Introduction

Reproductive Health Services Training & Education Program (RHSTEP) is a pioneer national non-government organization focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) for more than three decades in Bangladesh. RHSTEP was evolved in 1983 as a special project under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) of the Government of Bangladesh titled MRTSP. In 1989 MRTSP was transformed into an NGO. Considering the increasing need for other reproductive health care, MRTSP stepped forward in 2002 with multifaceted services and a new name 'Reproductive Health Services Training and Education Program - RHSTEP. RHSTEP has extended its activity centers in 20 districts of Bangladesh. Every year approximately 6,00,000 women, and men including youth adolescents, and children reached with different health care services, education, and awareness support through its 27 centers. RHSTEP is registered with Department of Social Welfare and NGOAB of Government of Bangladesh

RHSTEP recognizes the importance of mental health and wellbeing support to the service recipients as well as in the workplace. In line with our commitment we are seeking experienced consultants to conduct training sessions aimed at enhancing awareness, understanding, and skills related to mental health and wellbeing among our employees.

Objectives

The primary objective of this initiative is to equip our employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, address, and support mental health issues effectively to the service recipients.

Specific objectives include:

1. Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
2. Providing tools and strategies for managing stress, promoting resilience, and maintaining mental wellness.
3. Reducing stigma associated with mental health challenges.
4. Enhancing the capacity to identify signs of mental health issues and provide appropriate support to service recipients.
5. Fostering a culture of empathy, support, and inclusivity within the organization.

The consultants will be responsible for designing and delivering comprehensive training sessions tailored to the needs of our organization. The scope of work includes, but not limited to, the following activities:

1. Conduct inception meeting to understand the current mental health and wellbeing practices, challenges, and requirements within RHSTEP
2. Developing training materials, including presentations, handouts, and interactive exercises in Bangla
3. Delivering engaging and interactive training sessions to employees at various levels within the organization.
4. Facilitating discussions, case studies, and role-plays to enhance learning and application of concepts.
5. Evaluating the effectiveness of the training through pre-and post-assessments, feedback surveys, and other evaluation methods.

Deliverables

The consultants are expected to deliver the following:

1. An inception report outlining the current environmental and occupational safety landscape within RHSTEP and identifying specific needs and challenges
2. A two-day training agenda and materials, including presentations, handouts, and exercises in Bangla
3. Comprehensive environmental and occupational safety training report summarizing key discussions, learnings, and recommendations.
4. Conduction of a two days training with 25 – 30 participants.

Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 10 days commencing on date of signing agreement. The specific timeline for each deliverable will be mutually agreed upon between RHSTEP and the selected consultant(s) upon contract signing.

Budget

RHSTEP will bear the expenses related to venue, food and accommodation for participants and the proposed budget for this consultancy will be negotiated based on the consultant's proposed approach, scope of work, and deliverables if needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Consultants or consulting firms with the following qualifications and experience are invited to submit proposals:

1. Demonstrated expertise in mental health training, counseling, psychology, or related fields.
2. Proven experience in designing and delivering training programs on mental health and wellbeing in NGO settings.
3. Strong facilitation and communication skills.
4. Experience working with diverse groups and addressing sensitive topics with professionalism and sensitivity.
5. Familiarity with best practices and current trends in mental health promotion and support.

Proposal Submission

Interested consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit their proposals, including detailed CV(s), proposed methodology, timeline, and financial proposal to the Executive Director, RHSTEP through email to rhstep@gmail.com or onsite at RHSTEP, House-1060, Road-07, Avenue-08, Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka-1216 by 28 April, 2024.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience and expertise in mental health and wellbeing.
2. Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology.
3. Clarity and relevance of the proposed timeline
4. Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal.
5. Ability to meet the specific needs and requirements of RHSTEP

Contractual Arrangements

The selected consultant(s) will enter into a formal contract with RHSTEP outlining the terms and conditions of the consultancy, including deliverables, timeline, payment schedule, and confidentiality agreements

Amendment of Terms

The terms of reference may be amended by mutual agreement between the RHSTEP and the selected consultant, if necessary.

RHSTEP reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal received.