Process support and facilitation of a participatory planning workshop

as part of the Civil Peace Service in Uganda

Introduction and Context

Since 1957, EIRENE International Christian Peace Service e.V. has been supporting partner organisations committed to non‑violent civil conflict transformation and to socially just and environmentally sustainable change. Through its International Peace Cooperation (FriKo) programme, EIRENE supports Civil Peace Service (CPS) programmes in six regions across Africa and Latin America in collaboration with national partner organisations. In these regions, six coordinators are responsible for the CPS programmes on behalf of EIRENE.

The CPS operates along the entire cycle of conflict transformation: from early engagement to prevent escalation of tensions into systemic violence, through de‑escalation and support for non‑violent alternatives during active conflict phases, to long‑term reconciliation and dealing with a violent past to prevent recurrence. CPS work is characterised by the following principles: option for victims and survivors, partnerships, long‑term commitment and a global learning community.

In Uganda, EIRENE started its Civil Peace Service programme in partnership with four national organisations (ACFODE, ICSS, JESE and MACCO) in October 2025. The programme covers the Wes Nile region and West Uganda, more particularly the Bidibidi and Imvepi refugee settlement and host communities in West Nile and the Kyaka II refugee settlement and host communities in Kyegegwa district in West Uganda. Partners carried out baseline analysis in their respective areas and developed strategic 3‑year plans for CPS interventions. Annual plans for 2025 were based on the initial surveys. At the end of 2025, the EIRENE coordination office organised a reflection and planning workshop where a systemic conflict analysis was conducted, taking into consideration the extreme changes in the context, including refugee funding cuts. Some minor changes took place for 2026. It remains essential to conduct a thorough revision and re‑orientation of the outcomes and strategies based on the results of the systemic conflict analysis and fundamental change of the context.

Purpose and objective of the assignment

The assignment is to facilitate a participatory strategic session to reflect on previous experiences, analyse the results of the systemic conflict analysis, and redefine the strategic goals and approaches for the CPS programme. The overall objective is to develop a more relevant CPS response to the changing context, in which each partner organisation contributes based on its specific profile and outreach.

The consultant will facilitate the preparation and implementation of a participatory planning workshop that actively engages programme partners, ensuring that their perspectives, experiences and priorities shape the adapted CPS programme. The consultant will document the results of the workshop and formulate a strategy document based on the discussions, reflecting the adapted outcomes, assumptions and process indicators for the programme.

Report to

EIRENE CPS Coordinator in Uganda

Scope of Work and Methodology

The consultant is expected to facilitate an inclusive, participatory, and learning‑oriented process grounded in the current socio‑political context of Uganda. The assignment is envisaged to take place in May, June and August 2026, with an in‑person workshop in Kampala, Uganda planned for the second week of June 2026.

Phase 1: Preparation

Read and understand all project‑related documents such as the Programme Proposal, the baseline studies, the annual report, the outcomes of the 2025 reflection meeting, and any other relevant documents.
Have preparation calls with the CPS Coordinator and Programme Manager suggesting an initial workshop design.
Prepare and lead an online brainstorming and preparation call with the Coordination office, Programme Manager and the partner organisations.
Assign specific tasks to the coordination office, Programme Manager and the partner organisations for pre‑workshop preparation.
Prepare and deliver a final workshop agenda with detailed methodology.

Phase 2: Workshop Facilitation

Hold a briefing meeting with the coordinator on site before the start of the workshop.
Conduct a participatory facilitation of the workshop as per the agreed design.
Address concerns and necessary adjustments raised during the workshop.
Demonstrate agile leadership with cultural sensitivity and respectful attendance to participants.
Debrief at the end of each day with a small team to assess progress and identify adjustments for the next day(s).
Conduct a thorough debrief with the CPS coordinator after the workshop on the objectives achieved and other important learning points.

Phase 3: Support for formulation of the adjusted strategic plan

Prepare thorough documentation of the workshop results.
Submit a consolidated draft strategy paper following the agreed outline.
After receiving comments and suggestions, submit a final version of the document.

Required qualifications

In‑depth knowledge of the Civil Peace Service as a programme of German international peace work.
Very good knowledge of the methods and concepts of civil conflict transformation.
More than 10 years of experience in conducting multi‑stakeholder planning and facilitation.
More than 10 years of experience in facilitating similar workshops and processes with good results.
Experience in systemic conflict analysis and theory of change (ToC).
Proven ability to formulate project outcomes, assumptions and process indicators.
Proven knowledge and practical skills in trauma sensitivity, guiding people with experience of war and violence through topics of displacement and peacebuilding.
Availability and flexibility throughout the timeframe of the assignment.
Fluency in written and spoken English and German.
Good knowledge of refugee contexts in Uganda, South Sudan, Congo is an advantage.

Logistics and timing

EIRENE Coordination office will prepare the logistical aspects of the onsite visit: venue, transportation from the airport to the venue and back (if needed), and all necessary materials for the workshop. Hotel costs and meals (except dinner) during the workshop will be covered by the Coordination office. The workshop will take place for 3 full days. The consultancy requires a total of up to 12 working days, allocated across three phases to ensure required quality. The assignment will start no later than 25th of May, the onsite visit is planned from 8‑12th of June. The final report is expected to be delivered no later than 1st of September 2026.

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EIRENE Internationaler Christlicher Friedensdienst e.V.