About the Organization:
Naria Unnayan Samity (NUSA) is a women-led non-profit organization, established in 1979. NUSA focuses on community empowerment, women's leadership, disaster risk reduction, education, and inclusive development initiatives. Over the decades, NUSA has been implementing a wide range of programs funded by various national and international development partners.

Currently, in partnership with DORP, VERC and AKT, NUSA is implementing the GUIDANCE project funded by the Civic Engagement Fund (CEF). The project aims to strengthen CSOs, promote women’s leadership, increase citizen engagement, and create gender-friendly, inclusive governance structures in the climate-vulnerable regions of Shariatpur district.

Project Background: The GUIDANCE Project (Gender Uplifting for Inclusive Development and Community Empowerment) is a 30-month initiative implemented by a consortium of three NGOs — Naria Unnayan Samity (NUSA) as lead, DORP, and VERC — with support from the Civic Engagement Fund (CEF).

The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across 39 unions in 3 upazilas of Shariatpur district that are vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, poverty, and social exclusion. GUIDANCE seeks to enhance gender equality, promote women’s leadership, and increase citizen engagement in local governance. Through research, advocacy, digital inclusion, and community mobilization, the project aims to reduce marginalization and ensure access to gender-responsive public services. A key component of the project is building the research and communication capacity of CSOs to enable them to identify local issues, raise their voices, and influence decision-making processes.

Assignment Overview:
NUSA invites Expression of interest from eligible, experienced research and consultancy firms or individual consultants to develop a comprehensive Training Module on Research and Communication.

The module will strengthen CSO members' capacities to conduct authentic research and communicate effectively with stakeholders, with a special focus on women's leadership and participation at community and household levels.

Key Responsibilities (Indicative):

• Design a two-day training curriculum on:
  • Developing a training module on ICT-based problem solving to enhance CSOs' skills and knowledge in problem solving by using digital tools.
    
  • Developing a training module on advocacy to enhance CSOs' skills and knowledge in advocating with government and relevant stakeholders.
    
  • Developing a training module on community mobilization to enhance CSOs' skills and knowledge in community mobilization.
    
  • Developing a training module on community mobilization to enhance CSOs' skills and knowledge in research and communication.
• Integrate gender, inclusivity, and participatory approaches into the module.
• Submit inception, draft, and final training modules following consortium feedback.
• Ensure the training module is practical, user-friendly, and aligned with GUIDANCE project objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in developing training modules on research, communication, or related fields for NGOs or CSOs.
• Expertise in participatory research methods, community communication strategies, and training delivery.
• Good understanding of gender empowerment, women's leadership, and inclusive governance.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects and civil society strengthening programs.
• Sound knowledge of local government structures and services in Bangladesh.

Expected Deliverables (Upon Contract):

• Inception report with content outline and timeline.
• Draft version of the training module.
• Revised module after feedback incorporation.
• Final approved training module document.

Duration of Assignment:
22 working days after signing the agreement.

Application Process:
Interested individual consultants or firms must submit:

• An Expression of Interest (EOI) – Maximum 2 pages, clearly outlining your understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and action plan.
• A financial proposal – Maximum 1 page, submitted in a separate file.
  Updated CVs of the lead consultant / members.
  Organizational profile (for firms only), including relevant experience and legal registration documents.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and provided with the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and further instructions.

Proposal Submission Deadline:
12 May 2025

Submission Email:
guidence955@gmail.com

Subject Line:
Application for Consultancy to Develop Research and Communication Training Modules under GUIDANCE Project

Contact Information:
Name: Majeda Shawkat Ali
Designation: Executive Director
Email: nusa_bd@yahoo.com
Cell: 01713314837 / 01819410913

Special Notes:

• NUSA reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without assigning any reason.
  
• Any attempt to influence the selection process will result in automatic disqualification.
  
• A detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) with specific scope of work, deliverables, and methodology will be shared with shortlisted candidates only.

Organization Profile:
Naria Unnayan Samity (NUSA)
Head Office: Naria, Shariatpur, Bangladesh.
Website: www.nusabd.org