Policy Consultant -ميسر ورشات العمل المشاورات حول مشروع قانون مراكز التنمية المجتمعية -Damascus

Background/IRC Summary: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solution-driven, passionate changemaker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide for a better future.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Workshop Facilitator will prepare and facilitate five regional consultations on the draft Community Development Centers Law in Syria and document the findings. The consultations will bring together government directorates, community representatives, the private sector and civil society organizations to develop recommendations for consideration by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MoSAL).

The facilitator will use technical materials and consultation questions provided by IRC and MoSAL. IRC will provide technical analysis and recommendations through its country team and relevant technical advisers, coordinated by the Integrated Protection Lead. MoSAL will lead the review of consultation recommendations and revisions to the draft law.

The facilitator will report to the IRC Integrated Protection Lead, with oversight from the Deputy Director of Programs, and coordinate with the designated MoSAL focal point. IRC and MoSAL will confirm the workshop locations and coordinate participant invitations and logistics.

The estimated duration is 22 working days, comprising 3 days for preparation, 15 days for travel, workshop consultation and feedback and validation, and 4 days for consolidated reporting and revisions. This includes 3 working days per location, depending on the itinerary. The final schedule and level of effort will be specified in the contract.

The workshops will be facilitated in Arabic. Reports will be submitted in Arabic, with a concise English executive summary of the final report. The contract will specify coverage of travel and accommodation costs.

Key Responsibilities

Preparation and Consultation Design

• Review the draft law and technical materials provided by IRC and MoSAL to inform workshop preparation.
• Prepare a workplan covering workshop preparation, travel, delivery and reporting, for approval by IRC in coordination with MoSAL.
• Develop workshop agendas, discussion guides and participatory exercises based on the consultation objectives. Prepare group feedback forms and templates for documenting recommendations during the sessions.
• Incorporate arrangements for the participation of women, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups, including accessible materials and appropriate small-group discussions.

Workshop Facilitation

• Facilitate five workshops in Arabic, covering the agreed provisions and consultation questions within the scheduled time.
• Ensure balanced participation across stakeholder groups and facilitate sensitive discussions impartially and respectfully.
• Guide participants in examining the practical implications of draft provisions and formulating recommendations linked to the relevant articles.
• Validate session summaries with participants and document areas of agreement, differing positions and unresolved issues.

Documentation and Reporting

• Document each workshop through structured notes and written participant feedback, recording the groups represented, key findings, recommendations and follow-up actions.
• Consolidate participant recommendations in an article-by-article matrix recording the issue, proposed change, rationale, consultation source and differing positions.
• Prepare a consolidated report identifying common priorities, differences between locations and matters requiring further technical review. Attribute participant recommendations, IRC technical inputs and MoSAL decisions accurately.
• Present the findings to IRC and MoSAL and finalise the report and recommendations matrix following one consolidated round of feedback.
• Maintain the confidentiality of consultation records and collect only the personal information required for workshop administration and reporting.

Coordination and Deliverables

• Provide progress updates to the IRC Integrated Protection Lead and coordinate workshop requirements with the designated IRC and MoSAL focal points.
• Submit workshop agendas, discussion guides and documentation templates for approval before the consultations begin.
• Deliver five workshop reports, the consolidated consultation report, recommendations matrix and English executive summary in editable formats within the contractual deadlines.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in social sciences, public administration, law, development studies or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 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. Experience facilitating legislative consultations is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate inclusive discussions impartially, manage differing views, and produce accurate consultation reports and recommendations matrices.
• Understanding of community participation, gender equality, disability inclusion and protection-sensitive consultation approaches.
• Fluency in spoken and written Arabic, with good working English for coordination and preparation of the English executive summary.
• Availability to travel to the consultation locations and complete the assignment within the contracted period.