TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

English Language Training for ACD Staff

1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

The Association for Community Development (ACD) in Salavan Province, Lao PDR, seeks to enhance the English language proficiency of its staff members to improve organizational capacity and international collaboration capabilities. ACD is looking for a qualified English teacher to design and deliver comprehensive English language training for approximately 15 staff members.

2. OBJECTIVE

To provide high-quality English language instruction that will improve staff communication skills, enabling them to:

• Communicate effectively in professional settings
• Participate in international meetings and conferences
• Prepare reports and documentation in English in their responsibilities
• Engage with international partners and donors
• Enhance overall organizational capacity

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The English teacher will be responsible for:

3.1 Assessment and Curriculum Development

• Conduct initial English proficiency assessment of all 15 staff members
• Design customized curriculum based on assessment results and organizational needs
• Develop lesson plans, materials, and resources appropriate for adult learners
• Create assessment tools to monitor progress throughout the course

3.2 Training Delivery

• Provide English language instruction using communicative and interactive teaching methods
• Conduct classes through flexible delivery methods (in-person, or hybrid)
• Focus on practical English skills relevant to development work and office communication
• Integrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
• Provide individual feedback and support to learners

3.3 Materials and Resources

• Prepare or source appropriate teaching materials and textbooks
• Develop supplementary resources tailored to ACD’s work context
• Utilize technology and digital tools to enhance learning experience
• Provide handouts, exercises, and reference materials

3.4 Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct regular progress assessments
• Provide monthly progress reports to ACD management
• Maintain attendance and participation records
• Conduct final evaluation by comparing with the first individual assessment
• Certification upon course completion (if available)

4. DELIVERABLES

1. Initial Assessment Report – Comprehensive evaluation of current English proficiency levels
2. Customized Curriculum – Detailed course outline with learning objectives and timeline
3. Teaching Materials – Complete set of instructional materials and resources
4. Monthly Progress Reports – Regular updates on student progress and course delivery
5. Final Evaluation Report – Assessment of learning outcomes and recommendations
6. Completion Certificates – Individual certificates for successful participants

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Essential Requirements

• Degree in Education, English, Linguistics, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of English teaching experience, preferably with adult learners
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification or equivalent (if available)
• Experience teaching in developing countries or cross-cultural environments
• Proven ability to work with diverse learning abilities and backgrounds

5.2 Preferred Qualifications

• Native English speaker from recognized English-speaking country (preferable)
• Degree in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or Education
• Experience in Southeast Asia or Lao PDR
• Background in development sector or NGO environment
• Familiarity with online teaching platforms and hybrid learning methods
• Previous experience designing curricula for professional development

5.3 Personal Attributes

• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• Patience and enthusiasm for teaching adult learners
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility in teaching methods and scheduling
• Professional demeanor and reliability

6. CONTRACT DETAILS

6.1 Duration and Schedule

• Contract period: 12 months
• Class frequency: 2-3 sessions per week
• Session duration: 1.5-2 hours per session
• Schedule: Outside working hours (evenings) or weekends, based on staff availability
• Delivery method: Flexible (in-person, or hybrid as preferred by majority)

6.2 Location

• Primary location: ACD office, Salavan Province, Lao PDR
• Hybrid sessions: Combination as deemed appropriate

7. BUDGET AND COMPENSATION

• Maximum budget: USD 8,600
• Payment structure: To be negotiated (monthly installments recommended)
• Includes: Professional fees, materials development, and assessment costs
• Excludes: Accommodation, meals, and transportation (unless specifically agreed)

8. APPLICATION PROCESS

8.1 Proposal Requirements

Interested candidates must submit:

1. Technical Proposal including:
   • Detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
   • Teaching methodology and approach
   • Proposed curriculum outline and timeline
   • Sample lesson plans and materials
   • Assessment strategy and progress monitoring plan
2. Financial Proposal including:
   • Detailed budget breakdown
   • Payment schedule proposal
   • Cost of materials and resources

8.2 Evaluation Criteria

• Relevant qualifications and experience (30%)
• Proposed methodology and curriculum (30%)
• Financial proposal and value for money (20%)
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability (10%)
• References and past performance (10%)

8.3 Selection Process

1. Initial screening of applications
2. Shortlisting of qualified candidates
3. Pre-assessment visit to conduct English proficiency test with ACD staff
4. Interview with shortlisted candidates (in-person or online)
5. Final selection and contract negotiation

9. TIMELINE

• Application Deadline: August 26, 2025
• Pre-assessment with staff: During proposal preparation period
• Candidate interviews: Early September 2025
• Contract award: Mid-September 2025
• Course commencement: October 2025 (tentative)

10. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

10.1 Contract Management

• ACD will designate a focal point for coordination
• Regular coordination meetings will be held
• Progress will be monitored through monthly reports

10.2 Intellectual Property

• All materials developed specifically for ACD will remain property of ACD
• Teacher retains rights to generic teaching methodologies and general materials

10.3 Confidentiality

• Teacher must maintain confidentiality regarding ACD operations and staff information
• Non-disclosure agreement may be required

11. CONTACT INFORMATION

For inquiries and proposal submission:

ACD CONTACT DETAILS:

• Contact Person: Mr. Vanxay Phongphanith
• Email: acd.nong@gmail.com with CC to acd.vanxay@gmail.com
• Phone: 020 96111759 / 034 211038
• Address: Association for Community Development (ACD), Salavan province.

12. ADDITIONAL NOTES

• ACD reserves the right to negotiate terms with the selected candidate
• ACD may request modifications to the proposed approach based on organizational needs
• Selected teacher may be required to provide additional support services if needed within the agreed budget
• All proposals must be submitted in English
• Late applications will not be considered

This TOR is subject to modification based on organizational requirements and successful candidate negotiations.