Announcement Inviting Bids:
PSS for PTSD Survivors, Victims and their Families

BACKGROUND

The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) recognizes the critical need for psychosocial support in addressing the widespread prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among survivors of human rights abuses and their families in Syria. Providing psychosocial services contributes to rebuilding a functional society by de-stigmatizing mental health services and emphasizing their personal and social benefits.

Vacancy details:

Date to launch announcement: 16-01-2025

Application deadline: 23-01-2025.

Employer/Employeur:The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM)

Program/ Project/ Department: Victim groups’ support project.

Service naming : PSS for PTSD Survivors, Victims and their Families 

Work Station: Syria and neighboring countries

Duration of the contract: 

• This is a short-term assignment for individual consultants for a period of 5 months.
• The psychosocial support sessions shall be conducted during the period between February and June 2025.
• The selected service provider should be able to adhere to a pre-agreed upon schedule to ensure timely delivery.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

SCM is looking to provide 300 sessions of Psychosocial Support Services for 100 PTSD Survivors, Victims and their Families in Syria. 

Selection Criteria for Beneficiaries:

• Individuals suffering trauma related to human rights abuses in Syria.
• Participants identified through the needs assessment and referral system.

Activities to be performed

• Provide specialized psychosocial support sessions for an estimated 100 survivors, victims and their families through 300 sessions.
• Ensure privacy and confidentiality during sessions to encourage participation.
• Address PTSD and related mental health needs, identifying beneficiaries through an already existing needs assessment and referral system.

KEY Deliverables: 

• 300 psychosocial support sessions to 100 persons delivered by qualified professionals while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of participants.
• Regular psychosocial assessments conducted to evaluate and document progress.
• Facilitate referrals through direct channels.
• Submission of monthly progress reports on findings from psychosocial health assessments, and the number and quality of sessions delivered.
• Submission of final comprehensive activity report summarizing the implementation process, challenges encountered, and outcomes achieved.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Scope of Work: The contracted professional(s) will:

• Conduct 300 psychosocial support sessions targeting survivors and victims’ families.
• These sessions must be delivered physically either in Syria or neighbouring countries, but in special cases they can be conducted remotely.
• Perform regular assessments of psychosocial health for participants and ensure informed consent.
• Ensure continuity, consistency, and sensitivity to participants’ needs during assessments and therapy sessions.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations:

• Ensure confidentiality of participants by preventing recording, photographing, or minute-taking during sessions.
• Secure informed consent from all participants prior to the provision of services.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

•  Licensed psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist with proven expertise in PTSD treatment.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering trauma-sensitive therapy in conflict and post-conflict settings.

Required supporting documents: 

1. An updated CV/ CVs of the applicant/s

Applicants are also invited to submit comprehensive candidacies containing multiple individuals, upon provision of clear evidence which demonstrates that the collective qualifications, experiences, and capabilities are relevant to different aspects of the tender and must be included in the same financial proposition.

2. A brief outline of recent experience in carrying out assignments of similar nature (Max. 3 pages), and a detailed description of how the specialist(s) understands and will respond to the ToR
3. Contact information for two professional references.
4. Financial proposal: The financial proposal must contain:

• An overall quotation in Euros for all services to be provided.
• A summary of total costs for the proposed services.
• Any applicable taxes.

Type of Announcement (Internal/External) 

• External 

How to apply:

• Tenders shall be submitted by email only (with attachments) to the email address provided below, with the following reference in the subject: Provision of Psychosocial Support Services.
• Email for Submission of Tenders/Offers: [email protected]
• Email for Questions: [email protected]
• CCing: [email protected]
• Deadline for Submission of Tenders/Offers: 23 January 2025 at 23:59 (Paris time)

Technical support :

• We encourage you to send us your questions for any clarifications before submitting your proposed cost sheet to any of the following:
  • Email for Questions: [email protected]
  • CCing: [email protected]

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 Syrian context and experience in psychosocial support or trauma recovery (20%).
• Topic Expertise and Skills: Depth of experience in psychosocial care and PTSD treatment methodologies, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings (30%).
• Content Development Skills: Ability to address complex trauma-related needs in a culturally relevant manner (20%).
• Proposal Quality: Quality and relevance of the proposed approach to implementing the psychosocial support sessions and achieving project objectives (10%).

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.