National consultant to support Non-violent communication workshop led by BRH - Sri Lankan Nationals only

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges. In the programme countries, UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance, and development priorities in in partnership with the host governments, the United Nations system, the development partners and other partners to help the country to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock.

UNDP has been a trusted development partner of Sri Lanka for more than 40 years, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities and exclusion in areas such governance, environment protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation. In each of its thematic areas of work, UNDP at the request of its national partners provides relevant policy advisory support, technical assistance, advocacy, and knowledge to help Sri Lanka achieve its global commitment on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

As part of the United Nations Development Programme’s project on Promoting Peace, Tolerance and Building Respect for Diversity” in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub is partnering with UN Women’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific’s regional Governance, Peace and security team to develop a training programme to build the nonviolent communication skills of local leaders and women in Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The ultimate goal of this training programme will be to enable community leaders to learn the tools of nonviolent communication to conduct peace and conflict resolution, to increase their understandings of women’s needs, gender inequality, and how to work cooperatively with women leaders and community members on issues relating to social cohesion and peace, and for these actors to be able to facilitate conversations utilizing the nonviolent communication approach within their own communities to promote social cohesion, reconciliation, and common understandings.

Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka have experienced trends of violent extremism, hate speech, social and religious intolerance, the marginalization of minorities, and violent incidents fuelling intolerance and extremism. Underpinning these factors are gender stereotypes that are used to radicalize encourage men and women, as well as girls and boys, to commit acts of violence. Research conducted by UNDP and UN Women on the relationship between masculinities, femininities and violent extremism in Asia found that gender power dynamics and harmful constructions of what it means to be a man and a woman fuel and shape violent extremism across Asia.

A key recommendation of the report is that in order to build the resilience and capacity of communities to address violent extremism, programming intended to to tackle harmful gender constructions leading to violent extremism requires a relational gender-transformative approach which involves the inclusion of men and boys. [1] While many preventing violent extremism (PVE) programmes have focussed on promoting gender-based approaches to PVE through the empowerment of women and girls, UNDP and UN Women research findings emphasize that these programmes also need to be working with and addressing the negative gender stereotypes that are held by and negatively impact boys and men. In this vein, UNDP is seeking to develop a programme that works with local community leaders to understand, analyze and reconstruct harmful community power structures that can contribute to gender inequality as well as the factors contributing to violent extremism.

Applying Nonviolent Communication to the approach of Preventing Violent Extremism

Nonviolent communication (NVC) is an approach to building common understanding and empathy towards oneself and others by using various language, deep listening, communication, and consciousness skills. Nonviolent Communication helps people recognize their deeper needs as well as those of others, to contribute to one another’s well-being. [1] Its aim is to build positive social connection and compassion and has been used in a variety of applications ranging from education, communication, personal growth, the workplace, and conflict resolution and prevention. NVC has had a lot of success in the field of social change and recognizes that discrimination against members of the community happens when human beings fail to recognize their common humanity. When applied to the context of confronting discrimination and marginalization, the NVC approach emphasizes that any time we attempt to meet our needs at the expense of the needs of others, we will fail to meet our long-term needs because we are interconnected, interdependent, and interrelated. [2]

This programme will work with a certified Nonviolent Communication trainer to lead three training sessions: an introductory session on the basic principles of Nonviolent Communication, an advanced course where participants will share their experience on using Nonviolent Communication and a final course which will serve as a “training of trainers” where participants will gain the skills to have the capacity to train members of their community. Furthermore, a research consultant will work on the initiative to assist in developing a methodology for monitoring and evaluating the programme. The analysis will also facilitate insights regarding temporal effects, and potential improvements to the program design and best practices for scaling up the intervention and extending it to additional contexts and populations.

Against this context, UNDP is looking to hire a local consultant support the implementation of the Nonviolent Communications training in Sri Lanka.

[1] https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/learn-nonviolent-communication/nvc-conflict-resolution/

[2] https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/learn-nonviolent-communication/nvc-racism/

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

Under the overall guidance UNDP BRH Preventing Violent Extremism team and the UNDP Sri Lanka Country Office team, the Local Consultant will work with the International NVC Trainer and Research Consultant to support implementation and coordination of the Nonviolent Communications training in Sri Lanka. The tasks to be undertaken by the consultant under the Terms of Reference include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Coordination and liaison between the UNDP BRH Preventing Violent Extremism team including the international NVC trainer and research consultant and the UNDP Sri Lanka Country Office team.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the partner agencies and other relevant stakeholders (both physical and virtual as needed) in the preparation and organization of the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka.
• Lead and organize event (including participant’s) logistics and provide coordination support required to implement the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka.
• Support the localization of the curriculum for the project under the guidance of the NVC trainer.
• Lead facilitation (in Sinhalese/Tamil languages) of three sessions of NVC training for two groups for women and male leaders (religious and/or community leaders) separately under the guidance of the NVC trainer. These three sessions should include:
  1. A three-day introductory training sessions on Nonviolent Communication for both groups separately
  2. A three-day advanced training sessions on Nonviolent Communication for both groups separately plus a potential joint session depending on the discretion of the country office in consultation with the NVC trainer.
  3. A three-day session training of trainers for each group separately
• Support the implementation and translation (from English to Sinhalese/Tamil) of three surveys and semi-structured interviews as required under the guidance of the research consultant. These three surveys should include:
  1. Baseline Survey to provide a benchmark of participants’ views and behaviors prior to the intervention against which later findings can be compared.
  2. Short Mechanisms Survey to provide more data on programme effectiveness and changes in perception/behavior.
  3. End Line Survey to gauge changes in perceptions and behaviors as a result of the intervention.
• Support the development and translation (from English to Sinhalese/Tamil) of an action plan on transferring the participant’s NVC skills to the local community in Sri Lanka.
• Support the development and translation (from English to Sinhalese/Tamil) of guidance note for practitioners and community leaders on utilizing Nonviolent Communication for PVE at the community level
• Provide inputs to the evaluation report via collaboration with the NVC trainer and M&E research consultant before, during and after the training period.
• Submit final consultancy report highlighting the progress, challenges, lessons learned

The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables:

Expected Output/Deliverables & Milestones

1. Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the partner agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the preparation and organization of the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka. Support the localization of the curriculum for the project under the guidance of the NVC trainer - 10% by 15/08/2021;

2. Lead and Organize event (include participants) logistics and provide coordination support required to implement the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka. Lead facilitation (in English and Sinhala / Tamil language) of three sessions of NVC training for two groups for women and male leaders (religious and/or community leaders) separately - 40% by 15/11/2021;

3. Support the implementation and translation (from English to Sinhala/Tamil) of three surveys and semi-structured interviews as required under the guidance of the research consultant. Provide inputs to the evaluation report via collaboration with the NVC trainer and M&E research consultant before, during and after the training period- 20% by 30/11/2021;

4. Support the development and translation (from English Sinhala/Tamil) of an action plan on transferring the participant’s NVC skills to the local community in Sri Lanka. Support the development and translation (from English to Sinhala/Tamil) of guidance note for practitioners and community leaders on utilizing Nonviolent Communication for PVE at the community level - 20% by 30/11/2021.

5. Submit final report – 10% by 10/12/2021

Duration of the Assignment

This assignment will approximately 65 days weeks during August – December 2021.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall guidance of the BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer, the local consultant will work closely with the UNDP PVE team, Sri Lanka Country Office colleagues, as well as the NVC trainer and research consultant to ensure timely delivery of expected outputs.

Duty Station and Expected Places of Travel

The consultancy will be home-based with travel within Sri Lanka subject to COVID-19 situation. Any travel must ensure adherence to HPA safety guidelines and standards.

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also collaborating as part of a team.
• Manages conflict and stress and works effectively as a mediator to resolve problems
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communications skills
• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Takes initiative and calculated risks and follows up regularly to drive successful implementation.
• Manages conflict and stress and works effectively as a mediator to resolve problems.
• Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in development studies, law, gender studies, sociology, political science, conflict studies or relevant discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience at the national or international level in the area of conflict management, peace building, gender studies or relevant field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in training for communities in a development context

• Proven experience in coordinating and arranging logistics for workshops/events

• Previous experience with UNDP and other UN agencies is an added advantage

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Sinhala or Tamil is required.

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 70 points)

• Criteria 1: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in development studies, law, gender studies, sociology, political science, conflict studies or relevant discipline. (10 pts)
• Criteria 2: A minimum of 3 years of experience at the national or international level in the area of conflict management, peace building, gender studies or relevant field. (25 pts)
• Criteria 3: A minimum of 2 years of experience in training for communities in a development context (20 pts)
• Criteria 4: Proven experience in coordinating and arranging logistics for workshops/events (15 pts)

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) during the desk review/interview are acceptable would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply please access UNDP Jobs site http://jobs.undp.org (should apply online only)

Documentation required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document: Only the Financial Proposal should be sent separately to the below given mail address.

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP in Annex II;
2. Production portfolio – if required
3. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
4. Incomplete proposals may not be considered. The short-listed candidates may be contacted for interview and the successful candidate will be notified.
5. Financial proposal that indicates the lump sum of the candidate in Sri Lankan Rupees. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” Please send the Financial Proposal separately to the following e-mail address: consultants.lk@undp.org stating the vacancy number/position in the subject line. Failing to provide correct vacancy number & Position would be a disqualification.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Please use the below link to submit the Financial Proposal

Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability

Payment for services

The method of payment is output-based lump-sum scheme. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive lump sum and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration.

The payments shall be released upon submitting the required deliverables/outputs with satisfactory by the Programme Manger/Focal Point as per agreement for each report in accordance with a set time schedule to be agreed in the contract.

Deliverables, target due dates, percentage and review and approvals required.

1. Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the partner agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the preparation and organization of the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka and support the localization of the curriculum for the project under the guidance of the NVC trainer - 10% by 15/08/2021. Review and approvals. BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer;

2. Lead and Organize event (include participants) logistics and provide coordination support required to implement the NVC training workshop in Sri Lanka. Lead facilitation (in English and Sinhala or Tamil language) of three sessions of NVC training for two groups for women and male leaders (religious and/or community leaders) separately - 40% by 15/11/2021; Review and approvals. BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer;

3. Support the implementation and translation (from English to Sinhala/Tamil) of three surveys and semi-structured interviews as required under the guidance of the research consultant. Provide inputs to the evaluation report via collaboration with the NVC trainer and M&E research consultant before, during and after the training period - 20% by 30/11/2021; Review and approvals. BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer;

4. Support the development and translation (from English to Sinhala/Tamil) of an action plan on transferring the participant’s NVC skills to the local community in Sri Lanka. Support the development and translation (from English to Sinhala/Tamil) of guidance note for practitioners and community leaders on utilizing Nonviolent Communication for PVE at the community level - 20% by 30/11/2021. Review and approvals. BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer;

5. Submit final report – 10% by 10/12/2021. Review and approvals. BRH PVE Community Engagement Officer.

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel, honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.