Workshop Facilitator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) that was established in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to some of the most severe humanitarian crises around the globe, providing essential services that restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC employs a workforce of thousands who are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of millions. The IRC's mission is to help people survive, regain control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, embodying a force for humanity and a commitment to delivering hope and dignity to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Workshop Facilitator will play a crucial role in preparing and facilitating five regional consultations focused on the draft Community Development Centers Law in Syria. This position involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including government directorates, community representatives, the private sector, and civil society organizations, to gather insights and develop recommendations for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL). The facilitator will utilize technical materials and consultation questions provided by the IRC and MoSAL, ensuring that the workshops are effectively organized and executed. The role requires a commitment to inclusivity, as the facilitator will need to ensure that all voices are heard, particularly those of marginalized groups. The estimated duration of the assignment is 22 working days, which includes preparation, travel, workshop facilitation, and reporting. The workshops will be conducted in Arabic, and the facilitator will be responsible for documenting findings and submitting reports in both Arabic and English.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Workshop Facilitator will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Preparation and Consultation Design: Reviewing the draft law and technical materials provided by IRC and MoSAL to inform workshop preparation. Developing a detailed workplan that covers all aspects of workshop preparation, travel, delivery, and reporting, which must be approved by IRC in coordination with MoSAL. Creating workshop agendas, discussion guides, and participatory exercises that align with the consultation objectives. Preparing feedback forms and templates for documenting recommendations during the sessions, ensuring that arrangements are made for the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.
• Workshop Facilitation: Facilitating five workshops in Arabic, ensuring that all stakeholder groups are represented and that discussions are conducted impartially and respectfully. Guiding participants in examining the practical implications of the draft provisions and formulating recommendations linked to relevant articles. Validating session summaries with participants and documenting areas of agreement, differing positions, and unresolved issues.
• Documentation and Reporting: Documenting each workshop through structured notes and written participant feedback, accurately recording the groups represented, key findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions. Consolidating participant recommendations into an article-by-article matrix that captures the issue, proposed change, rationale, consultation source, and differing positions. Preparing a consolidated report that identifies common priorities, differences between locations, and matters requiring further technical review. Presenting findings to IRC and MoSAL and finalizing the report and recommendations matrix after one consolidated round of feedback.
• Coordination and Deliverables: Providing regular progress updates to the IRC Integrated Protection Lead and coordinating workshop requirements with designated IRC and MoSAL focal points. Submitting workshop agendas, discussion guides, and documentation templates for approval prior to the consultations. Delivering five workshop reports, a consolidated consultation report, recommendations matrix, and an English executive summary in editable formats within the contractual deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in social sciences, public administration, law, development studies, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in workshop facilitation, stakeholder consultation, or participatory dialogue involving government institutions, civil society, and communities. Familiarity with the Syrian context and experience working with government institutions and community representatives are essential. Experience in facilitating legislative consultations is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to facilitate inclusive discussions impartially, manage differing views, and produce accurate consultation reports and recommendations matrices. A strong understanding of community participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, and protection-sensitive consultation approaches is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in social sciences, public administration, law, development studies, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in workshop facilitation, stakeholder consultation, or participatory dialogue. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government institutions, civil society, and community representatives, particularly in the context of the Syrian environment.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written Arabic is mandatory, as the workshops will be conducted in Arabic. Additionally, candidates should have good working proficiency in English to facilitate coordination and the preparation of the English executive summary.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is estimated at 22 working days, which includes preparation, travel, workshop facilitation, and reporting. The position is expected to be full-time during this period, and the facilitator must be available to travel to the consultation locations as required. The contract will specify coverage of travel and accommodation costs, ensuring that all logistical aspects are managed effectively.