Remote Online Training Facilitator

1. Background

Primary Care International (PCI) is a non-profit organisation focused on improving primary healthcare access globally. PCI has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan to pilot Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) training through the PCI Academy, an online learning platform designed to provide high-quality, accessible training for primary care clinicians. This pilot will assess the feasibility of delivering online training in Afghanistan, focusing on a basic course in Paediatrics in Primary Care. The pilot will explore technical accessibility, user engagement, and the adequacy of automated translation features for Dari speakers. Before launching the pilot, PCI is seeking to engage an appropriately skilled IT/learning consultant with fluency in Dari, to conduct pre-piloting testing. This consultant will assess the platform’s usability and assist with key preparatory tasks, including the development of localised user support materials. During the main pilot phase, this consultant will also serve as the PCI Academy Facilitator, supporting participant registration, engagement and troubleshooting technical challenges for up to 20 clinicians (doctors and midwives) in Afghanistan who will be undertaking the training over a 2-week period.

2. Role Summary

The PCI Academy Facilitator will play a critical role in the success of the PCI Academy pilot in Afghanistan. The role is designed to ensure that the 20 participating clinicians can access and complete the training successfully over a two-week period at the start of June. The facilitator will first conduct a full run-through of the training to identify and address technical and usability barriers before wider rollout. S/he will also develop and check the translation of key materials to support pilot participants. During the pilot, the facilitator will provide ongoing technical assistance, moderate the Community of Practice (forum), encourage course completion, and report on any issues affecting engagement. His/her input will inform the feasibility of scaling up PCI Academy training in Afghanistan including whether additional language support is required beyond the Academy’s Google Translate feature. This role is critical to ensuring the PCI Academy pilot runs smoothly and provides valuable insights for future scaling. By engaging a knowledgeable and resourceful facilitator, PCI aims to optimise the training experience for clinicians, address technical challenges, and determine the feasibility of scaling up online learning for healthcare workers in Afghanistan.

3. Scope of Work – Pre-pilot preparation (April-May)

• Complete a full test run of the PCI Academy platform and the Paediatrics in Primary Care course.

• Assess technical feasibility, including internet bandwidth requirements, compatibility with devices commonly used by clinicians in Afghanistan, and ease of course navigation.

• Proof-read PCI Academy Welcome Pack in Dari, including:

  • Step-by-step guidance on signing up and logging into the PCI Academy.
  • Overview of available training content.
  • Instructions on using the Community of Practice (forum).
  • How to seek help desk support.

• Translate automated notification emails (e.g., sign-up confirmation, course enrolment, course completion) into Dari.

• Proof-read pre and post course assessment survey questions.

• Facilitate and record live orientation session (30 mins) for participants. Send recording out to all participants

  Pilot Implementation (start – mid June)

• Provide technical support in Dari for up to 20 participating clinicians (doctors and midwives). PCI will provide backup where needed.

• Moderate the Community of Practice, fostering discussions, responding to queries, and ensuring engagement. Clinical queries which arise related to the content of the learning module will need to be translated and shared with PCI / WHO for a response.

• Encourage course completion, proactively checking in with participants and identifying/removing barriers to engagement.

• Track and document technical issues and participant feedback on platform usability.

• Liaise with PCI to escalate and resolve any challenges preventing participants from successfully completing the course.

• Provide feedback to PCI on key findings, including recommendations for future improvements to training delivery in Afghanistan.

4. Timeline and Expected Deliverables

This consultancy will involve 6 days work over the period May – mid June. Details of the expected deliverables and the work of PCI and others in supporting delivery of the pilot are outlined below.

Deliverables

1. Translation of existing course content into Dari with Google translate
   • Responsibility: PCI
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: None
   • Timeline for completion: March-April
2. Proof-reading of course translation
   • Responsibility: WHO
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: None
   • Timeline for completion: March-April
3. Rebuilding course content in Dari
   • Responsibility: PCI
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: None
   • Timeline for completion: April
4. Develop welcome pack, course evaluation (quiz) and translate with Google translate
   • Responsibility: PCI
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: None
   • Timeline for completion: March
5. Review full online learning process – sign up, creating account, accessing Community of Practice etc.
   • Responsibility: PCI Academy Facilitator (in collaboration with PCI)
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 1 day
   • Timeline for completion: Mid May
6. Proof-read Welcome Pack and course evaluation (quiz) and translate notification emails
   • Responsibility: PCI Academy Facilitator
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 1 day
   • Timeline for completion: Mid May
7. Facilitate and record live orientation session (30 mins) for participants. Send recording out to all participants
   • Responsibility: PCI Academy Facilitator
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 0.5 days
   • Timeline for completion: End May
8. Provide remote support every two days over the 2-week online pilot (e.g. to answer technical questions, trouble shoot problems, refer clinical queries)
   • Responsibility: PCI Academy Facilitator
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 2.5 days
   • Timeline for completion: Mid June
9. Compile notes and provide feedback on key findings from the pilot to the PCI Project Manager
   • Responsibility: PCI Academy Facilitator
   • Number of days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 1 day
   • Timeline for completion: Mid June

Total days for PCI Academy Facilitator: 6 days

Skills and Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Dari, with strong written and spoken proficiency in both languages.
• Strong digital literacy, including experience using online learning platforms or digital tools for professional development.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills 4. Previous experience in working with clinicians would be an advantage.
• Experience in technical troubleshooting and problem-solving in a digital environment. 6. Prior experience in training, mentoring, or moderating online communities is desirable.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Quotation and Expression of Interest for this work in line with the guidance below. A short 1-2 page summary outlining:

• How you meet the skills and qualifications required for this work.

• Examples of similar work undertaken.

• Daily charge rate

• Availability for the interview date

• Details for two referees

  Application Submission:

• Please send your application by 16.00 GMT on Wednesday 19th March 2025 to maria.tanko@pci-360.com cc’ing jack.barton@pci-360.com with the subject line: EOI for WHO Afghanistan Online Facilitator Consultant

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 30-45 minute interview on Monday 31st March.

• For any inquiries, please contact: Maria Tanko, Primary Care International Email: maria.tanko@pci-360.com