Terms of Reference (TOR) for Expert to Develop and Deliver a Training Module on Protection Against CBRN for Medical Sector (Armenia)

Introduction and Background 

The Center for Strategy and Development (CSD) is looking for an international expert to promote a sustainable approach to combating CBRN incidents by emphasizing knowledge transfer to local healthcare professionals, building capacity, and expanding processes and procedures.

These Terms of Reference (ToR) concern the development and delivery of a training module targeted at medical sector representatives in Armenia. The deliverables of the assignment are 4 (four) three-day training sessions focused on sensitizing the beneficiaries to the nature and implications of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, equipping them with systematized approaches for identifying, accurately responding to, and reporting skills, as well as effective ways of treating patients afflicted by CBRN incident. The training module should encompass international best practices and should be tailored to an Armenian context.

The Specific Context of the Assignment 

The deliberate or accidental release of CBRN agents poses a significant threat to public safety, as there is a high risk of such components disrupting healthcare systems or, in some cases, resulting in casualties. The medical first responders, such as paramedics, toxicologists, critical care doctors, and individuals with Basic Life Support (BLS) training, are typically the first to treat patients and/or assess the incident scene with potential casualties, therefore, it is essential to increase their cognizance of CBRN threats to ensure preparedness and robust health protection of CBRN-victims. Simultaneously, medical first responders share the highest personal risk while responding to CBRN-related incidents. Therefore, with a view to mitigating threats of exposure to CBRN, Center for Strategy and Development (CSD) launches the initiative to conduct 4 (four) three-day training sessions in Armenia.

The project aims to build the capacity of the beneficiaries from the Armenian healthcare sector to ensure that they can effectively identify, report on, and respond to CBRN-related afflictions. Thus, the activity envisages promoting the safety of the medical professionals, simultaneously improving the quality of care provided to patients affected by CBRN exposure.

The deliverable will serve as a practical tool to address existing knowledge gaps and enhance beneficiaries’ awareness of CBRN-related issues, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents, their potential harmful impacts, as well as the importance of effective and timely medical intervention.

One international Senior Key Expert (SKE) will be recruited by the project to develop a comprehensive training module tailored to the Armenian context and deliver four three-day training sessions in Armenia for selected groups of medical sector professionals.

Assignment Objectives, Tasks and Outputs

Objective

The focal goal of this assignment is to design a comprehensive, clear, and contextually relevant training module and deliver 4 (four) three-day trainings targeted at the healthcare professionals throughout Armenia. The training module should provide practical guidance on preparedness, identification, reporting, response, and the appropriate patient care in the context of CBRN incidents. The selected expert is required to work closely with the project team.

Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:

1. Define and describe the nature of the CBRN and provide expertise on the potential threats associated with it to sensitize medical sector professionals in Armenia, with a view of increasing their preparedness against CBRN risks.
2. Build the capacity of healthcare professionals to promptly identify and adequately report on the cases related to CBRN incidents.
3. Provide guidance on proper treatment procedures for patients exposed to CBRN, ensuring timely and effective medical intervention.
4. Incorporate international best practices tailored to the specific context of Armenia’s medical sector, presented through practical cases and scenario-based exercises.

Outputs

The Outputs associated with the assignment will include:

• Training Module handout

               Technical Specifications

• • Font: Times New Roman
  • Number of Pages: 10
  • Font Size: 11
  • Text Alignment: Justify
• PowerPoint Presentation to be presented and shared with the beneficiaries (incorporating clear and practical visuals).
• Training Self-assessment form (minimum 15 questions) to qualitatively assess the effectiveness of the delivered training exercise.
• (four) three-day Training (four around. 25-participant training sessions in Armenia).
• Training evaluation report

Finalized outputs of this assignment should be submitted to the Project Coordinator in electronic format for review, approval, translation, formal submission to the relevant beneficiary organizations, and publication, where appropriate.

Assignment and Timetable 

The Senior Key Expert is expected to deliver the training module 1 month before the planned training activity:

• 4 (four) trainings in Armenia in October-November 2025.

The date of the delivery of the training(s) can be agreed upon between the selected candidate and the Center for Strategy and Development (CSD).

Profile of the Expert

The assignment requires an international Senior Key Expert (SKE) with the following profile:

The SKE CBRN specialist:

1. Education:
   • Master’s Degree in healthcare, chemistry, biology, nuclear studies, security studies, toxicology, or any other study related to the assignment.
2. Number of years of professional experience:
   • Minimum 10 years of general professional experience in public/private sectors, working in the field(s) of: security, public health (with the focus on CBRN), arms and non-proliferation, disaster management, etc.
3. Proven experience in delivering practical training exercises to diverse audiences, along with a demonstrated track record in developing training modules.

The expert must be independent and free from conflicts of interest with regard to this assignment.

How to Apply

The qualified international candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting the following documents:

• CV (no format suggested)
• A one-page Letter of Intent outlining the training methodology
• Financial proposal

The documents should be sent to the following Address: vacancy@gcsd.org.ge

Please indicate "CBRN-Medical Trainings (Armenia)" in the subject line. The deadline for the application is August 5, 2025.

Performance Indicators 

The indicators reflecting the expert's performance are good planning and execution of the assignment, timely presentation of a training module, and the quality of a training module provided to the project team.