Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Facilitation of the WeRise Cohort 2 Onboarding Event
About CIVICUS
CIVICUS is a global alliance dedicated to defending people power. With a membership base of over 16,000 organisations and activists across over 175 countries, we work collectively to monitor and expose violations of civic freedoms, hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen the ability of civil society to organise effectively. We are committed to amplifying marginalised voices, particularly those from the Global South, and fostering an inclusive, innovative, and resilient civic space.
Background
WeRise is a strategic, community-driven initiative that advances the right to peaceful assembly as a vital mechanism for protecting and expanding civic space. This collaborative effortempowers activists, organisers, and movement builders to innovate and overcome systemic barriers that marginalise dissent and activism worldwide.
Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly (FoPA) workstream, will convene 15 CIVICUS members from four regions to co-create and implement locally relevant campaigns under the global CIVICUS FoPA framework. This event is scheduled for the second half of May 2025. Further, the onboarding seeks to:
- Cultivate a shared vision among new WeRisers from Cohort 2.
- Strengthen connections, trust, commitment and solidarity within the cohort.
- Foster collaboration and align activities with the overarching goals of the WeRise Campaign.
Objectives of the Engagement
The selected facilitator will play a crucial role in ensuring a dynamic, engaging, and impactful onboarding experience. Specifically, they will:
- Co-create and refine the event agenda in collaboration with CIVICUS and the WeRisers.
- Facilitate the onboarding event to ensure meaningful participation and engagement.
- Foster a strong sense of community and shared purpose among new WeRisers.
- Inspire collaboration, trust-building, and strategic thinking within the cohort.
- Guide discussions to refine activities for enhanced innovation and alignment with project goals.
Scope of Work
The facilitator will be responsible for:
- Designing a participatory and inclusive agenda in partnership with CIVICUS and the WeRisers.
- Leading interactive and engaging sessions throughout the onboarding week.
- Employing dynamic facilitation methodologies that promote dialogue, trust-building, and innovation.
- Delivering a comprehensive post-event report outlining key insights, recommendations, and participant engagement evaluations.
Deliverables
- A collaboratively design and finalised agenda prior to the event.
- Successful facilitation of the onboarding week, ensuring active participation and meaningful engagement.
- A detailed post-event report summarizing key discussions, outcomes, and recommendations for future engagements.
Duration and Location
- The engagement will take place over one week in the second half of May 2025.
- The event will take place in person, in a country to be advised.
Required Qualifications and Experience
The ideal facilitator should possess:
- Proven experience in designing and facilitating community-building events, particularly in civic engagement, activism, or human rights.
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or any related degree.
- Expertise in participatory design and interactive facilitation methodologies.
- Experience working with diverse, multilingual communities.
- Proficient in English- Facilitation will be done in English.
- A demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and strategic alignment within activist communities.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- A proposal outlining their approach to facilitation, including methodologies and relevant experience.
- A detailed budget proposal, including the number of days and daily rate. CIVICUS will cover all travel expenses.
- CV(s) or a company profile highlighting relevant experience.
- Reference letter for previous work engagement.
Individual consultants, small teams, and organisations are welcome to apply.
Submission Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 10 April, 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line, Facilitator- WeRise Cohort 2 Onboarding.