CONCORD is seeking to recruit a consultant to design and lead a training in October 2025 to equip CONCORD members with the tools, techniques, and confidence to craft and deliver compelling messages in support of civil society, within a difficult and often hostile communication landscape.

CONCORD is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, colour, religion and belief, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are made entirely on merit. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply regardless of their national origin, race, colour, disabilities, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or age.

Background

Across Europe and globally, civil society is operating in an increasingly restrictive and hostile environment. The rise of far-right political forces has contributed to the mainstreaming of illiberal agendas and extreme narratives that undermine human rights, gender equality, and civic space, posing a direct challenge to democracy and the rule of law. This is reinforced by escalating efforts to delegitimise the work of civil society and restrict its access to funding, through disinformation and smear campaigns, using narratives that portray civil society organisations (CSOs) as partisan, opaque and self-serving actors disconnected from citizens, and their advocacy work for the public good as manipulative and even a threat. Such attacks form part of a broader political strategy targeting CSOs at both national and European levels, including within the European Parliament, often framed under the guise of promoting transparency. In this context, CONCORD would like to offer a training to its member organisations to enhance their resilience and strengthen our joint capacity to face this shift and to communicate proactively about the work and value of civil society.

Aims and Objectives

The training will focus on communications and advocacy to promote and defend civic space and an enabling environment for civil society. Ideally, participants would explore how to:

• Frame arguments that resonate with both values and evidence.
• Avoid technocratic or defensive language traps.
• Build narrative strategies that are emotionally engaging, politically astute, and audience-sensitive.
• Respond to critiques or misperceptions of civil society effectively and assertively.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Design agenda, content and material for the training
Deliverable 2: Delivery of training in-person in Brussels on 21 October 2025
Deliverable 3: post-workshop summary report

Collaboration 

• CONCORD’s policy and communications team: the CONCORD team will share narratives and strategies that have already been worked on and part of the team will be participants of the training.
• CONCORD members from the Civil Society Group and Communications Community: will be the main participants from the training.

Budget

The maximum budget available for this assignment is 11,500 EUR, including VAT.

Indicative timeline (subject to adaptations)

The training will take place during the day of 21 October 2025 from 10:00 to 17:00. Previously, meetings can be scheduled for organisational purposes.

Skills and qualifications

Successful candidates for this offer will respond as much as possible to the following profile:

• Proven experience delivering workshops on strategic communication, political narratives, or public engagement.
• Understanding of framing theory, value-based communication, and/or political psychology.
• Familiarity with the EU political environment and/or civil society.
• Ability to facilitate complex discussions involving diverse stakeholders and ideologies.
• Strong facilitation skills and knowledge of participatory methodologies.
• Experience interacting with policymakers, political parties, or public institutions.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in multinational and multicultural settings.
• Excellent English verbal and writing skills.

Application procedure

To apply, please upload to our website in one single PDF the following documents:

• A CV outlining your relevant expertise for this assignment.
• A proposal (max 2 pages) on how you will undertake the project.
• A quote (budget) with your rate.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025, at 23:59 (CET). Note that proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis. We therefore encourage applicants to send their proposals as soon as possible.

For any additional information or questions, do not hesitate to contact Salomé (salome.guibreteau@concordeurope.org) before the deadline.