Learning & Reflection Event

Terms of Reference (ToR): Consultant to Lead ADA Project Learning & Reflection Event

1. Background and Context

Saferworld is implementing a project funded by the Australian Development Agency (ADA) that aims to strengthen solutions that are locally led, interconnecting challenges of conflict, gender quality and climate change in the borderlands of Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya, these borderlands are characterised by escalating tensions that arise because of resource scarcity, floods and droughts which often lead into land disputes, competition over grazing lands and water and gender-based violence. These realities affect women and marginalised groups disproportionately, impeding their meaningful participation, yet their voices are critical to sustainable solutions.

Saferworld will host a two-day learning and reflection event on May 15 -16, 2025. The event will convene representatives from partner organisations implementing the project. Over two days, participants will analyse risks, share best practices, and co-create strategies to strengthen community-centric innovations. The event will generate and share insights, spark innovative solutions, and plan actionable steps for sustainable, community-driven impact.

Your role as a dynamic consultant is crucial in designing and facilitating this interactive process. Your ability to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and actionable outcomes is key to the success of this event, which is pivotal for the Project’s efforts to strengthen partnerships, amplify local voices, and chart a path for sustainable impact in the borderlands.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultant will:

• Facilitate a two-day event that aligns with the provided agenda, promoting a shared vision of the climate-gender-conflict nexus.
  • Manage group dynamics to ensure active participation and respect among all participants
  • Help the groups stay focused on achieving the desired outcomes
  • Encourage participants to express themselves honestly and openly
• As the consultant, you will guide participants to identify and scale community-led innovations that integrate peacebuilding, gender equality, and climate resilience. Your expertise and guidance will empower the participants to impact their communities significantly.
• Support participants in co-creating a learning brief and action plans to guide future programming.
• Ensure meaningful active participation and inclusion of women, youth, and marginalised groups in all discussions.
• Develop a workshop report documenting insights, lessons, and recommendations to strengthen the ADA Project’s impact.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant’s role spans preparation, facilitation, and post-workshop follow-up, focusing on creating an engaging, participatory environment.

Pre-Event Preparation

• Review the project agenda and documents to understand the ADA Project’s goals and context.
• Develop a detailed facilitation plan, incorporating participatory methods like storytelling, group mapping, and reflective circles to address the climate-gender-conflict nexus.
• Reevaluate the risk analysis framework, run partnership health check scorecards, and provide actionable recommendations for integrating them into the project cycle.
• Collaborate with the organising team to align logistics with the facilitation plan, including venue setup and materials.

Event Facilitation (May 15-16, 2025)

• Lead both days with energy, keeping things on track and on time.
• Initiate and use inclusive, participatory approaches to engage diverse participants and ensure the voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups are heard.
• Moderate panel discussions, balancing perspectives and managing sensitive topics with cultural sensitivity.
• Conclude each day with reflective activities (e.g., “magic box,” reflective circles) to capture key insights and foster a sense of shared purpose.

Post-Event Deliverables

• Produce a comprehensive event report (max. 15 pages) summarising discussions, risks, innovations, and recommendations.
• Finalise a concise learning brief (max. 5 pages) that synthesises key lessons and actionable insights.
• Deliver action plans with specific roles, responsibilities, and timelines for follow-up activities.
• Submit all supporting materials, including session notes, participant feedback, and facilitation tools.

4. Deliverables

• Pre-Event: The facilitation plan and tools (e.g., discussion guides, templates) must be submitted by May 12, 2025.
• During Event: Effective facilitation of all sessions, achieving inclusivity and agenda objectives.
• Post-Event: Learning report, Learning brief and Action plans

5. Required Qualifications and Skills

The ideal consultant will bring expertise, cultural fluency, and a passion for participatory learning. Requirements include:

Education: Master’s degree in Development Studies, Gender Studies, Peacebuilding, Environmental Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7+ years facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops, ideally on climate, gender, or conflict issues in East Africa.
• In-depth knowledge of the climate-gender-conflict nexus, with experience in Kenya, Uganda, or South Sudan.
• Demonstrated success in designing and leading inclusive, interactive learning processes that deliver actionable outcomes.

Technical Skills:

• Exceptional facilitation and moderation skills, adept at navigating complex discussions and sensitive topics.
• Expertise in risk analysis, adaptive management, and financial monitoring for development projects.
• Proficiency in creating tools for partnership assessments, action planning, and learning documentation.
• Strong analytical and writing skills to produce clear, concise reports and briefs.

Soft Skills:

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with cultural sensitivity to engage diverse participants from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
• Ability to foster collaboration, manage group dynamics, and create a safe, inclusive space.
• Adaptability to respond to emerging needs and challenges during the event.

Desirable:

• Experience with donor-funded projects (e.g., ADA or similar grants).
• Knowledge of gender-transformative approaches and locally-led development principles.
• Familiarity with cross-border dynamics and challenges in East Africa’s borderlands.

6. Duration and Timeline

• Contract Period: The consultancy will cover a total of 10 days between May 15 and June 15, 2025, covering preparation, facilitation, and reporting.

Key Milestones:

• May 12, 2025: Complete preparation and submit facilitation plan.
• May 15–16, 2025: Facilitate the event in Nairobi.
• May 17–June 15, 2025: Submit post-event deliverables (report, learning brief, action plans).

7. Reporting and Coordination

• The consultant will report to the ADA Consortium Manager and coordinate closely with the organising team.
• Frequent check-ins during preparation will ensure alignment and address any challenges.

8. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A technical proposal (max. 5 pages) outlining their facilitation approach, proposed methodologies, and a tentative work plan.
• A financial proposal detailing consultancy fees and additional costs (e.g., travel, materials).
• A CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• Contact details for two references from similar assignments.
• A sample of a previous facilitation plan, event report, or similar deliverable (if available).

Applications should be sent to jobs@saferworld-global.org and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

9. Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Relevance and depth of experience/qualifications (40%).
• Quality, creativity, and feasibility of the technical proposal (30%).
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal (20%).
• Strength of references and quality of sample work (10%).