Dialogue Facilitator (for the 5 Rounds of Discussions)

YMCA Lebanon, We'am Project

1 . Background and  Project Overview :

This consultancy facilitates the culminating activity of Phase 3: structured dialogues on taboo topics. The 20 participants are graduates of:

 • Phases 1 and 2: Where they built foundational skills in communication, empathy, conflict analysis, and mediation.

• Phase 3 Workshop: Where they developed critical thinking skills regarding media, history, and civic engagement.

These dialogues are the practical application of their entire learning journey, providing a safer space to engage with deeply sensitive content.

2. Purpose of this Consultancy
To recruit a highly skilled Dialogue Facilitator to co-design and facilitate 5 rounds of structured dialogue on participant-selected taboo subjects, fostering transformative conversations that bridge deep divides.

3. Objectives

• Create and maintain a safer, inclusive, and confidential space for dialogue on deeply sensitive topics.
• Facilitate discussions that explore historical grievances and divergent narratives to reduce inter-communal mistrust.
• Support youth in practicing constructive dialogue skills, including deep listening and managing emotions.
• Document insights to contribute to the project's understanding of key youth tensions and reconciliation opportunities.

4. Scope of Work
The Dialogue Facilitator will:

• Conduct a pre-session consultation or survey to identify youth interests and suitable topics.
• Co-design with youth the specific topics and guidelines for the 5 dialogue rounds.
• Design and employ session methodologies rooted in trauma-informed and "Do No Harm" approaches.
• Facilitate all 5 dialogue rounds, ensuring psychological safety, equal participation, and constructive engagement.
• Employ techniques to manage strong emotions, de-escalate tension, and guide the group toward shared understanding.
• Work closely with the We’am coordinator to ensure the dialogues build upon skills learned in the workshop.

5. Deliverables

• A detailed dialogue facilitation plan, including methodology, co-created guidelines, and session structures.
• A list of the 5 topics selected by the youth.
• Successful facilitation of 5 dialogue rounds.
• A final analytical report summarizing processes, key themes, observed shifts, strategic recommendations, and lessons learned (upholding participant confidentiality).

6. Qualifications

• University degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, Psychology, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum 5-7 years of demonstrable experience in facilitating dialogues on highly sensitive topics within the Lebanese context.
• Expert-level skills in handling emotionally charged discussions and deep-seated grievances.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lebanon's context, including sectarian dynamics and historical legacies.
• Fluency in Arabic is essential; a working knowledge of English is required for reporting.

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