Disability Inclusion Expert for Inclusive Youth Programming...

Expression of Interest (EOI):

Mercy Corps is implementing the USAID West Bank/Gaza-funded Positive Youth Engagement (PYE) Activity (Agreement No. 72029421CA00004) from September 24, 2021, to September 23, 2028. PYE is a seven-year multi-sectoral Youth Activity designed to address the core issues of Palestinian youth development, with an emphasis on inclusivity for vulnerable groups, including youth with disabilities. The PYE Activity aims to reach 80,000 vulnerable and marginalized youth aged 10-29 at risk of social exclusion in vulnerable areas through safe spaces and private universities, improving their outcomes in education, mental health and wellbeing, future employment, community bonding, and other needs as identified through evidence-based studies, surveys, and assessments.

In partnership with national organizations—including the Palestinian Charity for Youth Economic Empowerment (CYEE), Save Youth Future Society (SYF), Youth Development Resources Center (YDRC) Hebron, Al-Nayzak Organization for Supportive Education and Scientific Innovation, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), YDRC Jericho, YDRC Jabal Al-Nar, and the International Youth Foundation (IYF)—and in addition to new partners and service providers, Mercy Corps provides an integrated, inclusive youth-friendly service. The involvement of parents, communities, and local youth organizations is critical to the success of these initiatives.

Consultant Description

As part of the PYE GESI efforts in the fourth year of implementation (YR4/FY25), the program is focused on ensuring that interventions are inclusive and accessible to all youth, particularly those with sensory (visual and hearing) and movement disabilities. The Disability Inclusion Expert will lead efforts to adapt existing tools and guide the program team in embedding Disability Inclusion principles in all aspects of youth programming.

Consultancy Deliverables

1. Revised, Inclusive PYE Tools: Adapted versions of Sports for Change, My Plan, and Wellbeing Camps manuals, with accessibility modifications for youth with disabilities.
2. Inclusion Guide: A standards guide for safe spaces coordinators and mentors, including case studies and best practices.
3. Training for Mentors and Coordinators: Sessions focusing on the application of inclusive tools and the Inclusion Guide.
4. Ongoing Coaching and Support: Follow-up support to mentors and coordinators, including workshops and virtual sessions.
5. Final Report: A comprehensive summary of revised tools, training outcomes, feedback, and recommendations.

Timeline

The consultant will be engaged for a total of 328 Hours (8 Hours/Day) during the period from November 2024 to April 2025.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications:

1. Educational Background:
   • Master’s degree in social work, Disability Studies, Inclusive Education, International Development, or a related field.
   • Specialized training in disability inclusion, with a focus on sensory (visual and hearing) and movement disabilities.
2. Relevant Experience:
   • At least 5-7 years of experience in disability inclusion, particularly in programs targeting youth with sensory and movement disabilities.
   • Proven experience in developing and adapting tools, guides, or methodologies to make youth programs inclusive for youth with disabilities.
   • Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering training for stakeholders (e.g., mentors, trainers, coordinators), focusing on disability inclusion.
   • Experience working in diverse cultural settings, particularly in conflict-affected or marginalized areas.
3. Technical Skills:
   • Strong understanding of Disability Inclusion frameworks and inclusive methodologies for youth programs.
   • Proficiency in developing comprehensive guides/manuals focused on disability inclusion.
   • Ability to work with stakeholders to build inclusive environments and support capacity building.
   • Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation practices related to inclusion and accessibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we encounter through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times.

Submission

Interested individuals must send the signed SIF form to email:  [email protected] and cc [email protected] by maximum November 20th, 2024, titled: “PR138595 - PS03-PYEConsultant – Disability Inclusion Expert for Inclusive Youth Programming in the West Bank and East Jerusalem”

Attachment(s): Form Information Supplier