Consultant - Drama Therapy Sessions for Vulnerable Caregivers in the Community

Job Description

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working around the world, addressing the immediate and lifesaving needs of conflict-affected people and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies. The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012 to provide support to refugees and vulnerable host community members.

In January 2014 as part of IRC child protection programs, the IRC began implementing a specialized project which serves at-risk and vulnerable working children in child labor, including in its worst forms (street, mechanics, and construction). Service provisions include providing psychosocial support and case management services for street and working children in Mount Lebanon, Tripoli, Akkar, and Bekaa.

Assessments conducted by the IRC in March and April 2020, demonstrate that caregivers and children are under extreme levels of distress because of the economic and social impact of COVID-19, when asked about the three main behaviors and emotions children are currently exhibiting caregivers responded first worry, second fear and third anger. Most of the caregivers responded that their children are demonstrating negative emotions, and others expressed that they were experiencing anxiety. COVID-19 and the current situation in the country have filtrated numerous aspects of the lives of Syrian refugees, and other vulnerable groups such as the Palestinian and stateless communities which increases the likelihood of families adopting negative coping mechanisms.

The drama therapy session will be used under the Child Protection program to observe and explore the behavior, attitudes, and emotions of individuals experiencing physical, psychological, emotional, or mental health problems.

The IRC is looking to recruit a drama therapy consultant to support the families and caregivers in exploring their emotions and attitudes in Akkar and Bekaa.

Deliverables:

- Help the beneficiaries understand and address inner conflicts through drama processes such as role-play, storytelling, improvisation, and script work. - Enable clients to learn new skills and build confidence. - Through storytelling, projective play, purposeful improvisation, and performance, caregivers can rehearse desired behaviors, practice being in relationships, expand and find flexibility between life roles, and perform the change they wish to be. - Help the caregivers learn more about their reactions to others and understand their social situation.

The training cycle contains:

- Drama Therapy Sessions - Writing the final report

Methodology and Process

The Consultant will work together with the IRC Child Protection team at all stages of the assignment. The approach to the implementation and methodology can be refined and adjusted during the inception phase in consultation between IRC and the consultant.

Desk Review

The consultant will develop a participatory training methodology approach with soft skills drama therapy exercises based on the need to determine which techniques can be most appropriate for improving their mental health and wellbeing.

Field Implementation

The consultant will:

- Conduct drama therapy sessions for vulnerable caregivers. - Encourage self-awareness, exploration, and reflection on feelings and relationships. - Enable caregivers to experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving. - Work closely with the caseworkers and the program psychologist to ensure one holistic approach with the family, where the case worker will support by referring the children to another service.

Final Presentation

The consultant will submit a detailed analytical report by the end of the mission to improve future capacity development plans. The report should include:

- Evaluation of the sessions and what methodology was followed along with the content. - Challenges, recommendations, lessons learned, and success stories.

The report could be either in Arabic or in English.

Payment:

The Consultant will be paid as one lump sum once all sessions are conducted, and the report is submitted.

Delays that would affect the flow of the collaborative work and the delivery of outputs on schedule will lead to the termination of the contract. S/he will report to and consult with the program on regular basis.

Key Working Relationships:

- Position Reports to: Child Protection Coordinator, field Managers in both areas (Bekaa and Akkar), MHPSS unit, and Communication manager.

Working Environment:

The Consultant will not have dedicated office space at IRC but will have access to IRC premises for meetings when and as relevant. The sessions will be conducted in Akkar and Bekaa (location will be determined upon the assessment). Caregivers will be selected by IRC and the consultant based on specific criteria that will be set during a coordination meeting.

Qualifications

Education:

The qualified candidate is preferred when having a degree in Social Science, or Psychology with proven experience in using drama-based interventions and techniques., drama, Art, and other related fields. A master’s Degree is a plus.

Work Experience:

- A minimum of 7 years of proven experience in training non-professional participants in implementing creative, social impact, drama therapy, and/or Child protection projects. - 3 years of experience in drama therapy. - Working experience with UN agencies or INGOs is an asset. - Work experiences with children and caregivers are a must.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

Key skills for drama therapist:

- Solid gender analysis and ability to ensure gender-responsive strategies, implementation plans, and advocacy. - Candidates must be non-judgmental in attitude. - Resilience and the ability to cope with challenging situations. - Creativity and imagination. - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. - Respect for confidentiality. - Act with tact and diplomacy to manage context complexities. - High communication and interpersonal skills. - Excellent Arabic written skills. - Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. - Willing to travel to Akkar/Bekaa; flexible. - Consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. - Ability to adhere to ethical considerations and principles about working with vulnerable populations

Language Skills:

Fluency in spoken and written Arabic. Training will be given in Arabic. Knowledge of English is an advantage.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. By these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.