MHPSS Evidence/Methodology Development and Training Consultant

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultant for Developing MHPSS Manuals/Methodology and Training on “Inclusive Education and Trauma-Informed Care for Returnees”

 

Basic Information

• Project Name: Returning with Hope
• Implementing Agency: ALTadhamun Iraqi League for youth
• Field Intervention Scope: Anbar Governorate (Hit and Ramadi – ALTadhamun Recovery Center)
• Training Location: Sulaymaniyah Governorate
• Training Dates: January 11 – 14, 2026
• Target Audience: Educational counselors, teachers, and social researchers in schools receiving returnees
• Contract Type: Consultancy Service Agreement

 

1. Background and General Context

Within the framework of the ALTadhamun Iraqi League for youth efforts to support community stability, the “Solidarity Recovery Center” in Hit and Ramadi provides integrated services for returnees from Northeastern Syria and the host community.

Returning children face complex psychological challenges resulting from displacement, exposure to violence, or living in restricted environments (camps), which impacts their behavior and ability to learn and integrate. The project aims to bridge the gap between “Education” and “Mental Health” by equipping school staff with a practical manual and applied skills to address these challenges using a “Trauma-Informed Care” methodology.

2. Consultancy Objective

To design an integrated training program and develop a “Reference Manual for Psychosocial Interventions in Schools,” followed by the execution of intensive training to build the capacity of educational staff. The goal is to enable staff to provide a psychologically safe environment, enhance the psychological well-being of children, and identify cases requiring clinical intervention.

 

3. Detailed Scope of Work

The consultant is required to perform the following tasks with high precision:

Phase I: Development of Content and Tools

• Preparation of the “Manual for Psychosocial Practices in the School Environment”:
• The manual must be tailored specifically to the Anbar context and be ready for printing and distribution as a permanent reference.
• It must include a simplified theoretical section and an applied section containing worksheets, implementation steps for activities, and dialogue scenarios.
• Design of the Training Kit:
• Interactive PowerPoint (PPT) presentations.
• Realistic Case Studies that simulate the stories of returnees.
• Measurement Tools: Development of Pre/Post Tests to measure changes in knowledge and attitudes, along with a precise time-bound Agenda.

Phase II: Technical and Scientific Syllabus

The manual and training must mandatorily cover the following detailed themes:

• Theme 1: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC):
• The six TIC principles in schools: Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural Sensitivity.
• Understanding the “Traumatized Brain”: How trauma affects brain function, memory, and learning capacity.
• Behavior Reframing: Shifting from asking “What is wrong with this child?” to “What happened to this child?”.
• Trauma Triggers within the classroom and how to avoid them.
• Theme 2: Well-being & Emotional Regulation:
• Tools for expressing emotions: (Emotion Wheel, Emotional Thermometer) and how to use them with children experiencing Alexithymia.
• Grounding Techniques and breathing exercises to manage panic attacks or anger within the classroom.
• Enhancing Resilience and identifying the strengths of the returning child.
• Theme 3: MHPSS Interventions & Mechanisms:
• Psychological First Aid for Children (PFA): Principles and practice.
• Social Inclusion: Classroom activities to break the ice and reduce stigma and bullying against returnees.
• Referral Pathway: Identifying “Red Flags” that require immediate referral to specialists (e.g., self-harm, age-inappropriate sexual behavior, severe depression) and how to complete referral forms confidentially.
• Theme 4: Staff Self-Care:
• Concepts of Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue among teachers and counselors²⁹.
• Strategies for personal protection and maintaining Professional Boundaries³⁰.
• Individual and collective self-care plans to prevent Burnout³¹.

Phase III: Implementation and Reporting

• Conduct the training in Sulaymaniyah (January 11-14, 2026) using active learning methods (role-playing, simulation, working groups).
• Submit a comprehensive final report within 7 days of training completion, including:
• Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from tests.
• Evaluation of participant engagement.
• Practical recommendations for each school or area based on observations made during training.

 

4. Deliverables and Payment Schedule

Fees will be paid in Iraqi Dinars (IQD) according to the following schedule:

#	Deliverable	Timing
1	Initial Draft of Manual + Training Kit + Agenda: Submission of a detailed outline and content draft for review and approval.	10 days prior to training
2	Training Implementation: Successful completion of 4 full training days in Sulaymaniyah.	January 14, 2026
3	Final Report + Final Manual Version: Submission of the revised manual (ready for print) and the final report.	One week after training

(Note: Travel, accommodation, and meal costs for the trainer are fully covered by the organization and should not be included in the financial offer unless requested otherwise).

 

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Master’s or PhD degree in Clinical Psychology, Mental Health, Psychological Counseling, or Social Work.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in the MHPSS field, with a specific focus on “Trauma-Informed Care”.
• Previous Experience: Proven track record working with international or local organizations on projects involving returnees or displaced persons.
• Skills: High capability in drafting training manuals and booklets in robust yet accessible Arabic (please attach samples).

 

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to (altadhamun.iraqi@gmail.com) by (25/12/2025):

 

 

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated.
• Technical Proposal: Including a proposed structure for the manual and the training methodology.
• Financial Proposal (in IQD): Clearly stating:
• Daily training rate.
• Lumpsum fee for the development and preparation of the “Training Manual”.
• Work Samples: A sample of a manual or training material previously developed, if available.

 

Note:

Please include “MHPSS Consultant Application / (Your Name)” in the subject line of the Email.