Job Description

Request for Proposals (RFP): Basic Digital Skills Program Development

1.0 Introduction

NPower Canada is a national charitable organization that launches underserved youth and adults into meaningful and sustainable digital careers. We currently operate three employment-focused training streams: Junior IT Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, and Cybersecurity Analyst. As part of our 2026-2027 strategy, and in response to employer and community feedback, we are developing a fourth stream focused on Basic Digital Skills for individuals who face barriers to employment due to limited digital readiness.



We are seeking an experienced

Education Consultant

with a proven track record in designing high-quality, employment-focused training programs. Experience in the non-profit sector, adult education, Indigenous education principles, digital literacy, and/or employment services is strongly preferred. The consultant will lead the design of a 4-week Basic Digital Skills program that strengthens learners' confidence and work-readiness to gain employment in entry-level administrative, clerical, customer service, and front-office roles.

2.0 Project Objectives & Scope of Work

2.1 Project Objectives

The goal of this engagement is to develop a structured Basic Digital Skills Program for adults with lower digital literacy, supporting their transition into entry-level employment.



The program will equip participants to:

Build foundational computer and software skills Use common workplace tools effectively and safely Apply digital literacy skills in real-world employment scenarios Communicate professionally across multiple digital platforms Navigate information responsibly, including AI tools Demonstrate readiness for administrative and clerical positions.

2.2 Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for designing a 4-week version of the program. It must align with NPower Canada's instructional model and incorporate the content highlighted in the provided materials.

2.2.1 Curriculum Design Requirements

The consultant will create:



1. Full curriculum blueprint



a. Learning outcomes, competencies, and weekly objectives

b. Alignment to the "Find, Evaluate, Create, Communicate" Digital Literacy framework



2. Module and lesson sequencing



4-week version: 8 hours per day, 5 days a week. 4 hours synchronous, 3 hours structured/assigned asynchronous.

To be delivered in person.



3. Daily instructional structure - Aligning to NPower Canada's model:



a. 9:00-1:00 PM facilitator-led sessions

b. 1:00-4:00 PM participant-led asynchronous and applied learning



4. Detailed lesson plans, including:



a. Facilitator-led content

b. Hands-on practice


c. Group activities, aligned with targeted employment roles


d. Assessments (diagnostic, formative, summative) and micro-evaluations


e. Scenario-based learning tied to clerical/admin roles



5. Assessment & evaluation framework, including:



a. Entrance assessment (digital readiness)


b. Formative weekly skill checks


c. Summative end-of-program evaluation


e. Recommendations for credentialing or participant badges.

2.2.2 Required Technical & Administrative Skills Content

Using the outline provided, content should include (at minimum):

Computer Fundamentals (Prerequisite Module)

Basic computer concepts & principles How to use hardware/software Mouse, keyboard, and file management basics Utilizing common office software such as Microsoft 365 and Google Suite Understanding fundamental processes

Digital Literacy Core Modules

-

(Aligned with the Find Create Communicate Evaluate framework)



Find



Browser navigation Online search fundamentals OneDrive/Google Drive Intro to AI tools (ChatGPT + basic AI)

Create



Microsoft Word / Google Docs Microsoft PowerPoint / Google Slides Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets

Communicate



Email professionalism (Outlook or Gmail) Calendar management Zoom and Teams (meetings + chat) Digital etiquette

Evaluate



Evaluating credible online information Navigating misinformation Digital citizenship Safety, security & privacy Ethical AI use

Clerical & Administrative Work-Readiness

The consultant will integrate clerical-specific skill-building across the program:



Professional phone etiquette Booking appointments Calendar & scheduling workflows Managing inboxes & folders Front-desk simulation activities File naming conventions Basic CRM or data entry simulations Documentation and note-taking skills Customer service scenarios

Weekly Schedules & Pacing

The consultant must design pacing that aligns with:



Week 1 focus: "Find" fundamentals Week 2 focus: "Create" Week 3 focus: "Communicate" Week 4 focus: "Evaluate"

2.2.3 Deliverables

The consultant will deliver:



Curriculum Blueprint, Detailed Learning Objectives and Outcomes Full lesson plans & facilitator guides Learner workbook or participant handouts Slides & instructional assets Assessment tools + marking rubrics Recommended technology stack Final program flowchart and weekly overview One revision cycle based on NPower Canada feedback

3.0 Proposal Submission Requirements

The bidder's proposal must be no more than 8 pages (single-sided), font size 11 or greater, and submitted electronically as

a single PDF. A Table of Contents is required.

Proposals must include the following:

Cover Letter:Introduce the firm/consultant, summarizes relevant expertise, explains why you are a strong fit for this engagement, and demonstrates understanding of NPower Canada's mission.

Proposed Methodology*: Describe your approach to curriculum design for adult learners, how you will incorporate the required content, your collaboration approach with NPower Canada's teams, key project milestones, and your plan to engage an Indigenous education consultant/firm/group to ensure alignment with Indigenous learning principles.

Consultant or Company Profile*: Outline your organization or individual background, relevant team members, applicable experience in adult education, digital literacy, workforce development, Indigenous education principles, nonprofit program delivery, and notable accomplishments.

Budget & Fee Structure*: Please provide a detailed project budget in CAD, including the consultant's or organization's proposed fee within the target range of

$30,000-$50,000

. Include hourly rates (if applicable), a breakdown of all projected costs, and any anticipated travel expenses. Kindly acknowledge that, should revisions or additional work be required, a

Phase 2

may be initiated, for which pricing will be determined and negotiated at a later stage.

R

elevant

Experience*: Summarize comparable curriculum or digital literacy projects, including objectives, outcomes, timelines, and key challenges addressed.

Client References*: Provide at least two references (name, title, organization, email, phone) who can speak to your experience with similar work in the past three years.
Conflict of Interest Statement: Confirm that no conflict of interest exists or identify any potential conflicts. Confidentiality & NDA Acknowledgement: Confirm willingness to sign an NDA before receiving detailed materials or participating in interviews.

DEI

: Based on the scope of this training program, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular encouragement for members of Indigenous communities to apply.

4.0 Project Timeline

RFP Release: November 18, 2025

Deadline for Questions

: November 24, 2025

Proposal Submission Deadline: November 28, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

Interviews: Week of December 1, 2025

Consultant Selection: Week of December 8, 2025

Project Commencement: Week of December 15, 2025

Project Completion: January 30, 2025