Consultancy for the Review of Country Employee Handbook

Christian Blind Mission (CBM) is an international Christian development organization, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world and to prevent avoidable disability. Over the years, CBM International has been supporting the Nigerian government through various implementing partners in interventions, such as eye health, neglected tropical diseases, mental health, obstetric fistula and disability-inclusive development.

Terms of Reference:

Introduction

The purpose of this Consultancy Terms of Reference (ToR) is to outline the scope and objectives for reviewing a detailed Employee Handbook for the Nigerian Country Office of Christian Blind Mission (CBM). The Reviewed Country Employee Handbook will serve as a document to guide the organization’s activities and initiatives in Nigeria.

Background

The background of this consultancy call is based on the need to carry out a detailed review of the Employee Handbook for the Nigerian Country Office of CBM. This includes a review of its mission, vision, values, and core objectives amongst others and to identify areas for improvement. The review is also necessitated by the need to align the Country’s Handbook with the provisions of the Labour Law and other progressive Employment Laws in Nigeria, to ensure that best practices and practices best suited to the Nigerian Clime are adopted and implemented in the Nigerian Country Office.

Objective

The overarching objective of this consultancy is to review, enhance and align the Nigerian CO’s Employee Handbook with the International handbook, labor laws, and best practices, with the expectation that this process will set a clear direction for the delivery of an efficient and effective organizational structure which is employee friendly and in line with the new directions the organization wishes to take.

Tasks

With the full collaboration of the Country Director and working closely with the Human Resources and the Administration Team, the Consultant is expected to carry out a thorough review of the Employee Handbook and ensure the following:

• Ensure that CBM Nigeria’s CO Employee Handbook is aligned with the objectives and goals of the International Handbook.
• A review of the existing Employee Handbook and identify gaps compared to international best practices.
• A review into the practices of similar organizations to enhance the practices in the Nigerian country office of Christian Blind Mission.
• Based on the above identification, develop comprehensive revisions to the Employee Handbook
• Establish Clear and Concise Disciplinary and Grievance Handling procedures.
• Facilitate a survey workshop with CBM Nigeria Country Office’s relevant staff.
• Draft and finalize the reviewed Employee Handbook for the Nigerian CO

Scope

The scope of the reviewed Employee Handbook will include activities that seek to meet the objectives listed above.

Deliverables

The expected deliverables from the Employee Handbook review process shall reflect:

• Final Report
• Summary of findings
• Reviewed Country Employee Handbook
• Hard and soft copies of the final reviewed employee Handbook.
• Develop a survey planning workshop agenda and facilitation plan.

Methodology

The consultant to adapt and update the current CBM Nigeria Country Employee Handbook to align with core principles of CBM International and best practices suitable for the Nigerian context. The consultant is expected to submit a brief inception report detailing the methodology for achieving the results of the review of the Employee Handbook. The Country Employee Handbook must meet the principles of being inclusive (Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities).

Timeline:

The consultancy shall be for an initial period of 3 months with the possibility of a one-month extension for the review of the Employee Handbook. This will ensure that the planning process stays on track and is completed within a reasonable time frame.

Management Responsibilities and Country Employee Handbook Review Team

CBM’s Responsibilities

• Contact the consultant selected through a robust procurement process;
• Oversee the implementation and quality of the findings;
• Provide project-specific documents as required by the consultant
• Monitor and assess the quality of the findings and its process
• Provide guidance and institutional support to the external consultant
• Facilitate and participate in briefing and de-briefing meetings
• Review draft report
• Pay the consultant based on the agreed terms and conditions specified in the expression of interest
• Approve the final report; all products related to the evaluation shall be submitted to CBM Nigeria at the end of the assignment and upon approval of the final report.

Reporting and Communication:

The consultant shall outline the reporting structure and communication channels to ensure effective coordination and feedback throughout the review process.

The consultant shall specify the key contact person responsible for overseeing the Employee Handbook review process and facilitating communication among stakeholders.

Confidentiality

Include a statement ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information shared during the review process.

Approval

Specify the process for approving the final employee handbook, including sign-off by the CBMI Nigeria Country Director.

Reference Documents

The Country Employee Handbook shall respond to the local context while considering and aligning with the core principles of CBM International. The following must be considered:

• Sustainable Development Goals
• The Nigerian Labour Laws
• CBMI Global HR Handbook
• CBMI Safeguarding policy
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
• CBMI Code of Conduct
• Other Employment laws applicable in Nigeria

Required Expertise

• Interested persons must have a minimum of Ten years experience in the assessment of International Non-governmental organization interventions with evident capacity in human resources management, particularly in HR Strategy development, HR policies and process review, Coaching, and training at the international level;
• Advanced degree in Public health, social sciences, or other relevant fields or development fields.
• Extensive knowledge of the new trends in organizational development and human resource management.
• Fluency in Language
• Ability to establish best practices and then recommend ways for integrating these into the CBM workflow.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the particular needs of persons with disabilities, women, and children is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate and work with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to quickly identify the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities, provide feedback, and consider suggestions on how CBM adopts the aforementioned
• Proven ability to be flexible in demanding situations.
• Be familiar with and abide by CBM’s Code of Conduct, Child safeguarding policy, and other regulatory codes.
• Analytical skills and ability to clearly synthesize and present findings in a concise and logical sequence.
• Ability to draw practical conclusions and to prepare well‐written reports promptly.

Working equipment

CBMI will not provide working equipment for the consultant to review the Country Employee Handbook. The consultant will be expected to have a personal computer as working equipment to deliver on the job.

Professional Fees. The first tranche of payment (50%) will be made upon submission and approval of the inception report and invoice submitted by the Consultant. The last tranche of payment (50%) will be made following the submission and approval of all deliverables as stated above and receipt of an invoice from the consultant. CBMI will deduct withholding tax from the consultancy fees as mandated by the government.

Incidental Costs/Operating Expenses: Incidental costs/operating expenses which include transportation, accommodation, and meals during official travel shall be taken care of by the consultant.

Personal Insurance: The consultant shall procure and be responsible for his/her own insurance coverage.