ToR: Training for CRGBV Survivors on Conflict Resolution, Peace Building and Mediation Skills

Introduction:

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA) was established at the federal level in 1995 by female legal professionals and was registered as a civil society organization. For the last 30 years, it has been working to stand for justice and equality for Ethiopian women. It implements 5 major programs, including Advocate for Women’s Rights, Public Education and Capacity Building, Comprehensive Free Legal Aid Service, Empower Female Legal Professionals and Foster Networking in the Legal Sector, as well as Professional Ethics and Quality Legal Services. It The Association has its headquarter in Addis Ababa, and regional branch offices in Adama, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Gambella, Asosa, Jigjiga, Semera, and Dire Dawa. Moreover, it has established 57 volunteer committees at zonal and district levels and launched a multi-lingual Toll-free Hotline center “7711” which provides services in Amharic, Afaan Oromo, and Tigrigna.

As part of its ongoing initiatives, EWLA aims to empower Conflict-Related Gender-Based Violence (CRGBV) survivors to participate actively in local peacebuilding, transitional justice, and community reconciliation. Recognizing the deep psychosocial impacts of conflict and trauma, the initiative integrates Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to promote healing, resilience, and community reintegration. This training aims to build the capacity of CRGBV survivors in conflict resolution, mediation, transitional justice processes, and psychosocial recovery, helping them transform their personal experiences into advocacy and leadership roles that contribute to sustainable peace and justice.

Objectives of the capacity building training for Legal aid providers \

The main objectives of the training are:

• To equip CRGBV survivors with practical skills in conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, and effective communication.
• To strengthen participants’ understanding of transitional justice mechanisms (contextualized to the regions) and survivors’ rights to truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-recurrence.
• To integrate MHPSS approaches to support survivors’ emotional well-being and resilience throughout peacebuilding and justice processes.
• To empower survivors to play active roles in local peace initiatives and community mediation efforts.
• To transform personal experiences of trauma into tools for advocacy and leadership.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Peacebuilding Fundamentals

• Introduce key concepts of conflict analysis, peacebuilding, and community reconciliation.
• Discuss practical approaches for identifying root causes and promoting sustainable solutions.

Transitional Justice and Survivor Participation

• Explain transitional justice concepts (truth-seeking, reparations, institutional reform, and justice mechanisms).
• Facilitate survivor-centered discussions on how women and CRGBV survivors can engage in transitional justice processes.
• Highlight the role of legal aid providers in supporting transitional justice and documentation of violations.

MHPSS and Trauma-Informed Approaches

• Introduce core principles of mental health and psychosocial support in post-conflict settings.
• Provide basic tools for emotional self-care, peer support, and stress management.
• Discuss referral pathways and coordination with psychosocial service providers.

Communication, Negotiation, and Facilitation Skills

• Build participants’ skills in active listening, empathy, and nonviolent communication.
• Teach negotiation and problem-solving strategies applicable in community settings.
• Equip participants with facilitation skills to guide sensitive discussions safely and inclusively.

Leadership and Advocacy

• Encourage survivors to use their lived experiences for advocacy, peace, and justice.

Practical Exercises and Role-Playing

• Conduct simulations and real-life case exercises on mediation, transitional justice dialogue, and peer support.
• Facilitate reflection sessions linking psychosocial healing with leadership development.

Preparation of User-Friendly Manual

• Develop a clear, concise, and user-friendly training manual summarizing key concepts and techniques on mediation, MHPSS, transitional justice, and peacebuilding.
• The manual should be in Amharic and translated into relevant local languages (Tigrigna and Afar), using visual aids for diverse literacy levels.

Target Audience

The training will target Conflict-Related Gender-Based Violence (CRGBV) survivors and legal aid providers from the Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions. Given the cultural and linguistic diversity, the training will be conducted with trauma-sensitive facilitation and supported by translation or interpretation as needed to ensure inclusion.

Methodology

The training will employ participatory and trauma-informed methodologies, including:

• Workshops: Interactive sessions combining theory and practice.
• Case Studies: Real or adapted community conflict scenarios.
• Role-Playing: Simulated exercises to apply learned skills.
• Group Discussions: Peer learning through shared experiences.
• Training Materials: Preparation of multilingual handouts and visual aids to aid comprehension.
• MHPSS-focused reflection and well-being sessions.

Deliverables

• Presentation Slides: Create visually engaging presentation slides for each training module to facilitate effective knowledge transfer during sessions.
• Facilitation of interactive training sessions integrating experiential learning and psychosocial reflection.
• Conduct training interactive workshops covering all key areas identified in the scope of work. Each session should include presentations, group discussions, case studies, and role-playing exercises to reinforce learning.
• Pre- and Post-Training Assessments: Design assessment tools to evaluate participants’ knowledge and skills before and after the training.
• Create feedback forms for participants to provide their insights on the training content, delivery, and overall experience.
• Training Summary Report: Compile a comprehensive report summarizing the training sessions, participant engagement, feedback received, challenges and overall outcomes.
• Share training materials – share manuals, handouts, MHPSS resource guide and Presentation Slides to EWLA.

Timeframe

The total period of the assignment is maximum of one month from the signing of the contract by both parties. The trainer should submit the training PowerPoint Presentation to EWLA before the training day. The training program is designed to span three days and the training will be delivered in Semera, Gonder and Addis Ababa.

Qualifications and Experiences of the consultant

We are looking for a qualified and experienced trainers with a background and demonstrated experience in delivering training on human rights, particularly in relation to handling detainees and prisoners. The successful candidate must fulfill the criteria listed below:

Educational Background

• Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, Peace and Security Studies, Law, Human Rights, Psychology or related field.
• Specialized training or certification in Gender-Based Violence, MHPSS, Transitional Justice, or Community Peacebuilding is highly desirable.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in conflict resolution, mediation, peacebuilding or transitional justice.
• Demonstrated experience working with survivors of GBV or vulnerable communities.
• Proven expertise in delivering participatory and trauma-sensitive training programs.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of MHPSS principles, transitional justice frameworks, and community peacebuilding mechanisms.
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Sensitivity to linguistic and cultural diversity, with ability to adapt to multilingual settings.

Training and Facilitation Skills

• Proven ability to design and conduct interactive workshops using simulations, group work, and case studies.
• Capacity to simplify complex concepts and communicate effectively across different literacy and language levels.
• Experience integrating psychosocial and gender perspectives into training.
• Experience developing training resources and materials for continued learning.

Logistics, Accommodation, and Travel Arrangements for Trainers

EWLA will cover all necessary logistical costs related to the trainers’ participation in the assignment. This includes:

• Accommodation for trainers traveling outside Addis Ababa for the duration of the training.
• Air transportation costs, including round-trip transport to and from the training venue.

Selection Process

• Candidate selection will be based on the following criteria:
• The ability to respond to and meet the essential and desirable specifications outlined in these terms of reference
• Demonstrated capacity to undertake the type of services sought.
• Relevant academic and professional qualifications and experience.