Purpose and Scope

The Communication, Advocacy and Narrative Influence Consultant will design and deliver a targeted training and capacity building programme for partner CSOs supported under the project. The consultancy is focused exclusively on training delivery equipping both CSO staff and leadership with actionable skills across four thematic modules:

•       Strategic communication

•       Policy advocacy

•       Ethical storytelling

•       Civic and digital dialogue

Training will be tailored to the dual audience of CSO staff (communications and programme teams) and leadership (directors and board members), and will be adapted to the conflict-sensitive and politically complex operating environment in Israel and the oPt. Delivery format  in-person, online, or hybrid will be determined in coordination with the Expertise France programme team based on context and participant needs.

Specific Objectives

The consultancy aims to:

•       Provide and adapt a comprehensive, context-sensitive training programme across the four thematic modules of communication, advocacy, and narrative influence;

•       Deliver training sessions to CSO staff, using participatory and learning methodologies;

•       Build the skills and confidence of partner organizations to independently develop and implement strategic communication and advocacy initiatives;

•       Provide Expertise France with a consolidated training completion report and recommendations for follow-up support.

Module 1 – Strategic Communication

This module will build the capacity of CSO staff and leadership to develop and implement coherent, audience-centred communication strategies. Key topics include:

•       Developing a strategic communication plan: goals, audiences, messages, and channels

•       Stakeholder and audience mapping: identifying, segmenting, and prioritizing target audiences

•       Message development and framing: crafting clear, compelling, and consistent messages

•       Choosing the right communication channels and formats for different audiences and contexts

•       Monitoring and adapting communication strategies in rapidly changing environments

Module 2 – Policy Advocacy

This module will equip CSO leadership and senior staff with the frameworks and tools to engage effectively in policy advocacy processes. Key topics include:

•       Understanding policy environments and decision-making processes in conflict-affected contexts

•       Developing an advocacy strategy: goals, targets, tactics, and coalitions

•       Evidence-based advocacy: using data, research, and community voices to support policy positions

•       Engaging decision-makers and duty-bearers: techniques for dialogue, lobbying, and influencing

•       Managing risks and sensitivities in advocacy within politically constrained environments

Module 3 – Ethical Storytelling

This module will build the capacity of CSO communications staff and programme teams to develop and share stories that are compelling, accurate, and ethically grounded. Key topics include:

•       Principles of ethical storytelling: dignity, consent, accuracy, and do-no-harm

•       Narrative development: identifying and structuring stories that reflect community voices and peacebuilding values

•       Avoiding harmful narratives: recognizing and countering dehumanizing or divisive framing

•       Working with communities to co-produce stories: participation, representation, and accountability

•       Using visual and multimedia storytelling responsibly in conflict-affected contexts

Module 4 – Civic and Digital Dialogue

This module will equip CSO staff and leadership with the skills to engage constructively in civic and digital spaces, fostering dialogue and countering polarization. Key topics include:

•       Understanding digital information ecosystems: social media dynamics, algorithms, and online public discourse

•       Designing and facilitating effective civic dialogue: online and in-person formats

•       Countering disinformation and hate speech: tools, techniques, and ethical considerations

•       Digital safety and security for civil society actors operating in conflict-affected contexts

•       Building and managing online communities for constructive civic engagement

Deliverable 1 – Inception Note and Training Design Framework

Objective: Establish a shared understanding of the assignment scope, training approach, and delivery plan.

Content:

•       Consultant's interpretation of the assignment and proposed training methodology

•       Consolidated overview of training priorities and audience differentiation (staff vs. leadership) across the four modules

•       Proposed schedule of training sessions

•       Proposed delivery format and facilitation approach (in-person, online, or hybrid)

Format: PDF/Word

Deliverable 2 – Training Curricula and Session Plans

Objective: Provide fully developed, ready-to-delivery training content for each of the four thematic modules.

Content:

•       Training curricula for each module, including learning objectives, key content and concepts, facilitation guides and detailed session plans, participant exercises and group activities, and key messages and takeaways

•       Participant handouts and supporting reading materials

•       All materials adapted to the linguistic, literacy, and contextual needs of partner organizations

Format: Word/PDF (per thematic module)

Additional notes:

·       The consultant shall propose a clear plan and timeline for the delivery of training sessions, indicating whether attending some sessions is required (or not) to join later sessions.

·       As part of the training session plan, the consultant shall indicate whether participants are expected to prepare anything ahead of the training.

·       Each training session shall be delivered at least twice, to ensure the number of participants remain manageable and account for their availability.

Deliverable 3 – Delivery of Training Sessions

Objective: Build the communication, advocacy, and narrative skills of CSO staff and leadership through participatory, applied training.

Content:

•       Facilitation of all planned training sessions and workshops across the four thematic modules

•       Delivery adapted to the dual audience of CSO staff and leadership, using differentiated formats where appropriate (e.g. leadership tracks for policy advocacy, staff workshops for storytelling and digital dialogue)

•       Practical application exercises and case studies in each session to reinforce learning

•       Peer-learning exchanges between partner organizations where common needs and interests exist

•       Attendance records and sign-in sheets for all sessions

Format: In-person and/or online sessions (flexible); attendance records submitted to Expertise France

Deliverable 4 – Training Completion Report and Recommendations

Objective: Document training outcomes and provide actionable recommendations for follow-up capacity support.

Content:

•       Summary of all training sessions delivered, including dates, formats, topics, and participation data (disaggregated by role and gender where possible)

•       Key learning outcomes and observations per thematic module

•       Synthesis of participant feedback and satisfaction data

•       Observations on partner organizations' engagement, skill development, and readiness to apply communication and advocacy practices

•       Recommendations for Expertise France on: follow-up coaching or peer-learning needs, adaptation of tools for specific partner contexts, and linkages between communication and advocacy capacity and programme outcomes

Format: Word (with annexes including attendance records and feedback summaries)