Technical Support Consultant - Visual Facilitator

Background: The conflict in Syria and exodus of Syrians to neighboring countries is now in its fifth year. The length of this conflict tragically reminds us of the lives lost, as well as Syrian refugee and host-community children and adolescents who lack education opportunities, face serious social tensions and suffer from unfulfilled potential and productivity. A recent study by the United Nations Refugee Agency showed that Syrian refugee children and adolescents are experiencing a variety of hardships including isolation and insecurity, psychological distress, extended disruptions of education and exploitative employment. The United Nations Children’s Fund presented a call to action to the global community stating that in order to avoid losing an entire generation of educated, engaged and productive Syrian and host-community children and adolescents, existing humanitarian efforts must be coupled with an increased focus on developing future-oriented strategies that prepare children and adolescents with the education and skills they need to help rebuild their lives and societies. Although Syrian children demonstrate amazing resilience, another year of conflict and suffering will further keep them from recovering their stolen potential and rebuilding their futures.   Mercy Corps believes that in addition to children, adolescents aged 12-18 warrant particular attention and investment. Adolescents - including host communities and refugees - are largely missing out on psychosocial support, education and skills building opportunities.  Adolescents will also be first among the generation of children affected by the Syrian conflict to be called upon to help mend torn social fabric and rebuild broken economies. As a result of the Syrian tragedy and resultant refugee communities formed in the region, both Syrian and host community young people are suffering from social isolation, escalating conflicts related to water, electricity, employment and other resource scarcities resulting in break down social cohesion, and increased community violence. Young people feel elder and social pressure to continue conflict in the face of resource scarcity and loss of tribal identity.   Purpose / Project Description: The No Lost Generation training is facilitated by Mercy Corps’ Youth Director. The training will focus on how humanitarian workers implement programs through a profound stress framework and creative facilitation with young people. The target group is Mercy Corps’ staff and partner organizations who implement child protection and adolescent programs in the region. The training will focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable adolescents in the Middle East to ensure the future of the region will not be lost for generations to come.  In preparation for this 10-day training, the consultant will need to understand the content of the training and prepare visual facilitation agenda. During the training the consultant will produce visual representation of themes and concepts discussed. After the training the consultant will create graphics of some or all of those visuals produced during the training, to enable Mercy Corps to share the resources with partner staff and other teams.   Visual Facilitator Objectives: The Visual Facilitator will: Collaborate with lead facilitator to capture the key messages of the NLG training in graphic representation each day (in Arabic). Assist the lead facilitator to work directly with the group to reach conversation and discussion goals using visual tools and activities that support convergence and coherence throughout process-oriented sessions. Either by hand or electronically capture key concepts and learnings from the training.   Visual Facilitator Activities: Review NLG training agenda and facilitation strategy with lead facilitator and Mercy Corps team. Identify and outline key opportunities to use and leverage visual facilitation strategies to reach workshop outcomes. Complete any pre-graphic work that will support workshop objectives including cultural framing. Graphically record (by hand or electronically) the key topics and insights during the NLG training workshop. Collaboratively summarize the session themes and outcomes with lead facilitator. Other tasks, as identified in partnership with lead facilitator, Mercy Corps’ Capacity Building Manager or Program Manager.   Visual Facilitator Deliverables: Design NLG characters before the training in collaboration with NLG organizers Create on-site, cultural sensitive illustrations to contribute to process-oriented facilitation in Arabic (Storyboard style). If a tablet is used, all deliverables to be presented in EPS format (illustrator file) - preferable If tangible drawings are used, key deliverables (as agreed with Manager) to be presented in PDF (300 pixel/inch)   Timeframe / Schedule:  Pre-planning with facilitator prior to NLG training: 2 days Review Agenda and draft visual facilitation agenda for NLG training: 2 days Visual Facilitation during training: 10 days Total days of consultancy: To be discussed Time frame: Between 1st June – 30th July 2015.   The Visual Facilitator will report to: Capacity Building Manager Program Manager   The Visual Facilitator will work closely with: Director of Youth Programs Video Production Consultant.   Application Process:   Consultants will submit the following documents to apply for this position:   -          Consultant Resume -          References of past, similar work to include name/phone number of previous employers for this type of work -          Suggested methodology for visual facilitation (optional-can be discussed at the time of interview)   If consultant is selected for an interview; upon completion of the interview process; consultant will be asked to submit their financial offer and the methodology to be used for facilitation. Mandatory: 1)Please mention the title "Technical Support Consultant - Visual Facilitator" in the subject of the email 2) Applicants to submit the daily rate based on the days of consultancy duration 3) Applicants are requested to submit a Biodata form that includes a list of consultancies provided in the last 3 years with a proof of remuneration (invoices, receipts....) 4) Submit a list of 3 references names, emails & phone numbers of previous clients. Applicants MUST provide the mandatory information otherwise their APPLICATION WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.