Call for consultants to facilitate the European Women’s Lobby AGORA Feminist Summer Camp

April 5, 2024

The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union. The EWL has members in 26 EU Member States and four Candidate Countries, as well as 17 European-wide organisations, representing a total of more than 2,000 women’s organisations in Europe. The EWL campaigns for a feminist Europe which promotes women’s rights and equality between women and men in the European Union.

In 2015, the EWL organised its first ever summer school for young feminist activists: AGORA. AGORA brings together young feminists from across Europe to empower them to act and lead in a changing world. The summer school is based on open, participatory methods, with a large part of the programme self-defined and developed with participants.

Agora 2024

This year’s edition of the AGORA takes place in Brussels from 9 to 13 September 2024. Through a 5-day programme, this participatory summer camp will create a space where young women (18-30) will have a chance to reflect, think, exchange ideas, support each other and work together to become confident feminist leaders and activists.

We are looking for a team of 2 facilitators to prepare and facilitate a programme for this year’s AGORA.

Role description

The AGORA process will be highly interactive, flexible and uphold creative and safe spaces for the participants to openly interact. Special attention will be given to the creation of a process that is partly facilitated and partly shaped by the participants themselves. It has to be noted however, that open spaces where participants are invited to shape the process themselves need to be consciously created and designed as such. This will lead to a lot of creative energy, deep connection, participation and interaction, as well as learning around the purpose and objectives as expressed by EWL.

In this process, it is also essential to focus on creating a space where difficult conversations can take place in a safe and supported way. In addition, special attention will be paid to harvesting the important outcomes, conversations and ideas in creative ways for the participants and the EWL to build on during and after the process.

Tasks

Sharing input in the initial content structure for the 5-day workshop with clear objectives for sessions and methodology, as well as suggestions and input for the preparation phase in the months before the Agora (specification below) , in collaboration with the EWL Staff.
Correspond with staff and speakers to offer support in moderating and fostering a safe space during their sessions as requested.
Actively contribute to online planning meetings in between June and September. (2 with project coordinator and co-facilitator as well as 1 Briefing and 1 Debriefings with the EWL Agora Team)
Facilitating the whole summer camp from 9-13 September in Brussels. This includes daily “Check-ins and Check-outs” with participants, discussion facilitation, including Non-Formal – Learning (NFL) methods and creating a safe space.
Contributing to the development of the Agora report with key insights for future AGORAs.

Profile – Requirements of the facilitators/organisations

Strong proven facilitation knowledge and practice.
Experience of open facilitation methods such as Art of Hosting, Open Space etc.
Demonstrable commitment to gender equality and women’s rights.
Knowledge and understanding of intersectional feminism and young feminism.
Experience of conflict management and supporting safe spaces.
Excellent analytical skills, communication and advocacy skills.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability.
Excellent spoken and written English;

How to apply

Please prepare an application of no more than 3 pages, answering the questions listed below and explaining how you plan to integrate your skills into facilitating the AGORA. The proposal should reflect the proposed framework and tasks for the facilitators as outlined above. The application must be sent to the European Women’s Lobby (raph@womenlobby.org) alongside CVs by midnight on Sunday, 16 May 2024.
• Deadline for applications: 16 May 2024 midnight CET
• Selection of the facilitators: Mid June 2024

Questions to answer in the proposal

The application should be no more than 3 pages and should reflect the proposed framework and tasks for the applicant as outlined in the call for consultants above.

1. Why is your organisation/ why are you qualified for delivering this work? Please elaborate on your experience in facilitating, creating a safe space, conflict management, participant engagement and NFL interactive methods in your response.

2. What is your experience in working for women’s rights and gender equality? Please indicate especially any relevant experience you have working with intersectional feminism as well as any experience working with young feminist activists.

3. How would you deliver this work in coordination with EWL? Please let us know how you work in a team in the preparation, implementation and follow up of projects.

4. Elaborate on how you demonstrate flexibility and adaptability during facilitation of intense events or projects.