Vacancy - Consultancy Services: Project Coordination and Facilitation

Terms of Reference

Shared Island, Shared World, Shared Future: Enhancing cross-border learning and connection on Global Citizenship Education

Consultancy Services: Project Coordination & Facilitation

January - December 2025

1. Background

Shared Island, Shared World, Shared Future is an initiative between Dóchas, the Irish network for international development and humanitarian organisations, CADA, the Coalition of Aid and Development organisations in Northern Ireland and IDEA, the Irish Development Education Association  

The purpose of this project is to enable cross border connection, and practical North-South engagement on Global Citizenship Education (GCE). By bringing together development, humanitarian and GCE organisations from across the island of Ireland, the project will explore the real-life practical challenges and opportunities of implementing an all-island vision for GCE, using IDEA’s Code of Good Practice for Development Education (CoGP) as a guiding framework.

This project builds on the “Shared Future” initiative, which was a conference organised by Development Perspectives (Drogheda) and Children in Crossfire (Derry) in November 2022. The conference explored the importance of GCE, the positive impact it can have in addressing the challenges facing people living in border communities, and how cross-border cooperation among GCE practitioners could be enhanced. This project aims to build on the shared ideas and momentum developed during that conference, through a structured dialogue and learning process.

2. Context 

Both Dóchas and CADA are networks, whose members have a vision of a just, equal and sustainable world where every person has the right to live their life with dignity. Both networks actively promote deeper collaboration amongst members to achieve greater impact across the sector. IDEA is the national network representing the GCE sector throughout the island of Ireland. IDEA represents over 120 members involved in the practice, promotion and advancement of Development Education in formal, non-formal and informal settings. IDEA members work together to strengthen Development Education in Ireland and to raise awareness of the crucial role of Development Education in achieving an equal, just and sustainable future.      

3. Purpose & Scope of Work

We require consultant(s) to coordinate and facilitate a series of workshops and events that aims to:

• Explore the obstacles/barriers to implementing an all-island vision for GCE due to different systems, policy environments, governance structures, and funding options
• Foster dialogue on GCE practice (i.e., how GCE can address the challenges facing people living throughout the island and support GCE practitioners). 
  The IDEA CoGP will be the framework in which to create a structured dialogue in these areas. 

4. Methodology

This consultancy should follow a collaborative and mixed methods approach, and will require approximately 15-20 days work over a one-year period (up to December 2025).

The consultant(s) will be required to engage with the Project Steering Committee on a monthly basis to report on progress against agreed objectives. 

5. Key Deliverables

To deliver and organise a series of dialogue and learning exchanges as follows: 

1. First online session to get to know each other and hear about each other’s work including contributions from cross-border groups and from NI and ROI representatives to describe GCE context
2. In person event – focusing on the Code and Implementation of the Principles both North & South (including differences & challenges)
3. Online session focusing on learning from past initiatives - e.g. Shared Future Conference 2022
4. Online session focusing on challenges and opportunities in implementing GCE good practice principles in border areas (focus on principles 2,4,7,8)
5. In person event – bringing together the shared learning and ideas from previous online and in person sessions to explore issues in more depth.
6. Online session to finalise the project; discuss results, action ideas and next steps

The consultant will be required to:

• Plan, implement and deliver the logistics of all project events (both online and in-person).
• Facilitate workshops, dialogues, and learning exchanges to ensure productive and engaging sessions.
• Develop, prepare and disseminate relevant project materials, including promotional content and reports.
• Monitor project timelines and budgets, reporting any discrepancies to the Steering Group.
• Document all project activities and outcomes for the final project report.
• Engage with participants and stakeholders to gather feedback and improve future activities.

6. Specific outputs

• Dialogue outcomes and learning document
• Recommendations for practitioners, policy makers and education representatives north and south of the border. 
• Final report

7. Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in project coordination and facilitation, preferably in GCE, educational or cross-border collaborative projects.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in managing virtual platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge of Global Citizenship Education and the non-profit sector in Ireland, both North and South.
• Understanding of the Code of Good Practice 

8. Location:

Remote, with travel to in-person events in border communities as required.

9. Budget:

The maximum available budget for this project is 15,000 Euro inclusive of VAT or other taxes. Any expenses to be agreed in advance.

Application Process

Please submit your expression of interest, outlining your relevant skills and experience and proposed methodology and rate to anna@dochas.ie by 9am on Wednesday, 5th February 2025.

Applications are welcome from individuals or teams. 

Commencement date: Mid-February 2025