Terms of Reference (TOR) for an international consultant to Support Training of Trainers (ToT) on Snail Control for Schistosomiasis Interruption of Transmission (IoT) Activities in Rwanda

1.Introduction

Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS & Health Promotion (RNGOF on HIV/AIDS & HP) is a network of 139 NGO members working to promote health and the wellbeing of citizens with particular focus on High-Risk groups/key and Vulnerable populations affected and infected by NTDs and WASH challenges including Women and Girls; Rice Farmers; Fishermen; School Children; Refugees and most vulnerable communities in rural areas.

Its mission is to promote and coordinate activities of member organizations and build their capacity, to monitor, generate data through conducting research/studies/assessments and advocate for civil society and community engagement in all public policies and laws formulation; program design, planning, implementation and evaluation with regard to improving quality of healthcare services delivered to high-risk groups/key and vulnerable population.

2. Background

Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health concern in Rwanda, despite notable progress in reducing prevalence through Mass Drug Administration (MDA). To achieve Interruption of Transmission (IoT) in identified areas (Bugesera and Ruhango districts), complementary strategies such as snail control interventions are being introduced. These interventions aim to break the cycle of transmission by targeting intermediate host snails in water bodies, marshlands, and wetlands.

The Rwanda NTD Program, supported by END Fund, is implementing IoT activities through various partners, including Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Rwanda NGOs Forum on HIV/AIDS & Health Promotion (RNGOF), and Heart and Sole Africa (HASA). Under RNGOF’s scope, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program has been planned to build national capacity on snail management and control, including habitat modification and promoting safe irrigation practices among farmers and fishermen in IoT areas.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted for snail control interventions has provided recommendations for feasible approaches. Based on this, RNGOF is seeking to recruit an international consultant to support the initial ToT f and district-level trainers who will subsequently train local farmers and fishermen in target communities.

3. Objective of the Consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to strengthen national capacity for snail control interventions through a structured Training of Trainers (ToT) program. The consultant will equip Master Trainers with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to guide local communities in implementing environmentally safe and sustainable snail control methods.

4.Scope of Work

The consultant will:

Design a Training Curriculum & Materials

• Develop training modules and manuals on snail control, tailored to local environmental and socio-economic contexts.
• Ensure alignment with WHO recommendations, the EIA findings, and Rwanda's national schistosomiasis control strategy.
• Incorporate a mix of theoretical and practical approaches, including case studies and field-based demonstrations.

Facilitate the ToT Program

Conduct a 4-day in-person training session for 16 Master Trainers (10 district-level and 6 central-level staff).

Cover key topics, including:

• Biology and ecology of host snails
• Identification of high-risk habitats
• Snail control methods (habitat modification, safe irrigation practices)
• Monitoring and evaluation of control interventions
• Community engagement strategies
• Lead practical field sessions on identifying snail habitats and applying control techniques

Provide Post-Training Technical Support

• Develop an action plan for Master Trainers to cascade training to farmers and fishermen.
• Offer technical advice for monitoring the impact of snail control activities.
• Provide recommendations for long-term capacity-building and policy integration.

5. Expected Deliverables

The International consultant is expected to provide:

• Training Curriculum & Manuals (electronic copies to be printed by RNGOF on HIV/AIDS & HP) – submitted before training.
• Training Report (including participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations) – submitted within 7 days after the training.
• Post-Training Action Plan outlining next steps for cascading training to target communities.

6. Required Qualifications and Experience

The ideal international consultant should possess:

• Advanced degree (PhD/MSc) in malacology, parasitology, public health, environmental science, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in schistosomiasis control, particularly snail management and habitat modification.
• Experience developing training programs and conducting ToT workshops.
• Familiarity with WHO guidelines on schistosomiasis control and One Health approaches.
• Prior experience working in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and facilitation skills in English (French/Swahili/Kinyarwanda is an asset).
• Strong communication skills to prepare comprehensive reports, manuals….

7. Consultancy Duration & Location

• The ToT training will take place over 4 days in Rwanda.
• Additional remote support may be required for preparation and follow-up activities.
• The consultant will be based in Kigali, with field visits to IoT districts as needed.

8. Logistics & Budget

The budget covers:

• Consultant’s professional fees
• Airfare & in-country transportation
• Accommodation & per diem
• Training materials & logistics

9. Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Letter expressing interest to carry out the consultancy service required.
• Technical proposal (methodology, proposed training outline, timeline).
• Financial proposal (consultancy fees, travel costs, other expenses).
• Updated CV highlighting relevant experience (Maximum 5 pages).
• Copy of Passport
• Evidence of similar past assignments (reports, training materials, etc.).
• At least 2 references from current and previous client organizations demonstrating your competence to deliver on similar assignments

10.How to apply/ submit your application

• Documents will be submitted to Rwanda NGOs Forum via email: rwandangoforumrw@gmail.comnot later than 20^th March 2025 at 3:00 pm Rwanda time.
• Writing the Subject: “Application to support the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Snail Control for Schistosomiasis Interruption of Transmission (IoT in Rwanda.”
• After submission, the applications will be reviewed. Due to an expected high volume of application, only selected consultant/consultancy firm will be informed.