
Description
Background:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster , in hardship , in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Mercy Corps, in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion (HI), is implementing the RENEW Project, funded by the Centre de Crise et de Soutien (CDCS), to strengthen resilience and recovery in conflict-affected communities through integrated Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) interventions.
Result 3 of the project seeks to promote inclusive governance and improve communities' access to essential services through participatory engagement between communities, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
Implementation of several participatory governance activities experienced delays due to significant contextual changes during the early stages of the project, including shifts in administrative authorities, access constraints and delays in humanitarian mine action activities. Since then, substantial progress has been achieved in identifying target farmers, prioritising agricultural land and referring land to Humanity & Inclusion for explosive ordnance survey and clearance. Mercy Corps is now preparing to deliver agricultural recovery assistance .
As the project enters its final implementation phase, there is a need for targeted technical support to complete the remaining governance and community engagement activities under Result
Purpose / Project Description:
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to Mercy Corps in completing the remaining Result 3 activities through conflict-sensitive facilitation, participatory community engagement, and collaborative planning. The consultancy will strengthen inclusive decision-making, support effective stakeholder coordination, and enhance the quality and transparency of project implementation in target communities.
The consultancy will focus on a community in each 7 Subdistricts target communities in 3 Governorate region(s).
Ar-Raqqa Subdistrict / Ar-Raqqa Governorate
Mansoura Subdistrict / Ar-Raqqa Governorate
Sabka Subdistrict / Ar-Raqqa Governorate
Hama Subdistrict / Hama Governorate
Salamiyyah Subdistrict / Hama Governorate
Dier ez Zor Subdistrict / Deir Al Zor Governorate
Khisham Subdistrict / Deir Al Zor Governorate
Most of the assignments will be conducted remotely, leveraging available project documentation, virtual engagements, and support from Mercy Corps field teams for data collection and facilitation where needed.
Consultant Objectives:
Activities will be delivered through a hybrid approach, with the consultant working remotely and relying on Mercy Corps field staff to support data collection, logistics , and in-person facilitation as required .
Objective 1
Provide technical guidance and facilitate the Mercy Corps team in conducting rapid conflict and stakeholder analyses in target communities to identify context-specific risks, opportunities and stakeholder dynamics that may influence project implementation. ( Specific focus on issues related to land access, beneficiary selection, and natural resource management).
Objective 2
Support the establishment and/or strengthening of Community Stakeholder Committees to facilitate inclusive participation, dialogue and transparent decision-making throughout project implementation.
Objective 3
Guide the MC team on f acilitat ing participatory prioritization and Joint Action Planning with community stakeholders, local authorities and relevant service providers to support implementation of agricultural and essential service interventions.
Objective 4
Strengthening the capacity of Community Stakeholder Committees, community representatives and Mercy Corps staff on practical approaches to conflict sensitivity, inclusive governance, participatory facilitation and collaborative decision-making, including an orientation on Community-Based Early Warning and Early Response (EWER ) .
Objective 5
Document key lessons learned, agreed community priorities and Joint Action Plans, and provide practical recommendations to support the remaining implementation period and project close-out.
Consultant Activities:
The consultant shall undertake the following activities.
Objective 1
Rapid Conflict and Stakeholder Analysis.
The consultant will:
Deliverable
Rapid Conflict and Stakeholder Analysis Report with max 10 pages
Objective 2
Community Stakeholder Committees
The consultant will facilitate the establishment and/or strengthening of Community Stakeholder Committees that will support transparent and inclusive implementation of project activities.
Activities include:
The consultant will encourage inclusive representation of farmers, women, youth and other relevant community stakeholders while respecting local context and existing governance structures.
Deliverables
Objective 3
Participatory Prioritization and Joint Action Planning
Using participatory facilitation approaches, including Appreciative Inquiry where appropriate , the consultant will design and remotely facilitate community workshops and provide structured guidance to Mercy Corps field teams, who will lead the in ‑ person facilitation in each target location:
Develop practical Joint Action Plans for each target location that outline specific, measurable activities, responsible parties (community, authorities, MC), timelines, and resources for each target location.
Joint Action Plans should clearly define agreed priorities, stakeholder responsibilities, coordination arrangements and follow-up actions during the remaining implementation period.
Deliverables
Objective 4
Capacity Strengthening
The consultant will design and facilitate practical field-based learning sessions for Community Stakeholder Committees, Mercy Corps staff and relevant stakeholders covering:
Training should emphasize practical application using project examples, case discussions and field-based exercises rather than classroom-based lectures. Develop and facilitate an introductory orientation on Community-Based Early Warning and Early Response (EWER), including community roles, reporting pathways and referral mechanisms relevant to the project context.
Deliverables
Objective 5
Documentation and Close-out Support
The consultant will:
Deliverables:
Consultancy Activity Mapping: Result 3 Activity
Consultancy Contribution
3.1.1.1 Community Stakeholder Committees
Establish/strengthen committees and develop ToRs
3.1.1.2 Stakeholder Mapping & Conflict Analysis
Rapid conflict and stakeholder analysis
3.1.1.3 Mapping & Prioritization of Services
Participatory prioritization workshops
3.1.1.4 Conflict Management Training
Design and deliver conflict management and group dynamics training
3.1.1.5 EWER
Deliver introductory EWER orientation and guidance
3.1.1.6 Joint Action Planning
Facilitate participatory Joint Action Plans
Consultant Deliverables: The Consultant will provide the following: Deliverable
Timeline ( Assumptions: Approval of report/guide within 2-3 working days )
Inception Report and Detailed Workplan
End of Week 1
Rapid Conflict and Stakeholder Analysis Report
End of Week 2 (approved by week 3)
Community Stakeholder Committee Formation and Guidelines & Standard ToRs
Week 3
Joint Action Planning Facilitation guide
Week 4
Joint Action Plans for each target location
Week 5
Training Materials
End of Week 5 (Developed in parallel with JAPs)
Capacity Building Report
End of Week 7
Lessons Learned and Recommendations Brief
Week 7
Final Consultancy Report
End of Week 8
Timeframe / Schedule :
Activity
Days
Inception and document review
2
2
Conflict & stakeholder analysis
6
6
Community committee establishment/strengthening
6
6
Development of materials
4
Added to reflect the work required
Training Training Delivery (Conflict Mgmt , Group Dynamics, EWER)
5
6
Participatory priorisation and joint action planning
6
Documentation & final reporting
3
3
Total
30
30
The Consultant will report to : CDCS Program Manager/ Syria Country Manager
The Consultant will work closely wit h : MC CDCS Program Team , MC PaQ Team , and Humanity & Inclusion (HI), where relevant .
MC will be responsible for Stakeholder meetings ' logistics like (venue, refreshment ) , n o travel, accommodation, or field transportation costs for the consultant are included under this assignment, as the consultancy will be implemented primarily remotely.
Required Experience & Skills:
The successful consultant should possess :
Team Engagement and Effectiveness
Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work.
We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.
Safeguarding & Ethics Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
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