Development/Co-development of a Tailored Training Module on Water Access and Irrigation Technologies for Farmers Engaged with NbS

1. Background

Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS), a local NGO based in Khagrachari, invites proposals from qualified individual consultants under the project “Promoting GESI Responsive Nature-Based Solutions for Enabling Resilience in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh” (NBS & Spring), supported by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, Bangladesh and implemented by TUS.

The project promotes agroecological approaches as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to establish and scale climate-resilient, sustainable, gender-equitable and socially inclusive agricultural practices in the CHT.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

Review and develop/co-develop a tailored, context-specific and practical training module on Nature-based Water Access and Irrigation Technologies for farmers, Local Service Providers (LSPs), project staff and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Assignment Context

The assignment builds on the Feasibility Assessment of Gravity Flow Systems (GFS) using mountain springs, Infiltration Galleries (IG), and Gravity-Fed Off-grid Water Supply Systems (GFOWS) using stream water in suitable aquifer zones, combined with small-scale water-retention and irrigation structures. Community Learning Centers in Dighinala Upazila will strengthen local service provision and practical knowledge.

4. Scope of Work

• Review existing relevant training materials and modules.
• Develop/co-develop and adapt a module focusing on GFS, IG and GFOWS.
• Integrate water access, irrigation, climate-resilient, environmentally friendly and safe crop-production practices suitable for hilly regions.
• Incorporate Nature-based Crop Management and GESI considerations.
• Develop practical exercises, illustrations, case examples and participatory methods suitable for LSPs and farming communities.
• Conduct a two-day training for selected LSPs and target beneficiaries using the approved module.

5. Module Requirements

• User-friendly for project staff, government extension agents, LSPs and communities.
• Practical, participatory and easy to understand.
• Appropriate to the socio-economic, cultural and geographical context of the CHT.
• GESI-responsive, with community-level practical guidance.

6. Core Areas

• Gravity Flow Systems using mountain springs
• Infiltration Galleries
• Gravity-Fed Off-grid Water Supply Systems
• Sustainable and efficient water management
• Climate-resilient agricultural practices and relevant NbS
• GESI-responsive water access and agricultural technologies
• Livelihood and ecosystem-sustainability applications in the CHT

7. Expected Deliverables

1. Review of existing relevant training materials/modules.
2. Draft tailored training module.
3. Revised module incorporating feedback from TUS and HELVETAS.
4. Final professionally prepared module with annexes, tables, illustrations, references and data sources.
5. Two-day training delivered using the approved module.
6. Training completion report, signed attendance records, participant feedback summary and supporting photographs.

8. Duration and Timetable

The assignment will be completed within 28 days.

9. Required Qualifications and Expertise

• Advanced degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Proven experience in water resources, irrigation, NbS, agriculture, agroecology, natural-resource management or a related field.
• Experience developing practical training modules/manuals and conducting training.
• Strong understanding of GESI mainstreaming in rural development.
• CHT or similar-context experience is an advantage.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills in Bangla; Indigenous-language knowledge is an asset.

10. Payment and Financial Proposal

100% payment will be made after satisfactory completion and acceptance of the final module, two-day training, completion report and all agreed deliverables. Applicable Tax and VAT will be deducted at source. Payment will be by account-payee cheque or bank transfer.

The financial proposal must clearly show the professional fee, applicable taxes and all assignment-related costs, including travel, accommodation, meals, printing, communication and other logistics. Unless agreed otherwise in writing, the quoted amount will be treated as inclusive of these costs.

11. Evaluation Criteria

• Technical proposal, methodology and work plan — 35%
• Academic qualifications and relevant professional experience — 30%
• Training-module/manual development and facilitation experience — 15%
• Financial proposal — 20%

12. Application Process

Interested individual consultants must submit:

• Covering letter
• Technical proposal describing methodology and work plan
• Financial proposal showing professional fee, applicable taxes and assignment-related costs
• Updated CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
• Samples/evidence of relevant previous assignments

Subject: RFP: Development/Co-development of a Tailored Training Module on Water Access and Irrigation Technologies for Farmers Engaged with NbS

Incomplete or late proposals may not be considered.

TUS reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal in accordance with its applicable procurement procedures.