Terms of Reference for Trainer for Ambiguous Loss Training Curriculum Development

BACKGROUND

The project “Empowering Survivors and Victims’ Families in Syria to Pursue Justice” is funded by the European Union and implemented by SCM, Massar, and Taafi. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Victim Groups (VGs) in Syria. The trainer(s) will conduct a ToT adapting psychological concepts from the books “The Myth of Closure” and “Loss, Trauma, and Resilience: Therapeutic Work with Ambiguous Loss” to the Syrian context.

TEAM STRUCTURE EXPECTATION

For this assignment, we expect applicants to provide a team of two experts. One team member will be responsible for conducting the main training sessions, directly engaging with the participants to build their understanding and skills around ambiguous loss and resilience. The second team member will focus on delivering a Training of Trainers (ToT) module, equipping selected participants with the necessary skills and methodologies to conduct the same training independently. This approach ensures sustainability by enabling trained individuals to roll out the curriculum further.

ELIGIBILITY

Both individual consultants and consulting groups are encouraged to apply to conduct the training preparation, delivery, and follow-up sessions. 

Note: Consulting groups with the capability to undertake both research preparation and training delivery are encouraged to apply jointly, as this integration could enhance the coherence and impact of the final training materials.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is for the two Trainers—a Lead Trainer and a ToT Specialist—to collaboratively conduct a comprehensive training program in Arabic based on complex psychological theories, adapted for practical application by families of victims and professionals supporting survivors.

• The Lead Trainer will deliver training that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical skills to help participants promote resilience and emotional adaptation in dealing with ambiguous loss.
• The ToT Specialist will equip a select group of 8 master trainers with advanced facilitation skills and training methodologies, enabling them to train others independently and expand the program’s reach within their communities.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Trainer(s) will include two roles: one Lead Trainer to conduct the core training for participants and one ToT Specialist to prepare participants to train others.

• Lead Trainer:
  • Design and conduct interactive training session  for 8 master trainees –who then shall roll out the training to other 60 participants– utilising participatory methods such as brainstorming, group exercises, simulations, and case analyses.
  • Facilitate blended learning through presentations, hands-on exercises, and real-life case studies to ensure participants understand and can apply the concepts effectively.
• ToT Specialist (Trainer of Trainers):
  • Design and conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions specifically for 8 master trainers, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to effectively train others.
  • Provide focused training on training methodologies, facilitation techniques, and participant engagement strategies to enable these master trainers to independently conduct sessions for future participants.

Together, the Trainer(s) will ensure that all participants gain a strong foundation in the material, with the master trainers equipped to replicate the training for 60 other participants.

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Review Training Material and Content based on the research findings and book references, adapted for the Syrian context in Arabic.
• Conduct Pre-Training and Post-Training Assessments to evaluate participants’ knowledge and skills gained.
• Facilitate Training Sessions in Berlin for master trainers and follow up on 4 subsequent training sessions for 60 VGs trainees.
• Comprehensive Training Report documenting the outcomes, feedback, and recommendations from the training sessions.

METHODOLOGY

• Employ interactive and participatory approaches to engage participants in understanding ambiguous loss.
• Use individual and group exercises to reinforce learning and practical application of concepts.
• Facilitate follow-up and feedback mechanisms to ensure that training objectives are achieved.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Researcher and other partners (SCM, Massar Families, Taafi) to confirm training needs, objectives, and curriculum structure.
• Review Training Curriculum developed by the Researcher and tailored to the Syrian context, integrating psychological theories in an accessible format.
• Create Pre and Post-Workshop Questionnaires for measuring effectiveness and ensuring practical understanding.
• Facilitate Training Delivery and Active Participation during sessions, ensuring comprehension and engagement.
• Produce a Detailed Training Report with insights, challenges, and feedback.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Advanced degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
• Experience in training delivery within conflict or post-conflict settings, with a solid understanding of ambiguous loss and psychological resilience.
• Strong facilitation skills with a proven ability to design engaging training sessions for diverse audiences, including master trainers and frontline workers.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English, with experience in adapting psychological theories to practical training contexts.
• Expertise in Training of Trainers (ToT) methodologies, enabling the effective training of others to ensure knowledge transfer and sustainability of the training impact.
• Demonstrated ability to create participatory training environments that foster active engagement and collaborative learning among participants.

This comprehensive skill set will empower both Trainers to deliver impactful training and effectively develop the capabilities of future trainers in the field.

PROPOSED PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1. First Instalment (40%): Upon completion of the main training session.
2. Second Instalment (30%): After following up on the four rollout training sessions conducted for 60 participants.
3. Third Instalment (30%): Upon submission and acceptance of the comprehensive training report.

TENDER PROCEDURE:

How to apply

Tenders shall be submitted by email only (with attachments) to the email address in the table below, with the following reference in the subject:  Ambiguous Loss – Trainer  

We encourage you to send us your questions for any clarifications before submitting your proposed cost sheet and the contact information for two professional references. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Deadline for submission of tenders/offers	2 December 2024 at 23:59 (Paris time)
Email for submission of tenders/offers	[email protected]
Email for questions	[email protected] CCing: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Contract duration	4 Months
Expected starting date of execution	03-02-2025

Required supporting documents: 

For interested candidates, please send in the following: 

1. Updated CVs of the applicants

Applicants should provide clear evidence that showcases how their collective qualifications, experiences, and capabilities are relevant to various aspects of the tender. This information should be included in the same financial proposal.

2. Technical proposal

The technical proposal should include but not limited to the following information:

• A brief outline of recent experience and client references in carrying out assignments of similar nature (Max. 3 pages)
• Detailed description of how the consultant/firm understands and will respond to the ToR including an initial training outline and a time frame.

3. Financial proposal

The financial proposal must contain overall quotation in Euro for all the services to be provided and must contain the following:

• Summary of the total costs for the services proposed.
• Any taxes if applicable

Selection process: 

The selection criteria shall adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Financial Assessment: 20% of the overall assessment.
• Technical Assessment: 80% of the overall assessment distributed as following: 

• Context Knowledge: Familiarity with the region’s specifics and proven experience in capacity building within this context. 20%
• Topic Expertise: Depth of experience and knowledge in the specific training topic. 30%
• Training Experience and Skills: Demonstrated proficiency and effectiveness in training delivery and facilitation. 20%
• Proposal Assessment: How well the proposed outline aligns and responds to the stated objectives. 10%