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Terms of Reference (ToR)

Recruitment of an Expert/Consultant to Develop a Manual and Conduct Training on "Psychosocial Interventions in Primary Health Care"

Summary Data

Project Name: Returning with Hope
Organization: Iraqi ALTadhamun Iraqi League for youth
Scope of Centers: Anbar (Hit and Ramadi – ALTadhamun Recovery Center)
Training Location: Duhok Governorate
Training Dates: January 18 – 21, 2026
Target Audience: Psychological and social counselors working in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs)
Contract Type: Consultancy Agreement
 

1. General Context

Within the framework of the "Returning with Hope" project, implemented by the Iraqi ALTadhamun Iraqi League for youth via the ALTadhamun Recovery Center in Hit and Ramadi, comprehensive services are provided to returnees from Northeastern Syria and the host community. Given the limited availability of specialized psychological services in remote areas, the greatest burden falls on "Primary Health Care Centers" to provide initial support.

We aim to empower the staff in these centers to deliver evidence-based "Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions" and conduct accurate assessments to distinguish between psychological disorders that can be managed locally and those requiring referral10.

2. Objective of the Assignment

To develop a "Practical Clinical Manual" and build the capacity of health center staff to provide the following services: Initial Psychological Assessment, Individual Counseling, Problem Management Plus (PM+), Simplified Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and Trauma-Informed Care.

This aims to ensure the delivery of professional services that adhere to therapeutic and ethical protocols.

3. Detailed Scope of Work

The consultant is required to execute the following tasks according to the highest professional standards:

Phase I: Preparatory Phase and "Manual Development"

Develop a comprehensive reference booklet/manual (to be distributed later to PHCCs in Anbar) that outlines clinical and social work mechanisms, containing:

Assessment Forms: Triage forms, Risk Assessment scales, and Case Study forms.
Intervention Protocols: Practical steps for individual and group sessions13.
Referral Maps: Clear criteria for referral to specialized Psychiatry (Axis III Referrals).
Phase II: Technical and Scientific Syllabus for Training and Manual

The training content and booklet must rigorously cover the following specialized themes:

Theme 1: Assessment & Triage
Conducting the Initial Clinical Interview (Intake Interview) and building the Therapeutic Alliance.
Using standardized screening tools to detect: Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Risk Assessment: How to manage cases involving suicidal ideation or self-harm, and the Emergency Intervention Protocol.
Theme 2: "Low-Intensity" Therapeutic Interventions
Problem Management Plus (PM+): Training participants on strategies (Stress Management, Problem Management, Behavioral Activation, and Enhancing Social Support) according to the WHO methodology.
CBT Basics: Principles of challenging negative thoughts, Daily Thought Records, and Behavioral Activity Scheduling19.
Relaxation techniques and Emotional Regulation for clients suffering from acute anxiety20.
Theme 3: Trauma-Informed Care
Understanding the impact of Complex Trauma on returnees and displaced persons.
"Grounding" mechanisms to deal with Flashbacks and Dissociation in the clinic.
Cultural and social sensitivity when dealing with returnees and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
Theme 4: Individual Counseling and Psychosocial Support (PSS)
Active Listening skills and Advanced Empathy.
Managing Support Sessions: Structure, Time, and Boundaries.
Problem Solving Techniques and assisting the client in decision-making.
Theme 5: Staff Well-being
Prevention of Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue among health workers.
Developing professional and personal Self-Care Plans to maintain psychological balance.
Phase III: Implementation and Reporting

Preparation of Training Kit: PPT presentations, Clinical Vignettes, and Role Play models.
Training Implementation: 4 days in Duhok (January 18-21, 2026).
Evaluation: Conducting Pre/Post Tests and skills gap analysis.
Final Report: Submission of a comprehensive report including technical recommendations to improve service quality in each health center32.
 

4. Deliverables and Payment Schedule

A lump sum for the manual and daily fees for the training will be agreed upon in Iraqi Dinars (IQD):

(Note: The organization covers travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for the trainer separately).

5. Required Qualifications

Degree: Master’s or PhD in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, or Psychological Counseling.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in clinical work and training.

Technical Expertise: Proven knowledge of mhGAP, PM+, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs.

Skills: Ability to simplify complex clinical concepts to suit social workers who are not medically specialized.

Please send the following documents to

(altadhamun.iraqi@gmail.com) no later than (25/12/2025), with the subject line: "PHCC Mental Health Training Consultant – Returning with Hope Project":

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting clinical and training experience.
Technical Proposal: Including a proposal for the booklet contents and training methodology.
Financial Proposal (in IQD):
Daily training rate.
Lumpsum fee for developing and preparing the "Interventions Manual".
Work Sample: A sample of training material or a manual previously developed.