Extended Open Call

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE CONSULTANCY

to organize Debate Clubs

in the frame of the project:

Kosovo Youth Participation - KYP

Project information

SHL- Kosova is part of the implementation of the Kosovo Youth Participation – KYP project, led by CARE Deutschland e.V. Office in Kosovo and funded by the European Union (EU). The action that is implemented by CARE in partnership with SHL - Kosova (SHL-K), seeks to contribute to the active inclusion of civil society in Kosovo in promoting democratic values, inclusive governance and achievement of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The specific objective of the project is to foster democratic participation, civic engagement and social inclusion of different groups of marginalised youth, mainly from rural areas and small towns of Kosovo.

The following results/outputs are expected to be achieved by the project:

1) Increase the participation of disadvantaged youth in decision making, in local communities and on the central level, through: capacity building/awareness raising on human rights and activism; mentoring of youth groups for inclusion in local and national decision-making processes; local youth actions to improve the position of disadvantaged youth.

2) Enhance the engagement and employability of disadvantaged youth, in particular young women, through skills development and involvement in volunteering initiatives. The activities will include information campaigns, trainings for employment skills development (raising of employability of youth through trainings, internship and supported youth entrepreneurial activities), support to volunteering among the disadvantaged youth from rural areas and smaller towns.

3) Foster Democratic dialogue across Kosovo youth, fostered through raised awareness on and promotion of gender equality, solidarity, inter-cultural relations and counter stereotypes and dis-information, by: awareness raising and facilitation of debates; peer exchange; involvement in ongoing youth-led discussions in Kosovo.

Purpose and objectives of the consultancy

The main task of the consultant/s is to facilitate the debates, peer exchange of youngsters age 15 - 25 from eight target municipalities. The aim of the debates is awareness raising and promotion of gender equality, solidarity, inter-cultural relations and counter stereotypes and dis-information.

Activity setup

The project implementer, SHL-Kosova with support of the local youth focal points, is in charge of creation of youth “Debate Clubs” in selected rural and small town areas and awareness raising on democratic topics.

The further project involvement will include occasional meetings of the debate clubs introduction of the topic, as well as rules for debating and facilitation of the debates among the group members. Diversification of members, i.e. inclusion of members of different genders, ethnicities, educational background, capabilities etc. in the debate clubs will be crucial for better understanding of differences, special needs and building of tolerance.

The project team (SHL), supported by local focal points, but also external experts/consultants on democratic dialogue and particular topics (gender equality, inter-cultural and inter-ethnic relations, solidarity, social stereotypes and dis-information and their negative impact) who will be engaged according to the need, will mentor the engagement of the debate clubs. The project will gather information around the achieved results on awareness raising of participants and possible influence on their wider environment.

The debate culbs will be organized/conducted in eight target municipalities; Deçan/Dečani, Fushë Kosova/Kosovo Polje, Junik/Junik, Gjakova/Đakovica, Peja/Peć, Rahovec/Orahovac, Obiliq/Obilić, and Suharekë/Suva Reka. The consultancy services should be implemented in two phases:

1. How to Teach Youth the Technique of Debating/Introduce the concept: Explaining what debating is and why it is valuable. Emphasize that debating encourages critical thinking, effective communication, and understanding different perspectives
   
2. Organise/open a series of topics among youth of interest for Kosovo society, such as inter-cultural dialogue, change of traditional attitudes towards gender roles and position in society, combating dis-information and its negative influence, combating ethnic based stereotype, in all target municipalities and

Timeframe

The assignment is expected to be undertaken after signing the Service Contract with SHL-Kosova. It is expected that the consultancy will be undertaken within the total of 20 days, over the period 15.08.2023 to 31.10.2023. A series of the 18 debate clubs and 2 days to prepare and finalize the report. The commitment will be valid from 15.08.2023 to 31.10.2023 the maximum duration is 18 working days with the possibility of continuation if requested by youth and the KYP team.

Expected results

• Increased Intercultural Understanding: Participants should develop a deeper understanding of different cultures, their values, beliefs, and practices. They should gain awareness of their own cultural biases and learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: The workshop should improve participants' cross-cultural communication skills, enabling them to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes developing active listening skills, understanding non-verbal cues, and adapting communication styles.
• Improved Conflict Resolution: Participants should learn strategies to manage and resolve intercultural conflicts constructively. This includes promoting dialogue, empathy, and negotiation techniques that bridge cultural differences and promote understanding.
• Strengthened Teamwork and Collaboration: The workshop should foster a sense of inclusivity and cooperation among participants, enabling them to work effectively in multicultural teams. This includes building trust, valuing diversity, and leveraging cultural strengths to achieve common goals.
• Increased Intercultural Competence: Participants should develop a higher level of intercultural competence, which encompasses knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed to navigate diverse environments successfully. This includes cultural self-awareness, adaptability, and cultural intelligence.
• Positive Organizational Impact: The workshop should have a positive impact on the organization as a whole, promoting diversity and inclusion. This may include improved cultural sensitivity in policies and practices, reduced cultural barriers in decision-making, and increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Evaluation and Feedback: The debate clubs/workshops should include an evaluation process to assess the effectiveness of the program. Feedback from participants and organizers should be collected to measure satisfaction levels, learning outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. Hand-over to KYP project team entire original quantitative and qualitative data documentation generated for the purposes of the consultancy.
• The external consultants have to present a summarized report of max five pages including the recommendations/outcome from the debate clubs.

Required qualifications

• Graduated Master degree in social science and / or a similar field;
• Previous experience in organizing/ debate clubs in Kosovo;
• Excellent knowledge about the needs of youth, especially in rural areas of Kosovo.
• Excellent Intercultural Communication: The consultant should have a solid understanding of effective intercultural communication strategies and techniques. They should be able to teach participants how to navigate communication barriers, adapt their communication styles, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Excellent Training and Facilitation Skills: The consultant should have experience in designing and facilitating workshops/debate clubs. They should be skilled in creating engaging and interactive learning experiences, managing group dynamics, and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness: The consultant should demonstrate a high level of cultural sensitivity and be able to navigate sensitive topics related to culture, identity, and diversity. They should be skilled in handling potentially challenging or controversial discussions and creating a respectful and inclusive space for participants.

Cross-Cultural Experience: It is beneficial for the consultant to have firsthand experience living or working in different cultures. This personal experience can provide valuable insights and anecdotes that enrich the workshop content and facilitate participants' understanding.

Educational Background: While not mandatory, a consultant with a relevant educational background, such as intercultural studies, anthropology, sociology, or cross-cultural communication, can bring a strong theoretical foundation to the workshop.

Certification or Training: Look for consultants who have pursued certifications or additional training in intercultural communication, cultural competency, or related fields. This demonstrates their commitment to professional development and their expertise in the subject matter.

Communication and Presentation Skills: The consultant should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information, facilitate discussions, and deliver presentations. They should be able to communicate complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.

Criteria for the selection of best offer

The consultancy/companies contract will be awarded based on the assessment of both technical and financial elements of the bid and on the quality of the relevant Consultant(s)’, portfolio.

The consultancy proposal should consist of the following:

1. Consultant/s companies/ consultant(s) CV/portfolio, with references relevant for the required activity.
2. Brief methodology and draft work plan for the consultancy, general presentation of the services to be offered for this task.
3. Financial offer in EUR, with a breakdown of costs and statement of confirming the required availability within the consultancy period. The offered price/bid should include all costs of the consultancy; including taxes and related costs of the consultant(s), (SHL-K will cover travel cost).

Interested consultancy companies/ consultant(s) are invited to submit their expression of interest, including remuneration/financial offer VAT free with the subject: “Consultancy in the frame of the Kosovo Youth Participation – KYP”, by 04.08.2023, to the following e-mail: linda.simitciu@kyp-ks.com and CC vjollcagurgule@gmail.com