Terms of Reference (TOR)

Lead Facilitator / Moderator

Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Platforms
Gilgit-Baltistan Local Area Development Programme (Diamer)

1. Background

The programme aims to strengthen ecosystem services management, improve local livelihoods, enhance climate resilience, and promote inclusive, community-driven development.

Under the programme, we are establishing four (4) Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Platforms/Committees at Union Council level to enhance coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders involved in ecosystem services management, climate resilience, and sustainable development. These platforms will bring together community representatives, women leaders, government departments, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors.

To ensure effective, inclusive, and outcome-oriented engagement, we intends to engage a Lead Facilitator / Moderator to design and facilitate the inaugural joint meeting of these platforms.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to professionally facilitate and moderate a multi-stakeholder coordination meeting to:

• Enable constructive dialogue among diverse stakeholders
• Ensure inclusive participation, particularly of women and community representatives
• Guide discussions towards practical, actionable outcomes
• Support the establishment of functional coordination platforms aligned with project objectives

3. Scope of Work

The Lead Facilitator / Moderator will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1 Pre-Meeting Preparation

• Review relevant project documents, including ToRs of the Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Platforms.
• Stakeholder mapping and proposed membership lists
• Coordinate with project team to:
• Understand local context, sensitivities, and priorities
• Finalize meeting objectives and agenda
• Develop a facilitation plan, including:
• Participatory discussion methods
• Group work structure
• Time management plan to ensure balanced participation

B. Facilitation of the Coordination Meeting

• Facilitate and moderate the joint meeting of the four (4) Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Platforms in a neutral, inclusive, and professional manner.
• Balanced participation of government, community members, women, and other stakeholders
• Respectful dialogue and management of differing viewpoints
• Roles and responsibilities of the platforms
• Key ecosystem services and climate challenges in target UCs
• Coordination mechanisms among stakeholders
• Priority actions and collaboration opportunities under GBLADP
• Key action points
• Roles of stakeholders
• Coordination and communication mechanisms

C. Post-Meeting Support

Support team in documenting:

• Key discussion points
• Agreed action items and responsibilities
• Recommendations for strengthening coordination platforms
• Meeting minutes
• Follow-up actions and next steps

4. Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following:

1. Facilitation Plan / Agenda (prior to the meeting)
2. Facilitated Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Meeting (1 day)
3. Brief Facilitation Note summarizing:
• Key discussion outcomes
• Action points and responsibilities
• Recommendations for sustaining the coordination platforms

5. Duration of Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 5–7 working days, including:

• Preparation and coordination
• One (1) day meeting facilitation
• Post-meeting documentation support

6. Reporting & Coordination

• The Lead Facilitator / Moderator will report to the Regional Coordinator – Gilgit-Baltistan, 
• Close coordination will be maintained with the  project team throughout the assignment

7. Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, Public Policy, Climate Change, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in community-based development, multi-stakeholder facilitation and climate resilience, ecosystem management, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience facilitating district or provincial-level coordination forums, government, community and CSO dialogues
• Prior working experience in Gilgit-Baltistan or other mountain regions preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong facilitation and moderation skills
• Ability to manage power dynamics and promote inclusive participation
• Understanding of ecosystem services, climate risks, and community institutions
• Excellent communication skills in Urdu and English; local language skills are an asset
• Experience working with donor-funded projects (NGOs/UN agencies) preferred