Post 2015 Development Agenda: Guidelines for Country ... - nrg4SD

SELECTING A FACILITATORConsiderations and suggestions for selecting a facilitator who may have less experience in facilitation ormediation but may be necessary given unique knowledge of local heritage, languages, interest, or priorities.PersonalityCharismaticNon-judgmentalNot argumentativeHas no personal ties with participants in focus groupNon-threateningMay consider testing possible facilitator with scenarios and role-playing during interview and prior to trainingExhibits a sense of social sensibility that is both localized (an awareness of local customs, traditions and norms) and diverse (a knowledgealternative views) and has a natural way of synthesizing divergent viewsPREPARING THE FACILITATOROrganize multiple and varied role-playing exercisesConduct a Variables or key words exercise prior to practice meetings to see if they maintain direction and steer the conversation accuratelyTest translations between languages given different audiences (are they applying the correct nuanced vocabulary or adjustingthe tone?) Ensure consensus is reached on the correct translationPreparing an introductory statementAt the opening of each group meeting, the facilitator shouldPractice recording key words and points of group attendees for accurate recordingPractice dealing with difficult group members 46Examples:After each training, the facilitator receive positive, constructive criticism about his or her responses to issues raised in the group46West Berkshire Council. “How to Choose Consultation Methods”. Consultation Toolkit: Resource 10.www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=492&p=0 [pdf].Post-2015 Development Agenda Process: Guideline for Consultations57