1. Background
AWO International was founded in 1998 as a professional association for development cooperation and humanitarian action within the framework of the German welfare organization, “Arbeiterwohlfart” (AWO). It draws on the expertise and vast experience of AWO in Germany, which has been an integral part of the German welfare state since the last century.
In close cooperation with local non-governmental organizations in Central America, East Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, AWO International is working to ensure that disadvantaged people can sustainably improve their living conditions. AWO International’s Regional Office in Southeast Asia (AWO RO SEA), under the Development Cooperation program, is currently implementing a program on “Combatting Human Trafficking and Promoting Safe Migration” in the region with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is now on its third cycle, running from 2024 until 2026. Its overall objective is to capacitate marginalized communities in rural and urban areas so that they are empowered and protected against unsafe migration and human trafficking. The program also aims to improve their well-being by increasing access to development and livelihood opportunities through self-determined and participatory processes.
Meanwhile, as part of AWO RO SEA’s Humanitarian Action (HumA) program, it implements response operations, especially in disaster events where vulnerable groups are severely affected. The specific sectors of interventions are planned for and implemented depending on the needs on the ground; the types of aid provided vary from food and non-food items like water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and emergency shelter among others. Aside from responding to disasters, AWO RO SEA also conducts measures on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).
AWO International is committed to improving its own and its partners’ preparedness in responding to disasters. To ensure that everyone can respond and is prepared to continuously deliver their services even during disasters, AWO International provides capacity building on DRMM to its development cooperation partners. Since 2021, AWO RO SEA has conducted various trainings. In March 2022, AWO RO SEA conducted an introductory session on disaster response programming. A recommendation from the consultants was the need for training on WASH in Emergencies (technical) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) training. The latter is a valuable intervention that partner organizations can utilize, not only during disasters but also at times when they deal with their target groups – such as distressed migrant workers, trafficking victims, and others. It is a supportive response and a psychosocial intervention for people shaken by stressful events including disasters and other such traumatic events. It seeks to reduce the initial distress and foster immediate adaptive functioning and coping. Among all other response programs, most of the partner organizations are familiar with PFA but only a few have been formally trained.
Thus, AWO RO SEA plans to conduct a five-day (5-day) training on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). It is seeking to contract into service a short-term Consultant to plan, design, and deliver the training.
Training Objectives:
By the end of the 5-day training, the participants should be able to:
a. Understand the concept of psychological and mental well-being in relation to dealing with stress and trauma in times of disasters and other similar situations.
b. Recognize the concept, actions, different techniques, and guiding principles of delivering PFA and MHPSS and their importance during and after crisis events.
c. Demonstrate how to apply the principles of PFA and MHPSS; help participants develop improved communication skills with individuals in difficult situations, and know when to refer them to advanced and professional assistance.
d. Be aware of the importance of self-care when helping others and understand how to take care of oneself to prevent burnout.
Participants:
The main target participants are staff involved in programming and service delivery. The total number of participants is estimated to be at least eighteen (18) people, with two (2) staff from each of AWO RO SEA’s partner organizations and the regional office.
a. Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Philippines (2 staff)
b. Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Inc. (CMA), Philippines (2 staff)
c. Mindanao Migrants Center for Empowering Actions, Inc. (MMCEAI), Philippines (2 staff)
d. OND HESED Foundation, Inc., Philippines (2 staff)
e. Center for Development Aid, Rehabilitation and Development Inc. (CONCERN), Philippines (2 staff)
f. Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits, Inc. (EcoWEB), Philippines (2 staff)
g. HOPE Worldwide Philippines (2 staff)
h. Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative, Inc. (2 staff)
i. AWO International’s Regional Office for Southeast Asia (2 staff)
The training will be held face-to-face in Metro Manila in September 2024. The exact venue and dates are still being determined.
2. Scope of Work, Deliverables, and Timeline
The Consultant (or team of consultants) will be responsible for the following tasks and outputs, in line with the proposed deliverables and timeline below:
• Prepare a detailed training needs assessment (TNA) for the participating partner organization to determine the knowledge and abilities of the participants regarding PFA and MHPSS.
• Prepare training design, syllabus, module materials, and hand-outs to allow them to apply their learnings (; Consider brief simulation exercises, if applicable).
• Plan the training schedule with the support of AWO ROSEA’s HumA Program Officer.
• Conduct and facilitate the 5-day training.
• Prepare a report and provide recommendations for next steps and future actions based on the results of the training.
Please refer to the full terms of reference for the breakdown of deliverables expected of the Consultant.
3. Degree of Expertise and Qualifications:
The Consultant/s must meet the following qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Social Work, Psychology, Development Studies, or any similar subject.
• Must have received PFA Trainer’s Training from the Department of Health (DOH), World Health Organization (WHO), Red Cross, or any other DOH-recognized agency or organization.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in PFA and MHPSS programming, operations, and implementation in a development and humanitarian setting; familiarity with the Philippines’ health and community system is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in conducting trainings or workshops for civil society organizations – including developing training designs, syllabus, and other learning materials (mainly on MHPSS and related topics).
• Have a strong background and experience using the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines on MHPSS.
4. Budget
The Consultant/s shall provide a financial proposal under two (2) lines: (a) professional fees, and (b) other necessary costs. Please take note that AWO International will cover the accommodation and food for the entire duration of the training. All costs during the preparatory meetings, and related expenses during home-based work shall be on the charge of the Consultant.
For the remuneration, the payment shall be given in three (3) tranches:
• 1st tranche (10%) upon signing of the contract.
• 2nd tranche (40%) upon submission of O2. Final Version of the Training Module and Materials.
• 3rd tranche (50%) final payment upon submission of the O5. Final Version of Training Report and once it is accepted by AWO International RO SEA.
Note: 10% tax shall be withheld.
FOR THE FULL TERMS OF REFERENCE, REFER TO THIS LINK: https://tinyurl.com/AWOROSEA-TrainingonPSAnMHPSS
How to apply
5. Application and Selection:
1. Consultant/s who meet the stated requirements or qualifications and can perform the tasks described within the given time frame, are encouraged to apply.
2. Required documents for submission:
i. Letter of intent detailing the applicant’s competencies in relation to what is stated in this ToR. Please address the letter to Mr. Stefan Bepler, Director, Regional Office for Southeast Asia, AWO International.
ii. Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant (and members) – including information about past experiences in similar projects or assignments.
iii. Methodological proposal, which contains at a minimum: implementation of the training, key topics, resources, workplan, and financial proposal.
iv. List of professional references (at least three [3] character references) – and a combination of the Consultant’s most recent works and works related to this engagement
Only applications submitted on or before 29 July 2024 (EXTENDED DEADLINE) to mail@awo-southeastasia.org copy furnishing charmaine.marinas@awointernational.de with the subject title: “AWO RO SEA Application: Trainer for PFA and MHPSS Training” will be processed.
AWO International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by local laws.