External Consultant – Maternity and Neonatal Capacity Building Program

Expected Start Date: July 10, 2026 (As soon as possible)

Duration: 90 days (including minimum 60 days onsite at SFMC) (To be confirmed)

Location: SFMC Hospital, Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

Languages Required:  English and Arabic is mandatory; Kurdish is a plus.

Contract Type: Consultancy Contract

1. Background

La Chaîne de l’Espoir (La CDE) is implementing a comprehensive capacity-building and quality improvement program in the maternity and neonatal departments of SFMC. This intervention follows a structured approach that includes implementation of targeted training and on-the-job capacity building.

The program aims to strengthen clinical competencies, improve adherence to evidence-based protocols, enhance infection prevention and control (IPC), and ensure continuity and quality of maternal and newborn care.

To support these efforts, CDE seeks to engage external trainers to contribute to the delivery of structured training in alignment with the project activities.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultancy aims to support the implementation of a capacity building program through the following objectives:

1. Training Implementation: Deliver targeted onsite training and mentoring for medical and paramedical staff, ensuring practical skills transfer and strengthened multidisciplinary coordination, in coordination with hospital management, CDE teams, and relevant authorities.

The training will be based on prior assessment findings and the training plan provided. It will be implemented onsite under the supervision of the CDE expert team and in close collaboration with hospital departments.

1. Development of Training Materials:
   Adapt standardized training materials based on recognized international and national standards and tools to support institutionalization and sustainability of capacity-building efforts, in coordination with hospital management, CDE teams and relevant authorities.
2. Conduct pre-post-tests and on-site support after training to follow-up on progress.

3. Scope of Work / Key Tasks
4. The consultant will work in close coordination with CDE teams, and hospital staff, and will be responsible for designing and implementing a training Program. Ensure the program covers the trainings topics below:

Note that these topics are subject to change based on the needs and duration of the project.

1. Training Delivery and Mentorship

• Deliver structured onsite training sessions combining theoretical and hands-on approaches.
• Provide bedside coaching and mentoring to reinforce skills application in real clinical settings.
• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge and skills improvement.

1. Training Materials Development

• Develop and/or adapt training materials, including:
  • Training curricula and session plans;
  • Job aids, checklists, and reference tools.
  • Ensure all materials are available in Arabic/Kurdish and English and aligned with national and international standards.

1. Reporting
2. Individual Training Reports

For each training session, a comprehensive report must be documented, including:

• Scope: A clear definition of the training’s objectives and target audience including attendance sheets and photos.
• Activities: A detailed summary of the methodologies, exercises, and topics covered.
• Outcomes & Recommendations: An analysis of the results achieved and actionable suggestions for future sessions.

2. Data & Performance Tracking

To measure the effectiveness of each session, the following must be recorded:

• Attendance Records: Documented presence of all participants.
• Assessment Results: A comparative analysis of pre-test and post-test scores.
• Improvement Charts: A visual representation of the learning progress and knowledge gain for each session.
• Evaluation results of the session.

3. Final Program Evaluation

A final synthesis report must be provided at the conclusion of the program. This report will:

• Consolidate data from all individual training sessions.
• Reflect the overall impact and high-level outcomes of the capacity-building program.
• Provide a strategic overview of the program’s success and long-term sustainability.

4. Deliverables

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Language requirements (Arabic, English (mandatory), Kurdish is a plus.

• Clinical background expectations of the consultant (Medical doctor, maternal & neonatal health specialization or experience, Strong experience with training programs).
• Clinical background expectations of the team (high experience in field training including specialized doctors/staff to cover the training plan topics), Curriculum vitae of the team should be shared with the application.
• Experience in humanitarian/resource-limited settings

6. Contractual Notes

• The consultancy fee is all-inclusive (Training fees, travel, accommodation, and related costs).
• All deliverables and materials produced remain on the property of CDE.
• The consultant is expected to work in close coordination with CDE teams, hospital management, and relevant health authorities.

7. Payment Terms

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of agreed deliverables, in line with a milestone-based payment schedule as defined in the contract. Specific milestones and payment tranches will be detailed in the service agreement.

Application Process:

Interested candidates (individual consultants or institutions) are invited to submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CVs) / Organizational Profile: Detailed CV(s) of individual applicant(s) or an organizational profile in case of institutional applications. The formation of a training team or pool of trainers, with each trainer covering specific thematic areas within their expertise, is highly encouraged.
Technical Proposal: A technical proposal outlining the proposed approach, methodology, and preliminary work plan for delivering the training, including how the applicant(s) intend to ensure achievement of the expected learning outcomes.
Financial Proposal: A detailed financial proposal for each training session including all costs (e.g., daily fees, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other related expenses). Proposals should demonstrate cost-effectiveness while ensuring high-quality delivery within the available budget ceiling.
References: At least two references from previous assignments of a similar nature.

Proposals will be evaluated based on technical quality, methodological soundness, relevant experience, and cost-effectiveness. Please note that applications may close prior to the deadline if the position is filled. Submit applications to: [email protected]