RDFL_Facilitator for Women’s Political Participation & Local Governance Dialogues

1. Background

The Lebanese Democratic Women’s Gathering – RDFL is a secular non-governmental women’s organization that works with democratic forces and represents part of the advocacy of the secular democratic women’s movement. Guided by international pacts and treaties, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, RDFL seeks to promote women’s rights, enhance their participation, and empower them toward achieving full equality.

RDFL is part of a consortium working on an RDPP-funded empowerment project aimed at strengthening women’s agency, representation, and participation in local decision-making structures. Within this framework, a key component focuses on facilitating structured dialogue spaces and leadership initiatives that enable women, including GBV survivors, to actively engage in municipal and community governance processes.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to facilitate table discussions and dialogue platforms that promote the active participation of women in municipal and local political life. The facilitator will create safe, inclusive, and participatory spaces where women can develop leadership roles, contribute to community governance, and strengthen their engagement with local authorities.

3. Scope of Work

The Facilitator will be responsible for:

Designing and adapting participatory methodologies that encourage women’s meaningful contribution in community governance and municipal engagement.

Facilitating structured discussions, roundtables, and leadership dialogues across targeted communities.

Encouraging representation of women, including GBV survivors, in decision-making and consultation processes.

Documenting key insights, challenges, and recommendations emerging from discussions.

Collaborating with consortium members to ensure alignment with the project’s broader empowerment and advocacy goals.

4. Key Areas of Focus

The facilitation sessions should cover (but not be limited to):

Leadership & Representation: Supporting women’s capacity to take on leadership and advocacy roles in local governance.

Community Consultation & Voice: Ensuring women’s perspectives are reflected in municipal and community planning processes.

Engagement with Local Authorities: Strengthening women’s ability to participate in structured dialogue with municipalities and other decision-makers.

Inclusive Governance: Promoting a participatory model that considers the specific needs of women and GBV survivors.

5. Methodology

The facilitator is expected to:

Apply participatory and interactive methods that build trust and confidence among participants.

Use real-life municipal and governance challenges as case studies.

Ensure inclusivity, with sensitivity to the experiences of GBV survivors.

Blend dialogue, role-play, and problem-solving exercises to promote women’s active engagement.

6. Deliverables

Facilitation Plan: Outline of sessions, including objectives and participatory tools.

Facilitated Sessions: Delivery of table discussions and dialogues

Session Reports: a report after the roundtable summarizing key points,  highlighting outcomes, challenges, and recommendations for strengthening women’s local political participation

7. Timeline

Development of facilitation plan: within 2 weeks of contract signing.

Sessions delivery: Q3-Q4 2025

8. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

A background in political science, social sciences, gender studies, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience in facilitation of dialogues/roundtables, particularly on governance, women’s participation, and leadership.

Strong knowledge of gender equality, women’s political participation, and GBV-sensitive approaches.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skills.

Ability to engage diverse participants, including vulnerable women, in safe and inclusive ways.