Introduction

Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP), a non-profit and humanitarian development organization, has been striving to protect, educate, and empower marginalized communities in Pakistan since 1999. LPP is building resilience of the marginalized segments through multiple strategic initiatives including but not limited to Health, Livelihood, Skills development, Climate Change, Institutional Development and Organizational Strengthening and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. LPP focuses on innovative solutions to sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and social inclusion while having key cross cutting program approaches including do no harm, safe guarding and social inclusion.

In Subh-e-Nau project, LPP leads a consortium aimed at increasing social cohesion and resilience in South Punjab. This initiative targets Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur districts, focusing on capacity building, evidence-based strategies, and partnerships to preventing and counter violent extremism (P/CVE).

Rationale:

Under the Subh-e-Nau project, the consortium is forming community-based structures at Union Council and district levels to advance the P/CVE agenda. Special thematic groups for women and youth at the district level will build on previous initiatives, incorporating new members to identify tailored capacity needs and implement a systematic development plan. Existing structures across 15 Union Councils (UCs) will be revitalized, with 60% drawn from previous work under different initiatives like CRA-South, Punjab Youth workforce development Project (PYWD), AAWAZ-II, OTI, and PERSI, etc.

At the district level, GPOGs (Governance, Peace, and Overseeing Groups) will bridge gaps between communities and authorities, focusing on peace promotion, conflict resolution, and advocacy. These groups, with 40% representation from thematic groups and one-third leadership roles reserved for women and youth, will serve as key forums for collaboration. Semi-autonomous youth and women’s thematic groups will amplify their voices in decision-making and advocate for affirmative action in partnership with UC-level groups.

Objective of the consultancy:

The consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) for the Subh-e-Nau project. This TNA will focus on two key aspects:

1. Identifying the work already undertaken around P/CVE in the targeted areas.
2. To assess available resources, local capacities and needs for the Subh-e-Nau initiative.

The consultancy will yield a comprehensive TNA report to identify Training Need Assessments of diverse groups and structures, developed previously and potential local structures including but not limited to the following;

• Union Council (UC) and district level P/CVE structures
• Thematic groups formed for women and youth
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on P/CVE agenda
• Government departments/institutions in advancing P/CVE agenda

Additionally, the consultant will assess training differentiation required for UC-level group members when they become part of district-level groups and propose specialized training for district-level groups.

Scope of work:

1. Conduct consultations with community groups, UC-level structures, district-level thematic groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government functionaries.
2. Employ qualitative and quantitative methods to assess:
• Work already done around P/CVE
• Existing capacities and resource
• Potential and training gaps related to P/CVE strategies
• Specific needs of marginalized groups, including youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities
3. Customized recommendations to develop actionable insights for training content, methodologies, and tools tailored to each segment.
4. Segmentation analysis providing detailed TNA for the four focus groups:
• UC and district-level structures
• Thematic women and youth groups
• CSOs
• Government departments and institutions
5. Recommend additional training for district-level groups, considering their composition and expanded responsibilities compared to UC-level groups.
6. Provide comprehensive TNA report, including findings, recommendations, and proposed training topics and formats.

Expected deliverables:

1. TNA report on four detailed reports including:
• Capacity gaps and training needs for each segment
• Recommendations for tailored training modules and resources
• Pre- and post-assessment frameworks for future training
2. Customized plans for UC-level and district-level capacity-building sessions, including differentiated training for district-level groups

Qualifications of the consultant:

• Master’s degree in social sciences, rural development, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of experience in conducting TNA and capacity-building initiatives, preferably in P/CVE and governance.
• Proven experience in working with civil society organizations, government institutions, and marginalized communities.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Familiarity with local languages and cultural contexts in South Punjab.
• Commitment to safeguarding policies and ethical practices.

Timeframe:

The consultancy will span a period of 15 days, from 1st to 15 Feb 2025.

Application process:

Interested consultants or consultancy firms are requested to submit the following:

1. A detailed technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan.
2. Detailed profile of individual or consultancy firm.
3. A financial proposal, including consultancy fees and any other costs.
4. CVs of team members highlighting relevant experience.
5. Samples of previous work related to TNA or similar assignments.

Applications must be submitted to the HR Department, Lodhran Pilot Project office, Near Wapda colony, Multan Road, Lodhran by January 15, 2025. Queries can be directed to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Lines of communication:

The consultant will report directly to the Program Manager of the Subh-e-Nau Project at LPP.

Note: LPP is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and expects consultants to adhere to organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, and Anti-Trafficking Policy.