Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training Of Trainers (TOT) consultancy.

BACKGROUND

The Accelerating Impact for Young Women in Africa (AIM) program is a five-year project funded by MasterCard Foundation reaching out to 1.2 million adolescent Girls and Young Women in the 5 target African countries of Uganda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Ghana, and Tanzania. The project intends to support adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living in poverty aged 12–35 years old.

BRAC International

BRAC International (BI), with its mission to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social injustice, is currently operating the largest AIM program in 5 countries in Africa namely Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The program aims are to increase programme participants’ awareness on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and avail basic case management services to report SGBV cases and address their needs through referrals.

The AIM staff has been dealing with SGBV and SEAH issues where either programme participants or staff have reported. The practice was done in different ways where the staff used previous personal and professional expertise in handling SGBV issues. The staff have engaged in identifying protection risks for survivors and ensuring quality and safe referrals.

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CONSULTANCY SERVICES

A PFF/PFA consultancy assignment focused on safeguarding and SGBV is critical for building the capacity of staff within organizations and programs to effectively address these sensitive issues. By training Safeguarding Managers and Technical Coordinators (GESI), the AIM program aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to safeguarding concerns and SGBV cases effectively.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

This assignment aims to develop comprehensive training materials on PSS and PFA for all AIM program staff. These materials will be utilized in a five-day training program for GESI Technical Coordinators, Technical Specialists, Technical Officers, and Safeguarding Managers from AIM operating countries. This training will equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively address SGBV and SEAH concerns within the program.

Specific Objectives for the Training:

• Enhance AIM staff and Safeguarding Managers’ knowledge and understanding of psychosocial support (PSS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) principles and best practices.
• Raise awareness among trainees on the importance of self-care and vicarious trauma prevention when providing support to others.
• Provide practical opportunities for trainees to practice PSS and PFA techniques through simulated scenarios and role-playing exercises.

METHODOLOGY

The consultant shall outline the delivery methodology to be used for the delivery of the above consultancy.

1. KEY DELIVERABLES AND LEVEL OF EFFORT

The consultant shall be expected to provide the following deliverables:

1. Training Materials that include:

a. Comprehensive Training Manual: A well-structured and user-friendly manual covering key concepts of PSS, PFA, SGBV, SEA, and self-care.

• Facilitator’s Guide: A detailed guide for trainers, including lesson plans with detailed outlines and timelines. Icebreakers, group activities, and case studies. Tips on effective facilitation techniques and group dynamics. Visual aids and presentation materials.
• Participant Handouts: Concise summaries of key concepts, checklists, and other relevant materials for participants to reference.

1. Training delivery of a five-day interactive training for GESI Technical Coordinators, Technical specialists, and safeguarding managers
2. Develop a training evaluation plan: Collect data on participant satisfaction, knowledge gained, and skill development through pre- and post-training assessments, participant feedback forms, and observations.
3. One report submitted by the end of the training.

An estimated breakdown of general deliverables and days is as follows:

The consultancy will be completed in 15 days, with the following activities and deliverables:

• 8 days – Development of training materials, tools, manuals, and facilitation guides, including pre- and post-tests → Manual, PPT slides, and facilitation guide
• 5 days – Delivery of a 5-day TOT training for the BRAC GESI and Safeguarding team, including pre-testing the tools → Training report and revised training materials
• 2 days – Submission of final materials → Curriculum, facilitator guides, and training materials

Payment Schedule

Payments will be made in installments based on the following key project deliverables:

• Inception report, including methodology protocols, work plan, and contract signing → 30%
• Draft training tools and materials → 40%
• Approved final training materials and tools → 30% Total: 100%

1. COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION OF THE CONTRACT:

A 15-day consultancy procurement framework agreement shall be entered into with the successful bidder commencing no earlier than 10th May 2025, with a possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and following mutual agreement. The proposed training is planned for at a date agreed upon by both parties in Nairobi, Kenya.

1. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND AWARD OF CONTRACT:
   1. Evaluation:

Stage 1: Administrative/Compliance Stage: Mandatory (Pass/Fail basis)

1. Valid and Certified True Copy of Certificate of Registration/Incorporation as a Company in Kenya (for organizations)
   1. Certificate in Psychological First Aid (PFA) from a recognized training institution (e.g., International Rescue Committee, Red Cross, Amani counseling).
      1. PIN Certificate with Kenya Revenue Authority as a taxpayer.
      2. Copy of Articles & Memorandum of Association (for consultancy firms).
      3. Recommendation letters from at least 2 previous /current clients, signed by a senior official of the firm, clearly indicating the name, position, and both email and telephone contact of the officer and the nature of the assignment.

Note: All documents listed above are mandatory and the absence of any, will render the submission non-responsive and as such disqualified from further evaluation and accordingly only submissions that satisfy this requirement will proceed to the technical evaluation stage (Stage 2) below.

Stage 2: Technical evaluation: Total marks obtainable: 100 marks:

1. Comprehensiveness and adequacy of proposal and proposed package (40 marks)

Note: The bidder should demonstrate their capacity to provide an adequate service by specifically indicating the most critical elements, such as a proposal indicating the consultant’s understanding and interpretation of the assignment, the detailed plan, methodology, agenda, and topics for each of the training sessions.

1. Proven expertise and reputable experience in the provision of training services on PSS/PFA of not less than 3 years (40 marks)

Note: The bidder should demonstrate their expertise in terms of the respective personnel’s experiences, training, skills, and capacity, among others, as these will inform the evaluation of the technical proposal for this criterion. i.e the CVs for the lead consultant and all involved personnel, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

1. A comprehensive budget proposal encompassing trainer fees, travel expenses, materials, and any other associated costs (in USD) (20 marks)

Note: Only firms OR individual consultants that score a minimum of 75% of the obtainable points from the above stages (Stage 2) will be invited to participate in the RFP process.

1. Award of contract:

The Framework Agreement will be established with bidders who, after qualifying from the Technical Evaluation and receiving the RFP, offer the most competitive financial terms. The decision of the Procurement & Disposal Committee of BRAC, as informed by the outcome of the evaluation process, shall be final.

Feedback:

If you don’t receive any communication from BRAC after the expiry of the proposal validity period (advised in section 8.3 below), please consider your proposal unsuccessful. No separate communication to this effect shall be made.

Proposal Validity:

Your entire proposal should be valid for 90 days from the last date of submission of proposals, as advised in Section 8.2 above.

Proposal preparation and submission costs:

The costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the proposal (including, but not limited to, stationery, communication, and attendance of the proposal opening, among others) shall be solely and wholly borne by the bidder

Language:

The language delivery of this assignment and the proposal shall be English.

Applicable Taxes

The Service Provider will pay all applicable taxes per the tax laws in Kenya

DISCLAIMER:

This call for proposals is an Invitation to treat only and BRAC may cancel or differ the process without notice and shall accept no liability whatsoever arising out of such action. BRAC is also under no obligation whatsoever to award the contract to the highest or any bidder; the results of the evaluation process shall inform the decision of the Procurement Committee and shall be final. By submitting a proposal, the bidder implicitly accepts all the bidding terms and conditions contained herein.