TORs for hiring of consultant to conduct relatable training of rug weaver/community member in Turkman camp Nowshera.

Background

Pak Mission Society (PMS) is a National Humanitarian and Development organization established in 2004. It was founded by a group of Christian professionals whose collective vision is to reach the unreached to bring hope, dignity, respect, and share love through emergency relief efforts and delivering long-term rehabilitation and development programs. PMS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Government of Pakistan valid till August 2024. We are certified as NPO as per evaluation standards notified by FBR with Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy. Pak Mission Society has reached and served the unreached communities regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, class, religion, and social background. The organization catalyzes holistic transformation and development through transparent, fair, and rights-based allocation of humanitarian and development efforts.

PMS is in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support Afghan Refugees in KP; to implement the project "Livelihood Improvement & Vocational Skill Trainings with job-placement and market linkages." The initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods and skills of Afghan Refugees, particularly focusing on forcibly displaced Afghan Refugees which have physical challenges. This project, funded by UNHCR, seeks to provide sustainable economic opportunities for Afghan refugees in Peshawar through training and capacity building in the rug-weaving value chain. The consultant will work with local Turkman communities, focusing on relatable training of rug weaving and will train the weaver over rug finishing processes including washing, cutting, trimming, and quality enhancement to improve product standards and marketability.

Objective of the Consultancy

The objective is to enhance the technical skills of community member in Turkman carpet weaving lab over rug weaving and finishing processes, enabling them to produce high-quality, market-ready rugs. The consultant will introduce best practices, implement quality control mechanisms, and promote efficient and sustainable finishing techniques.

Outputs/Deliverables of the consultant

The consultant will capacitate rug weaver over complete value chain process from (wool selection, dying, rug weaving cutting, trimming, washing and packaging process) thus to enable the rug weaver to effectively proceed the rug weaving business. The carpet weaving lab at Turkman Camp is equipped with necessary tools and materials, including looms, cutting and trimming tools, and washing stations. These resources will support a practical learning environment, enabling rug weavers to apply new techniques on-site.

The consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Perform an in-depth evaluation of current techniques and skill levels among weavers, particularly in rug weaving, washing, cutting, and trimming. Identify areas where rug weavers excel and those that require further development, using observation and direct feedback to build a baseline understanding.
• Document current workflows, tools, and materials used, assessing any gaps in efficiency and quality that could be improved through training and resource enhancement.
• Analyze the primary factors affecting the longevity, appearance, and overall marketability of finished rugs, with an emphasis on process efficiency, material handling, and adherence to quality standards.
• Highlight issues related to yarn selection, weaving consistency, and finishing techniques, ensuring that each step in the production chain contributes positively to the final product’s quality and visual appeal.
• Conduct a series of interactive sessions, providing rug weavers with practical skills to enhance rug patterns, textures, and finishes that align with both traditional craftsmanship and modern market preferences.
• Focus on techniques for precision in weaving, efficient handling of materials, and methods to achieve intricate designs and uniformity, preparing rug weavers to cater to diverse customer tastes and demands.
• Train rug weavers in dyeing techniques and washing processes that ensure vibrant, long-lasting colors while maintaining the softness and integrity of the fibers. Emphasize methods that minimize color bleeding and fading, even under routine use.
• Incorporate tips on fabric care and maintenance to extend the rug’s lifespan, contributing to its value and appeal for consumers.
• Guide rug weavers in achieving clean, uniform edges, and shapes that enhance the visual appeal and symmetry of each rug. Introduce tools and methods that assist in maintaining even finishes, smooth edges, and balanced proportions across various rug styles.
• Address specific techniques for cutting and trimming that prevent fraying, distortions, or other issues that could impact the rug’s structural quality and presentation.
• Establish clear, achievable quality standards for rug weavers to follow at each production stage, ensuring every finished rug aligns with the market's expectations for craftsmanship, durability, and design.
• Emphasize finishing processes that add a professional polish, making the rugs ready for market presentation, quality inspection, and customer satisfaction.
• Create a detailed quality control checklist and self-assessment guide that rug weavers can use independently to monitor their work, focusing on critical quality indicators like color retention, edge consistency, and texture.
• Train rug weavers on using this framework as part of their routine, empowering them to self-check and uphold quality at every stage of production.
• Set up a systematic feedback loop, allowing rug weavers to receive constructive feedback on their work and continually refine their techniques. Provide opportunities for peer review and collective learning sessions where rug weavers can share insights and improvements.
• Encourage rug weavers to adapt their skills in response to market trends, refining their production to align with consumer preferences.
• Promote sustainable practices, including water-saving washing techniques, eco-friendly dyes, and sustainable material sourcing methods that reduce environmental impact.
• Train rug weavers on waste reduction practices and recycling materials where possible, aligning with global sustainability trends and increasing the appeal of the rugs in eco-conscious markets.
• Continuously update training materials to reflect current market trends and evolving customer demands while respecting local weaving traditions and preferences.
• Incorporate consumer insights into the training to ensure that rug weavers are prepared to produce designs and finishes that resonate with both local and international buyers.

Duration and Timeframe

The consultancy will run for a period of two months starting from 6 November till 10th December 2024.

Location of the training

The consultant will conduct a series of hands-on training sessions at the Turkman Camp Carpet Weaving Lab, where essential facilities and equipment for rug weaving and finishing are available. This location has been chosen to ensure accessibility for participants and to leverage the specialized weaving infrastructure on-site. A total of 30 participants from the Turkman refugee community will attend the training. These individuals have been selected based on their prior experience or interest in carpet weaving, ensuring that each participant is well-positioned to benefit from the advanced skills provided. Training will take place six days per week, with a rest day on Fridays to allow participants time to rest and reflect on the week’s learning. Each day will include both theory and practical application, focusing on mastering techniques in weaving, washing, cutting, trimming, and finishing. The sessions will span across 5 to 6 weeks, with cumulative hours designed to cover all necessary skills in detail and allow for practice time. Each week’s training plan will build on previous learning, gradually enhancing the rug weavers’ competencies and confidence. PMS will provide transportation facilities for the consultant. This arrangement ensures timely arrivals and allows the consultant to maintain the training schedule without logistical concerns.

Organization’s (PMS) Responsibilities

• PMS will provide a list of potential trainees to the consultant.
• Relevant information regarding the participants.
• On-going monitoring of training quality.

Essential and Desirable Experience/Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in rug weaving, specifically in washing, cutting, trimming, and finishing, with a demonstrated history of quality improvement.
• Proven expertise in training, with experience working with rug weaver in low-resource or refugee settings preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable, eco-friendly practices in textile finishing.
• Familiarity with market trends in handmade carpets and an understanding of quality standards required for international markets.

Evaluation criteria & award of the consultancy: The consultancy will be awarded based on the

Following evaluation criteria. 

The PMS served the right to accept or reject any proposal without giving any reasons. As per course identifications and requirement PMS can award consultancy to more than one firm/ Institutes for maintaining quality of work and timely completion of the training activity as required

Submission of Expression of Interest:

Consultant who meets the requirements are invited to submit their technical and financial proposal via hard form at Islamabad Office at H-333, Street # 29, G 14/4 Islamabad on or before 11^th November, 2024.