Recruitment of Consultant to Facilitate an International Workshop on “Science and Religion: Interdisciplinary Dialogue to Combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)"

Terms of Reference (ToR

Recruitment of Consultant to Facilitate an International Workshop on “Science and Religion: Interdisciplinary Dialogue to Combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)”

1. Background
The International Planned Parenthood Federation – Arab World Regional Office (IPPF-AWR) is organizing an International Workshop titled “Science and Religion: Interdisciplinary Dialogue to Combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)”, to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from 28 to 29 October 2025.

FGM continues to pose severe physical and psychological harm to women and girls across many countries. Religious leaders, given their authority and influence in society, can play a pioneering role in advocating for the eradication and criminalization of FGM. This workshop aims to:

• Engage religious scholars from Islamic and Christian institutions in a dialogue to separate FGM practices from religious requirements;
• Highlight the role of religious leaders in protecting the rights of women and girls;
• Foster collaboration between religious leaders, IPPF member associations, and experts from the FGM Center of Excellence;
• Encourage FGM practitioners to discontinue the practice.

Participants will include religious leaders from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia regions where FGM remains prevalent.

2. Objective of the Consultancy
The consultant will facilitate the workshop to ensure:

• Smooth implementation of sessions and discussions;
• Active participation and engagement of all participants;
• Effective dialogue between religious leaders, IPPF member associations, and experts;
• Achievement of the workshop’s objectives and outcomes.

3. Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing workshop objectives, agenda, and participant profiles.
2. Designing and facilitating interactive sessions and group discussions.
3. Applying adult learning and participatory facilitation techniques.
4. Ensuring respectful and constructive dialogue between participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
5. Supporting the documentation of key discussions, conclusions, and recommendations.
6. Providing a final facilitation report summarizing workshop outcomes, key recommendations, and next steps.

4. Deliverables

• Pre-workshop: Review workshop agenda and materials; provide recommendations for facilitation approach.
• During workshop: Facilitation of all sessions, including plenary, panel discussions, and group activities.
• Post-workshop: Submission of a comprehensive facilitation report (maximum … pages) within one week after the workshop.

5. Duration of Consultancy
The consultancy is expected to start in 20 October 2025 and conclude by 1 November 2025, covering preparation, facilitation, and reporting.

6. Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should demonstrate:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, religious studies, international development, or related fields.
• Proven experience in facilitating workshops or international conferences, preferably in the fields of gender, human rights, or religious dialogue.
• Deep understanding of FGM, gender-based violence, and related socio-cultural contexts.
• Experience engaging with religious leaders or diverse community stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills in English; Arabic and French is a must.

7. Reporting
The consultant will report to the IPPF Arab World Regional Office team and liaise with workshop coordinators for logistical and technical support.

8. Application Process
Interested consultants should submit:

• A brief CV highlighting relevant experience;
• A short expression of interest (max 2 pages) outlining approach to facilitation and understanding of workshop objectives;
• Proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.
• References

Deadline for submission: 20/09/2025
Email for submission: [email protected]