Terms of Reference (TOR): Call for Stress Management and Resilience Trainer

Introduction

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is planning to actively implement a range of staff wellbeing initiatives to foster a supportive and healthy work environment. As part of this broader commitment, a targeted Stress Management and Resilience Training is being organized to equip employees with practical tools and knowledge to better manage work-related and personal stressors.

This training is particularly relevant given the varying levels of stress employees experience across different program locations. Staff working in high-stress or conflict-affected areas may require more specialized support, while others will benefit from foundational learnings to maintain resilience and mental wellbeing in their daily routines.

This training is intended to be both proactive and responsive: proactive in building psychological resources among staff, and responsive to the contextual realities that has impact on employees overall wellbeing and performance.

Objective

The main objective of the training is to strengthen SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia employees’ understanding and ability to manage stress and build resilience, contributing to a healthier and more supportive work culture.

Specific Objectives

• Identify employee learning needs and gauge their baseline knowledge through pre-training test.
• Provide employees with a clear understanding of stress and resilience.
• Introduce practical coping mechanisms and strategies for stress management.
• Deliver enhanced support for staff operating in conflict-affected or high-stress environments (briefly identified program locations like Mekelle and Bahirdar)
• Evaluate learning outcomes and effectiveness through post-training test.

Scope of Work

Develop and deliver a two-tier training:

• Deliver basic stress management and resilience training for staff in relatively stable or standard work environments.
• Provide specialized, trauma-sensitive training for employees in Mekelle and Bahirdar program locations.

Conduct a pre-training test to:

• Gauge baseline understanding of stress and resilience.
• Identify individual and group need to inform content delivery.

Facilitate the training using online formats, ensuring inclusive and cost-effective participation.

• Conduct a post-training test to assess knowledge gained and gather feedback
• Submit a comprehensive training report with findings and recommendations.

Methodology

The training will follow a participatory and practical approach, including:

• Expert-led presentations
• Group work or peer sharing
• Self-reflection activities

All employees across SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia are set as the target group. A specialized/tailored approach will be used for Mekelle and Bahirdar program locations given their identification as high-stress environments.

Expected Outcomes

Upon successful completion of Stress Management and Resilience Training, the following outcomes are expected:

• Enhanced Employee Well-being: Staff will have improved knowledge and skills to manage stress effectively, leading to better mental and emotional health.
• Increased Resilience: Employees will demonstrate stronger coping mechanisms and adaptability in both professional and personal contexts.
• Workplace Productivity & Engagement: A reduction in stress-related absenteeism and burnout, fostering a more positive and productive work environment.
• Tailored Support for High-Stress Roles: Staff in conflict-affected or high-pressure locations will gain specialized training to manage trauma and stress.
• Data-Driven Insights: Pre- and post-training assessments will provide measurable indicators of knowledge improvement and highlight areas for further support.

Duration and Timeline

• Training Preparation & Pre-Assessment: Last week of May 2025
• Training Delivery: First week – second week of June (may be considered for adjustment as necessary)
• Final Report Submission: July 2025

Coordination and Support

The HROD teams will coordinate planning, participant mobilization, and communication. The external trainer will be provided with all necessary and appropriate background information and support to deliver the training.

External Consultant Background and Deliverables

1. Responsibilities and Deliverables

The selected external consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Pre- and Post-Training Assessments: Design and administer a pre-training test to assess baseline knowledge of stress management and resilience. And conduct a post-training evaluation to measure learning outcomes and training effectiveness.
• Training Delivery: Develop and facilitate a onetime two-tier training program. Basic training for staff in standard work environments. And specialized trauma-sensitive training for employees in high-stress or conflict-affected areas.
• Use participatory methods, including interactive sessions, group discussions, and exercises.
• Prepare comprehensive training manuals, handouts, and digital resources as applicable
• Provide post-training reference materials (e.g., guides, toolkits) for continued learning and reinforcement.
• Report Writing: Submit a detailed final report including key findings from pre- and post-assessments, participant feedback and training impact analysis, recommendations for future staff well-being interventions.

2. Logistical Scope

• Number of participants: Approximately [691] employees across SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia locations.
• Duration: Training sessions to be conducted in the first or second week of June 2025 (exact days to be agreed upon).
• Mode: Virtual

3. Desired Qualifications and Experience

The ideal consultant should possess:

• A master’s degree or higher in psychology, counseling, social work, organizational development, or a related field.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in designing and delivering stress management, resilience, and mental wellbeing training programs.
• Experience working with international NGOs
• Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches (preferred for specialized training).
• Excellent report-writing and analytical skills.
• Fluency in both English and local languages