Consultancy for Arts and Culture Event in the MENA Region

Terms of Reference for Consultancy for Arts and Culture Event in the MENA Region

EXPLORING CULTURAL ORGANIZING IN THE MENA REGION

Background

American Friends Services Committee (AFSC) was founded in 1917 during World War I. In accordance with their Quaker faith, this organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. It has been working in the Middle East region since 1948.

AFSC works with communities and partners worldwide to challenge unjust systems and promote lasting peace. In collaboration with local communities, neighborhoods, and working with people of many backgrounds, we nurture the seeds of change and respect for human life that transform social relations and systems. AFSC’s programs foster understanding and reconciliation, promote economic development and food security, educate the public on various social issues, and foster diversity, inclusion, and equality in communities in the United States and around the world.

As part of its activities, AFSC conducts a series of Dialogue and Exchange Programs (DEP), where Global South leaders—from the grassroots organizations, civil society, and government—come together to learn, exchange ideas, and collectively solve problems. The DEP enables people living in the Global South to participate in short-term, strategic seminars, conferences, training, and exchanges that cross boundaries. Our approach to international dialogue and exchange is rooted in the belief that solutions can be found within a group’s history, knowledge, culture, and resources

AFSC will hold a DEP to explore the power and potential of cultural organizing, with a special focus on the MENA region. The arts and creativity have a special and important role in bringing people together, moving hearts and minds, and helping populations, especially young people, develop positive identities and methods of self-expression. Likewise, cultural organizing can play a pivotal role in crossing the colonial-imposed borders in MENA. Participants will discuss strategies to support networks of artists, find ways to authentically and meaningfully connect with other artists and activists, and share case studies of innovative organizing that demonstrates the efficacy of arts and culture work connected to impactful social justice advocacy.

Scope of the work:

AFSC is looking for a DEP consultant with strong knowledge of the art and culture environment in the MENA region to support in the coordination, organization and delivery of the DEP that will take place in May/June 2022. The position will be based in Amman and the selected candidate will work in close collaboration with the AFSC team in Jordan, under the supervision of the Program Manager.

The consultant will be responsible for all coordination related to the organization and execution of the DEP activities, including workshops, tours, site visits, lectures, etc. The event will bring together approximately 50 participants, including AFSC staff both working in and focused on the MENA region, as well as local advocates, artists, and leaders in artist networks, etc. This diverse group will have wide-ranging and exploratory conversations that focus on emerging trends, compelling case studies, best practices, and future possibilities.

The consultancy work will be divided into four phases. The first phase focuses on preparation for the event with the creation of mechanisms for selecting partners and participants. The second phase focuses on organizing the event in person, dealing with relevant logistical issues, drafting the agenda for the event, and supporting participants in their preparation. The third phase involves the facilitation and coordination of the event. The fourth phase consists of producing the closing reports after the event. The selected candidate is expected to coordinate with partners and other relevant actors throughout all the phases, including close collaboration with the AFSC team in Jordan, and other Middle East staff.

Responsibilities:

This is a short-term consultancy for up to 6 months. The main responsibilities of the consultant include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assume the role as the focal point person responsible for event planning and coordination within the AFSC staff, partners, and participants

• Create event agendas, invitations, compile invite lists, send out invitations, and manage RSVP lists and other related documents

• Provide specialized support for task management, major event planning and logistics, travel arrangements, meeting spaces, transportation, accommodations, and other logistics related tasks

• Support designing the agenda and events to be held during the DEP

• Coordinate translation services for conferences/meetings and deliverables

• Provide on-site support during the DEP

• Perform other project-related administrative tasks

Deliverables

When conducting all required activities, the consultant/coordinator should adhere to and observe COVID-19 regulations accordingly. Travel is required and activities will be done in person, sanitary situation permitting.

The selected consultant is expected to effectively deliver the following main products:

1. After kickoff meeting review and update the current DEP workplan and timeline

2. Prepare the TORs and assist in the selection of Research Partners and Implementing Partners, in coordination with AFSC staff

3. Prepare and support in the process of application of the participants

4. Mapping, selection, and interviewing 30 participants for the DEP in coordination with AFSC staff based on the application (participants should be from diverse backgrounds ensuring inclusion and gender balance)

5. Co-Design the event agenda in collaboration with AFSC team

6. Serve as focal point for participants and partners and provide them with information on travel organization, meetings, logistics, hotel, and meal details

7. Develop and carry out online preparation meetings for the participants before the event

8. Coordinate with partners and participants throughout all the phases

9. Support in preparing and delivering the final report one month after the DEP

Timeframe for deliverables:

Please take into consideration the following dates for the submission and preparation of deliverables.

(NEGOTIABLE AND TO BE FINALIZED WITH AFSC STAFF)

1. Selection of research partners, implementing partners, and participants ( February 28, 2022 )
2. Co-design and prepare agenda for the event (May 2022 – April 2022)
3. Coordinate process with participants including check-ins and pre-departure orientation (April 2022 to May 2022)
4. Facilitation, coordination, and delivery of the DEP activities on site - TBD - (May/June 2022)
5. Coordination with research partner for final reports and results - TBD (June 2022)
6. Submission of final reports (Finalized 1 month after event)

Required qualifications:

The candidate should send his/her CV and a motivation letter no longer than one page.

The selected candidate should possess the following qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in fine arts and culture, social, political sciences, or any other related fields. Master’s degree desired.

2. Demonstrated experience in event management and coordination of projects, or working in logistics of conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.

3. Deep understanding and knowledge of the art/culture environment and scene in the MENA region (by art scene, we consider a past and contemporary background about figurative art, cinema, music, theater, and other forms of art).

4. Deep understanding and knowledge of the social, political, and economic contexts in the MENA region.

5. Ability to write, read, and communicate both in Arabic and in English. French language is a plus.

6. Flexibility in schedule, in accordance with events, and ability to travel.

Budget for Facilitation:

1. The budget available for the facilitation is $5,500

2. Prices are to be submitted in USD and are valid for 30 days starting from the offer’s submission closing date.

3. The quote must be detailed and based on the work mechanism proposed by the consultant.

4. Price offers must be exclusive of value added tax (zero tax invoices) for establishments officially registered with the Ministry of Finance; while for individuals and non-profit institutions, the offered prices will be subject to law deduction of income tax.

5. Applicants must submit a reduction from source certificate along with the offer.

6. AFSC is not obligated to accept the lowest prices.

7. AFSC has the right to extend the deadline and/or re-advertise in the event of receiving a small number of offers and/or in case technical and financial committees do not select any candidate.

How to apply:

The CV and the motivation letter must be submitted by email to scovic@afsc.org and SShibly@afsc.org no later than November 24, 2021, at 5:00 PM (Jordanian time and date).

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed as soon as they are received. Early submissions are encouraged.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.