Terms of Reference (TOR)
Consultancy: Curriculum Developer for Intro to Project Management Mini-Course
Background
Room to Read is developing a light-touch curriculum and self-guided mini-course on project management fundamentals. The goal is to establish a common understanding of project management principles and practices across Room to Read’s global and country offices, thereby strengthening project communication and implementation.
The mini course will be designed globally and adaptable for local contexts. It will draw on an internal framework that links Room to Read’s Values in Action with project management competencies from the PM4NGOs Project DPro Guide. Existing internal resources—including MEAL Plan templates, RACI matrices, checklists, and online training materials—will be incorporated.
To ensure this framework is accessible, engaging, and practical, Room to Read seeks a consultant to design a professional development mini-course (“Project Management 101”) for integration into the organization’s internal learning management system.
Objective
The consultant will design and develop a one-hour self-guided mini-course and supporting curriculum that:
Introduces colleagues to the basic principles and concepts of project management.
Connects Room to Read’s Values in Action to the 31 Project DPro competencies.
Synthesizes key Project DPro concepts and online training content into a coherent learning structure.
Incorporates internal tools, templates, and examples to demonstrate practical applications.
Is user-friendly, professional, and accessible for colleagues at all levels of project management experience.
Learners will complete the course in approximately one hour, with optional pathways to explore specific topics and resources more deeply.
Scope of Work
The consultant will:
1. Review existing materials, including the values/competencies framework, internal resources, and training content.
2. Develop a curriculum outline linking Values in Action with Project DPro competencies.
3. Create a structured mini-course in Microsoft PowerPoint that:
Explains key project management concepts in practical terms.
Demonstrates the use of internal tools and real-life examples.
Incorporates visuals, videos, examples, and exercises to aid learning.
Provides links to supplementary resources for further exploration.
Packages materials in a clear, engaging format for presentation to leadership.
4. Participate in weekly or biweekly check-ins with internal staff to review progress, clarify questions, and ensure alignment.
Deliverables
A complete introductory curriculum on project management.
A Project Management 101 mini-course in Microsoft PowerPoint format.
Supplementary resources and tools referenced in the course.
Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in project management within the international development sector.
Strong track record in curriculum development and training material design.
Familiarity with Project DPro competencies (preferred).
Excellent instructional design and presentation skills.
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, practical learning content.
Professional, approachable facilitation and teaching style.
Timeline
Start date: October 6, 2025
Draft curriculum due: October 28, 2025
Final deliverables due: December 5, 2025
Budget / Contract Type
Fixed-fee consultancy through December 5, 2025.
Reporting
The consultant will report to the Project Manager, Karen Harmon, and collaborate with designated internal staff for content guidance.
Application Process
By no later than September 19, 2025, interested consultants should submit:
A brief description of their approach and methodology.
A proposed budget.
Examples of similar work.
A CV highlighting relevant experience.
Child Protection Principles
Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles
About Room to Read:
Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.
We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.
Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.