Consultancy for development of first aid service for the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

• Position Title: Technical First Aid Expert Consultant
• Project: Support to Emergency Medical Services and First Aid Activities in the West Bank
• Location: Remote work
• Duration: 4 to 5 Months (Full time or part time)
• Start Date: As Soon As Possible – preferably by October 2024
• Application Deadline: by 15/09/2024

I. Organizational Overview

• Presentation of the Global First Aid Reference Centre:

The Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC) is one of the centres of excellence of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Hosted by the French Red Cross, the Centre aims to harmonise first aid practices worldwide through the development of first aid tools, the dissemination of evidence-based guidelines and the provision of training of trainers worldwide. In addition, the GFARC advises and supports the National Societies of the Movement to develop or adapt their training offer to local needs. Based on the premise that every citizen can save lives, the Centre also advocates for the dissemination of a first aid culture throughout the world.

• Presentation of the Palestine Red Crescent Society:

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operates extensively in the health, emergency response, and social services sectors in Palestine. As an auxiliary to the Palestinian public authorities, PRCS is dedicated to providing comprehensive interventions to enhance the well-being of the Palestinian population. The organisation has a significant presence across Palestine, with a robust network of volunteers and professionals committed to delivering essential services.

All these organisations are at the heart of the challenges facing society, developing new projects and working on innovative solutions. By joining us, you will share our commitment and ethics, and develop your skills.

• Presentation of the French Red Cross:

The French Red Cross (FRC) founded in 1864 aims to help people in difficulty in France and abroad. Its core missions are emergency relief, first aid, social action, training, health and international action. At the head of a large network of 600 establishments in the health, medico-social, social and educational sectors, the French Red Cross employs more than 18,000 staff and 70 professions in ‘medico-educational institutes, crèches, retirement homes, functional rehabilitation centres, training institutes, emergency accommodation centres, international missions…’.

The FRC has been present in Palestine since November 2022, based in Ramallah in the offices of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). In partnership with the PRCS, the FRC has implemented a 5 year AFD-funded project aiming to support the development of the Ibn Sina College for Health Professions at Nablus University for Vocational and Technical Education. The FRC also supports the activities of the PRCS in Syria, in Palestinian refugee camps, through medical materials for health centers. In September 2024, the FRC and the PRCS will also begin the implementation of a one-year donor-funded project aiming to improve the Palestinian population’s access to health services by enhancing the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) and strengthening the PRCS’ first aid capabilities. This consultancy will support certain activities of the first aid component under this project.

II. Project Context

Background and project overview:

Since the escalation of the conflict in the region on October 7th, 2023, the situation in the West Bank has continued to deteriorate. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), with its extensive presence and role as an auxiliary to the Palestinian public authorities, provides comprehensive interventions in the health, emergency response, and social services sectors. The French Red Cross (FRC), present in the West Bank since November 2022, works in partnership with the PRCS, as highlighted above.

In September 2024, the FRC and the PRCS will begin the implementation of a one-year donor-funded project aiming to improve the Palestinian population’s access to health services by enhancing the provision of emergency medical services (EMS) and strengthening the PRCS’ first aid capabilities.

Within this project’s first aid component, the FRC will work together with the PRCS both to support current PRCS first aid activities at community level (first aid posts, first aid trainings, summer camps for children) and to strengthen the PRCS’ first aid expertise through this consultancy. Key focus areas include International First Aid Attestation (IFAA) pre-positioning by aligning PRCS’ first aid services with IFRC standards to enhance credibility and effectiveness.

Scope of Work:

To support the PRCS in the:

1. Development of Comprehensive First Aid Policy and Action Plan/Strategy:

• Collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders at the PRCS.
• Support the PRCS in aligning its first aid framework with the IFRC Vision 2030 to enhance the accessibility and quality of first aid services globally.
• Support and coordinate with the PRCS and key GFARC and FRC stakeholders to organise a workshop to kick-start the PRCS First Aid Action Plan/Strategy. This support will be carried out remotely by the consultant, with the in-person support in Palestine of identified PRCS and FRC focal points.

2. Assessment, revision and update PRCS First Aid Training Manuals:

• Review and update the curriculum for learners (level A) to ensure it meets the latest IFRC International First Aid, Resuscitation and Education Guidelines.
• Review and update the curriculum for First Aid Trainer (level B) to ensure its technical and pedagogical parts meet the Global First Aid Reference Centre’s requirements.
• Review and update the curriculum for the Trainer of trainers (level C) to ensure it meets the Global First Aid Reference Centre’s requirements and to improve their teaching and coaching skills, consider adopting and contextualising the international English version of the GFARC curriculum for trainers of trainers (level C).

III. Expected Results and Deliverables

Deliverables:

– Comprehensive and documented First Aid strategy/policy (including remote support and co-facilitation of the First Aid action plan workshop)

– Revised and updated training manuals for learners (level A), trainers (level B), and trainers of trainers (level C).

Deliverables Schedule:

4 to 5 months for submission and completion of all deliverables:

• Comprehensive First Aid Strategy
• First Aid Strategy – Action Plan workshop (remote coordination and co-facilitation)
• Updated Training Manual level A
• Updated Training Manual level B
• Updated Training Manual level C

Work Modalities:

• Flexible planning and participatory methodology to involve PRCS in all the steps of the process
• Collaboration with PRCS technical departments and review of internal resources.
• Collaboration with the GFARC team as technical lead on the First Aid component.
• Collaboration with the FRC team as overall project lead.
• Adherence to specified criteria and GFARC standards
• Availability for meetings and regular updates.

IV. Proposal Evaluation

Consultant Profile:

• Advanced degree in Health, Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing first aid policies, strategic documents manuals.
• Proven experience in first aid training.
• Excellent knowledge of international first aid standards, including IFAA and IFRC Guidelines.
• Proficiency in Arabic and English is essential. Proficiency in French is an asset.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian context in the West Bank.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Professionalism and rigour in execution.
• Flexibility and adaptability.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Consultant’s expertise and experience in first aid, Resuscitation and education.
• Consultant meeting language requirements.
• Technical proposal alignment with the ToR.
• Quality and relevance of the consultant’s portfolio.
• Availability and flexibility over the project duration.
• Financial offer.

Budget

The overall estimated budget will be proposed by the consultant. The budget should detail all related costs for the duration of the consultancy and the completion of all deliverables.