Consultancy to Support Organization of Online Training Program on the SSD (April – June 2023)

Background:

The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)^[1] has been working for several years with the Government of Spain to promote and strengthen the protection of education from attack in conflict. In May 2019, Spain hosted the Third International Conference on Safe Schools, affirming its leadership in promoting the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) and its Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict (the Guidelines). During the Conference, Spain committed to strengthen implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration by organising practical training programs to build the capacity of states to implement the Declaration.

In 2021, Spain, together with GCPEA, conducted the first online training program on the SSD, in which more than 20 countries affected by conflict and insecurity participated. In May 2023, the second online training program on the SSD will take place, with participants from another 20 states from different regions. Like the first training, this program will be part of the activities of the Implementation Network on the Safe Schools Declaration led by the Government of Norway.

The Safe Schools Declaration is an inter-governmental political commitment to protect education during armed conflict led by Norway and Argentina. It includes a commitment to use the Guidelines and bring them into domestic policy and operational frameworks. The SSD has been endorsed by 117 states since it was opened for endorsement in May 2015.

Assignment:

GCPEA is seeking a consultant to support the organization of the second online training program on implementing the Safe Schools Declaration in May 2023.  

The main duties are as follows:

• Draft invitations and other relevant documents for the training (concept note, agenda, run of show, etc.);

• Follow-up on the invitations and registration of participants, speakers, and facilitators;

• Act as the focal person in communications with participants, speakers, and facilitators, and respond to questions and requests.

• Support the online platform for information-sharing;

• Supervise the technical and logistical components of the training in coordination with service providers, including test sessions;

• Coordinate the translation of communications and materials;

• Draft and disseminate documents and communications after the training, including the final report and assessment forms; and

• Perform other logistical tasks as required for the smooth delivery of the training.

Requirements:

Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish language skills. French language skills are also desirable.

Experience working with governments, managing institutional relationships, and communicating in an international and multicultural environment.  

Experience organizing trainings and other on-line events. Familiarity with Zoom, Workplace, and other digital platforms.

Strong organizational and proactive problem-solving skills, diplomacy, and flexibility.,

Term of Consultancy:

The consultancy will be from approximately mid-April to mid-June 2023.

Location:

Remote. Strong preference for location in the CET time zone.

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[1]  The Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) is a project of the Tides Center a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. GCPEA was established in 2010 by organizations working in the fields of education in emergencies and conflict-affected contexts, higher education, protection, international human rights law and humanitarian law who were concerned about ongoing attacks on educational institutions, their students and staff in countries affected by conflict and insecurity. GCPEA is an international coalition of organizations that includes: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Education Above All Foundation (EAA) through its program Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNHCR. For more information see www.protectingeducation.org

Please, send your CV and a short cover letter with remuneration expectations to mranieri@protectingeducation.org before March 26, 2023.