International Consultant for developing a peer-to-peer School Mediation Program in Moldova

TERMS OF REFERENCES for identification of an expert* for developing a peer-to-peer School Mediation Program in Moldova 

*International Consultant with expertise in school mediation 

Organization Background 

Working in Moldova since 2004, Terre des hommes (Tdh) is dedicated to ensuring the fulfilment of all children’s fundamental rights and to contributing to the improvement of the Moldovan child protection system. By means of its projects, Tdh Moldova aims for sustainable prevention of and response to violence, neglect and exploitation against children at the community, district and national levels. Tdh Moldova is geographically operating in the entire country. Currently, Tdh’s work in Moldova is built along three complementary axes – Child Protection Systems, Children Affected by Migration and Access to Justice, and seeks to develop synergies between them as well as with other key thematic areas of Terre des hommes Foundation. 

Project background 

Violence in schools, in all its forms, is a breach of children’s rights to education, health and wellbeing. Quality and equitable education cannot be ensured if adolescents are confronted with violence in the school environment. Violence in schools can take the shape of single actions, or the shape of regular intimidation and conflicts. 

School violence in Moldova is a significant issue. For instance, in the Călărași district alone, over 1,000 incidents of student-on-student violence were recorded between 2020-2023. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for transformative, non-punitive approaches to conflict resolution. A conflict mediation program should offer a solution by fostering supportive school environments, empowering youth, and reducing conflict on a national scale. 

Terre des hommes Moldova (Tdh) seeks to engage an international expert to develop a peer-to-peer school mediation training program, including tools for its implementation. The program should be customized to the Moldovan educational context, based on an existing school mediation program (preferably European context). This initiative aims to empower youth peer to peer mediators to foster peaceful conflict resolution within schools. By April 2026, the program should be fully developed, tested, and introduced to relevant stakeholders, with a focus on sustainability and cultural relevance. 

Objectives 

The main objective of the project is to enhance youth civic participation and promote their active involvement in community development initiatives through the implementation of a customized school mediation program. 

The selected expert will:  

• design and develop a comprehensive school mediation program and conduct a Training of Trainers (ToT) for selected teachers and stakeholders. 
• develop the necessary tools for the implementation of the school mediation program: functioning regulation; monitoring and evaluation tools, etc.  
• provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to ensure effective implementation. 
• revise and adapt an existing school mediation program to fit the Moldovan context. 

Scope of work and activities 

1. Design and develop the Peer to Peer School Mediation Program, including all relevant tools for its implementation
Timeline: January – March 2025  

• Create detailed training materials and guidelines tailored for Moldovan teachers and youth. 
• Consult with at least 20 youth from the Tdh Child Advisory Board and local educators to incorporate their feedback.

2. Conduct Training of Trainers (ToT)
Timeline: April 2025 

• Organize and facilitate a five-day intensive workshop for 20 participants, including teachers and key stakeholders, and Tdh team. 
• Equip participants with school mediation techniques and youth empowerment strategies. 
• Develop a detailed rollout plan for implementing the mediation program in participating schools. 

3. Provide online coaching and mentoring
Timeline: August 2025 – February 2026 

• Conduct three online coaching sessions for trained teachers and peer mediators. 
• Offer guidance to address challenges, share best practices, and enhance the program’s success. 
• Foster a collaborative platform for trainers to exchange experiences and receive feedback. 

Deliverables 

1. A revised and culturally adjusted school mediation training program (February 2025) 
2. Comprehensive training materials and user-friendly guidelines (March 2025) 
3. A five-day ToT workshop for 20 participants conducted by April 2025. 
4. Three online coaching sessions completed by February 2026. 

Budget 

The proposed budget will be provided by the consultant in the Financial Offer. Upon reviewing the Financial and Technical Offers, Tdh Moldova may choose to negotiate the final price with the preferred expert in light of the Financial Offer and Tdh’s available budget. The total proposed budget is expected not to exceed 11,000 EUR (including any applicable taxes, as well as costs for travel, accommodation, and daily allowances for in-country mission of the expert). 

Required expertise and qualifications 

The expert must demonstrate: 

• Proven experience in developing and implementing school mediation program(s). 
• Familiarity with peer-to-peer mediation approaches. 
• Knowledge of educational systems and cultural contexts in Eastern Europe (knowledge of Moldova context would be an advantage). 
• Strong facilitation and training skills, including experience in conducting ToT sessions. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

Duration and timeline 

The consultancy will begin in January 2025 and end in February 2026, with key milestones as outlined in the activities section. 

Application process 

Interested candidates should submit the following: 

1. A cover letter outlining their relevant experience and approach to the assignment. 
2. A detailed CV highlighting similar projects completed. 
3. A financial proposal indicating daily rates and estimated total cost. 
4. Documents/links, references confirming previous relevant experience.   

Evaluation criteria 

Candidates will be evaluated based on the following: 

1. Relevance of experience (40%). 
2. Quality and feasibility of the proposed approach (30%). 
3. Financial proposal (20%). 
4. References and recommendations (10%). 

The application achieving the highest number of points will be selected for contracting. In addition to the review of applications, short interviews may also be conducted if deemed necessary to clarify details of the offers and motivation and experience of the applicant. 

How to apply: 

• The applications will be submitted to: mda.office@tdh.org  
• The applications will be submitted in English language no later than January 13, 2025, by COB. Please include “expert for developing a peer-to-peer School Mediation Program, name and surname”, in the subject line of the application email.   

Please note that only the selected candidates will be contacted. Any application received after the deadline will not be considered.  

All bidders will be informed of the outcome of the tendering and selection process by e-mail following the closure of the contract with the selected applicant. 

The consultant will be required to agree and comply with Tdh Code of Conduct and Child Safeguarding standards, as well as to adhere to and follow Tdh administrative and logistical regulations and procedures.