Trainer for Capacity Building on Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills

1. Background

SIDC (Society for Inclusion and Development in Communities and Care for All) is an NGO dedicated to supporting marginalized and vulnerable populations, including people who use and inject drugs, individuals from diverse SOGIESC, vulnerable women, people involved in commercial sex work, and others at risk of social exclusion. The organization is committed to fostering inclusion, advocacy, and rights protection, particularly through capacity-building initiatives that empower individuals to champion their communities' needs. 

SIDC recognizes the importance of strengthening its staff members' communication and conflict-resolution skills. Effective communication is essential for team cohesion, engagement with beneficiaries, and successful program implementation, while strong conflict resolution skills help prevent and manage disputes in the workplace and with external stakeholders. 

To enhance the capacity of its staff and as part of its ongoing project funded by TRŌCAIRE, SIDC seeks to hire a qualified trainer to design and deliver a comprehensive training program for 20 staff members, focusing on effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. 

2. Objective

This consultancy aims to provide capacity-building training to 20 SIDC staff members, equipping them with practical skills in communication and conflict resolution. This training aims to enhance internal collaboration, beneficiary engagement, and overall organizational effectiveness, aligning with SIDC's commitment to serving vulnerable populations.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/trainer will be responsible for: 

• Training Needs Assessment: Conduct a preliminary assessment to identify specific communication and conflict resolution challenges faced by the staff and tailor the training accordingly, as well as the implementation of a pre/post-test to measure the impact of the intervention.
• Training Design: Develop a training program that includes modules on the following topics (to be refined based on the needs assessment):
  • Effective Communication:
    • Active listening skills
    • Non-verbal communication cues
    • Clarity and conciseness in verbal and written communication
    • Cross-cultural communication and sensitivity
  • Conflict Resolution:
    • Identifying the causes of conflict
    • Conflict resolution styles and strategies (e.g., negotiation, mediation)
    • Emotional intelligence in conflict resolution
    • Building trust and maintaining professional relationships in the face of disagreements
    • Managing workplace and team conflicts constructively 
  • Additional Tentative Topics:
    • Cultural competence and awareness
    • De-escalation techniques for tense situations
    • Feedback and performance management strategies
    • Assertiveness training for effective communication
    • Stress management techniques for high-pressure situations
    • Building empathy to enhance relationships with beneficiaries and colleagues
• Training Delivery: Facilitate participatory training sessions, ensuring that all 20 staff members are actively engaged in practical exercises, role plays, and group discussions. The training should focus on real-world scenarios relevant to the organization’s context. 
• Skills Application: Include practical exercises that encourage participants to apply learned communication and conflict resolution techniques in their daily roles and team interactions. 
• Training Materials: Provide comprehensive training materials, including slides, handouts, and any additional resources that can be used for future reference. 

4. Deliverables

The consultant/trainer is expected to deliver the following outputs: 

• Needs Assessment Report: A brief report outlining the key communication and conflict resolution challenges identified through consultations with staff. 
• Training Curriculum: A detailed agenda and content modules for the training sessions, customized to the specific needs of the staff. 
• Training Delivery: Facilitation of 2 days, ensuring that all 20 participants receive hands-on, practical experience in communication and conflict resolution. 
• Training Materials: Training presentations, handouts, and other learning resources are provided to participants. 
• Post-Training Report: A final report summarizing the training outcomes, participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations for future capacity-building efforts in communication and conflict resolution. 

5. Duration and Timeline

The training is expected to happen during December 2024 or January 2025, with the following indicative timeline: 

• Half a day for preparations: needs assessment, consultation with staff, development of pre/post-test, and detailed agenda.
• 2-day tailored training delivery to 20 SIDC staff,
• Half a day to develop a final report summarizing the training outcome, participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations for future capacity-building efforts in communication and conflict resolution. 

6. Consultant Qualifications

The ideal consultant/trainer should possess the following qualifications: 

• Educational Background: Advanced degree in organizational development, communication, psychology, human resources, or a related field. 
• Experience in Training: At least 5 years of experience in designing and delivering training programs on communication and conflict resolution skills, particularly for NGOs or international organizations. 
• Expertise in Communication and Conflict Resolution: In-depth knowledge of communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics. 
• Facilitation Skills: Demonstrated ability to deliver engaging, participatory, and practical training sessions, with experience in adult learning methodologies. 
• Cultural Sensitivity: Experience working with diverse teams, with the ability to tailor training content to various cultural and organizational contexts. 
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts and facilitate discussions. 

7. Reporting and Accountability

The consultant/trainer will report directly to the Executive Director and Coordinator of the ongoing project with SIDC. Regular check-ins will be conducted to review progress, address any challenges, and provide feedback on the training design and delivery.