Trainer on Civic Engagement and Media Literacy

1. Background and Project Overview
The YMCA Lebanon implements the We'am Project, a multi-phase youth-led peacebuilding initiative. This consultancy delivers the third phase, "Unifying Voices: Empowering Lebanese Youth for Lasting Peace," for 20 youth who have completed foundational training in Phases 1 (Competencies for Building Bridges) and 2 (Leadership for Peacebuilding). Phase 3 equips these youth with advanced skills to navigate Lebanon's complex socio-political landscape.

2. Purpose of this Consultancy
To recruit a specialized trainer to deliver the "Unifying Voices" module, equipping youth with advanced skills in critical media analysis, navigating historical narratives, and engaging in constructive civic participation.

3. Objectives and Scope of Work
 
The Trainer will be responsible for achieving the following key objectives:

• Objective 1: Equip youth with analytical skills to critically evaluate media and political discourse.
  • Deconstruct the communication strategies of social influencers and politicians to differentiate between divisive and unifying rhetoric.
  • Assess the tangible impact of social media campaigns on community cohesion and well-being.
• Objective 2: Strengthen youth resilience and proactive response to misinformation.
  • Develop participants' ability to identify misinformation, verify source credibility, and understand the underlying motivations for its spread.
  • Build practical competence in safely and effectively countering misinformation through scenario-based exercises.
• Objective 3: Cultivate a sense of inclusive civic identity and participation.
  • Provide youth with the practical knowledge and skills for meaningful civic (social and political) engagement within a conflict-sensitive context.
  • Foster critical thinking by examining Lebanese history, culture, and collective memory from multiple perspectives to challenge monolithic narratives.

To meet these objectives, the Trainer will:

• Meet with the YMCA We'am project coordinators to align on the training's goals and contextual nuances.
• Develop and submit a comprehensive 5-day workshop syllabus and session plans
• Prepare all necessary training materials, including presentations, handouts, and activities.
• Design and administer pre- and post-training learning assessments to measure knowledge gain.
• Conduct the 5-day "Unifying Voices" workshop using participatory and critical-thinking methodologies.
• Submit a final report summarizing training outcomes, analysis of the pre-post assessments, and recommendations for future programming.

4. Proposed Methodology
The trainer's methodology will be participatory, application-oriented, and designed to foster critical thinking. It will build on participants' existing knowledge through applied analysis of Lebanese media and political speech, case studies, and scenario-based exercises. This approach ensures the practical application of skills and actively engages participants in exploring divergent perspectives and their present-day consequences.

5. Deliverables

• A detailed 5-day training syllabus, agenda, and all associated modules/materials.
• Delivery of the 5-day "Unifying Voices" workshop.
• A pre- and post-assessment report on participants' knowledge and attitudes.
• A final training report summarizing outcomes, results of the pre-post evaluation, and recommendations.

6. Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Political Science, Media Studies, History, Peace and Conflict Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in training on media literacy, political analysis, and/or civic engagement in the Lebanese context.
• Proven and deep understanding of Lebanese history, political dynamics, and media landscape.
• Fluency in Arabic and English.

7. Reporting and Duration
The Trainer will report to the YMCA Lebanon Operations Manager and coordinate with the We'am Project Coordinator. The assignment will span from mid-October to mid-December.