Terms of Reference

Stress Management Training

For Concernall staff

Organizational Background

Concern Worldwide is an international Ireland based, non-governmental, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

Concern Worldwide Pakistan has been undertaking Humanitarian Aid Programmes in Pakistan since March 2001 and is devoted to the relief, assistance and advancement of people in need in less developed areas of the country.. Concern is implementing long-term development programming in the provinces of Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Sindh. Over the last 16 years, apart from the Afghan refugee influx, Concern has responded to a range of disasters, such as the 2003 and 2004 earthquakes in the Northern areas/KPK, repeated flooding in Balochistan and Sindh, the massive earthquake in KPK/Kashmir in October 2005 and the 2009 TDPs crisis in KPK and the devastating floods of 2010, 2011,2012, 2015, 2022 and COVID emergency in 2020-2021.

We are committed to protecting the safety, health and welfare of our staff. We recognize that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and acknowledge the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. Stress Management training for staff will allow them to develop their knowledge of stress at work and help them begin to recognise potential triggers. This training will benefit our staff, as it enables them to focus singularly on their workload, as opposed to worrying about stressful situations at home or at the office.

Background and Purpose of Consultancy

Concern Worldwide Pakistan seeks to maintain a positive and supportive working environment for all its staff and it accepts that stressors in the workplace can have a detrimental and negative impact on the organisation and its staff.  How we feel when at work and how we feel about our work influences how we engage with that work, how productive we are and how friendly we are in our working relationships within a organization or functional area, a team or a larger work group. We are committed to protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff and, via this training, it aims to provide an opportunity to our staff to learn prevention and management of occupational stress throughout the organization. We recognise that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and acknowledge the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors. While addressing occupational stress can be challenging, it can also be a source for positive change, for better and more productive relationships at work and for increased creativity and productivity.

Specific Objective

The overall objective of this training is to equip our staff with the necessary skills and techniques to manage stress effectively, moreover this aims to improve the overall well-being and productivity of staff members.

The training should cover the following topics;

• An introduction to stress awareness
• Understand the nature and causes of stress.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of stress in oneself and others.
• Understand how stress works and develop sustainable behaviours
• Understand the connection between stress and physical or emotional problems
• Understand the impact of stress on mental and physical health
• Learn effective stress management techniques
• Develop a supportive work environment that reduces stress.
• Develop a personalized stress management plan
• Learn how to ask for help and support when needed and how to support colleagues and team members who may be struggling with stress

Deliverables

• Developing and delivering the training program.
• Providing training materials and handouts.
• Conducting pre- and post-training assessments to measure effectiveness.
• Preparing a comprehensive training report, including feedback and recommendations.
• Training Certificates

Outcomes

The participants are able to recognize mental stress and ask for support when required

• Every participant has a personalized stress management plan
• All participants are aware of stress management techniques
• increased confidence handling difficult behaviour in others
• able to manage colleagues and friends effectively
• enjoy a more balanced lifestyle
• increased work effectiveness and productivity

Training Approach & Methodology:

We believe on quality training services with customized approach for this training. Interactive training methodology based on adult learning principles should be used. It will include

• Pre and Post Test
• interactive lecture
• case studies and role play
• group activities
• practical activities and self-assessment tools
• resource materials and handouts

Although theoretical knowledge is also important and required to be shared, the training methodology should be focused on ‘do how’ rather than only on ‘know how’.

Responsibilities of Concern

Concern will arrange the following;

• Venue for the Training; necessary stationery; multimedia projector
• Accommodation and transportation for the participants.
• Meals and refreshment for the participants during Training.

Number of participants at Each Location

• Islamabad Office – 40 to 45 staff (in 2 batches)
• Hyderabad Office – 10 to 15Staff (in one batch)

Participants will consist of a mix of male and female staff comprising of senior managers, managers, officers and support staff.

Lines of Communication

Consultant will liaise closely with HR Manager.

Duration of training

Training will be of 1to 2days (maximum).

Timeframe

The training is expected to take place during September 2024 (actual dates will be decided with mutual consensus).

Medium of Communication

The Training is expected to take place in mix kind of language English and Urdu Keeping view the level of participants.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Lead Trainer must have an advanced university degree,social work, human resources, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications or specialized training in stress management, mental health, or wellness programs are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in conducting stress management or mental health training.
• Experience working with diverse groups and individuals in various professional settings.
• In-depth knowledge of stress management techniques, mental health principles, and wellness practices.
• Familiarity with the latest research and best practices in stress management and resilience building
• Consultants/firms having experience of delivering such kind of trainings for I/NGO sectors will be preferred.
• Ensure safeguarding of the staff engaged from CWWP during this assignmentConcern Code of Conduct (CCoC) and Associated Policies

There should be a gender balanced instructors’ team. 

How to apply:

For detailed TORs, please visithttps://www.concern.net/where-we-work/asia/pakistan/consultancy

interested potential trainer consultants/ firms with relevant proven experience can submit sealed technical proposals (only) containing following documents to HR Department, Concern Worldwide Pakistan, Plot # 144, Street # 30, I & T Centre, G-9/1- Islamabad by July 23, 2024.Please clearly write consultancy title on left upper corner of outer envelope.

• Cover letter detailing the consultant’s/institutions suitability for the assignment and current contact information both email and cell numbers. 
• CVs of the team members, including detailed work experience, education; please clearly identify the overall lead instructors and lead consultant and certifications.
• Consultants are expected to submit appropriate training methodology and detailed relevant training content that best suit to training objectives. 
• At least one relevant example (sample report) of previous assignment of similar nature carried out preferably in Pakistan with international NGOs/ UN agency (Concern will strictly ensure the confidentiality of the reports.)
• Technical proposals should be submitted in a sealed envelope. The weights for evaluation of technical and financial aspects are 70% and 30% respectively.

• Any queries related to this consultancy assignment can be directed to[email protected]before 1100 hrs, July 18, 2024.  Queries submitted after deadline will not be responded. Only clarifications in writing will be responded.
• Women headed consulting firms/teams/ individual consultants are encouraged to apply.

Notes:

• Consultancy companies shortlisted based on Technical proposals will be asked to submit their financial proposals.
• Please make sure that you have submit self-declaration (attachment available) of previous criminal conviction along with technical proposal as part of the application process.
• CVs of training team will not be change during the course of the assignment (once shortlisted for assignment) unless mutually agreed by both parties.

Safeguarding at Concern: Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a consultancy opportunity with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their consultancy contract. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to do consultancy work or volunteer with vulnerable adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Subsequently, being hired as a consultant with Concern is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.