Job Description

request for proposals subject matter expert (sme): IMMIGRATION SUPPORT AND PROCESSEs in brief The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is seeking a subject matter expert(s) (SME) to create and deliver professional development training. The training will focus on building the capacity of the sector to support the settlement and integration of newcomers already living in rural communities and future newcomers planning to relocate through government efforts such as the Government of Alberta\xe2\x80\x99s Rural Entrepreneur Immigration Program, the Rural Renewal Immigration Program or any other provincial or federal immigration program. about aaisa The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is a non-profit umbrella organization that has represented, supported, and advocated for Alberta\xe2\x80\x99s settlement and integration sector since 1980. Collectively, AAISA member agencies offer services to newcomers in over 22 municipalities across the province. AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s mandate is to build sector capacity to serve newcomers by providing access to relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities, engaging the sector on issue-based initiatives, and by undertaking research to build understanding of context and emerging needs. More info about AAISA: www.aaisa.ca CONTEXT AND BROAD objectives More new Albertans are choosing to live in smaller and rural centres once they arrive in the province. While these rural centres may hold many inherent benefits, they also pose unique challenges due to a less robust network of settlement and integration services. Census data shows that the number of municipalities receiving newcomers in Alberta greatly exceeds the number of municipalities that have newcomer-serving agencies. As the efforts to retain and attract newcomers to rural communities throughout Alberta increases, the need for additional programming and services to meet newcomer needs will also increase. Rural communities play an integral role in the social and economic success of newcomers who reside within them. Ultimately, increased support for newcomer settlement and integration will improve the communities\xe2\x80\x99 ability to attract and retain newcomers to support their economies in service of broad rural renewal across the province. Funded by xxx, AAISA aims to improve the settlement prospects for newcomers to Alberta\xe2\x80\x99s rural regions, and to increase the support capacity of the municipalities in which they choose to settle. This course would offer settlement workers and individuals supporting newcomers and refugees the needed knowledge and skills to support immigrants and refugees at various stages of the immigration process, particularly within rural communities in Alberta. The objectives of this course must include, but is not limited to, the following: \xc2\xb7 Provide an introduction to the Canadian immigration system \xc2\xb7 Critically review Canadian immigration history, immigration policies and trends \xc2\xb7 Discuss current issues related to immigration, its impact on newcomers and address how to overcome those challenges \xc2\xb7 Present accurate information and resources to be utilized in engaging clients on immigration \xc2\xb7 Describe the different immigrants\xe2\x80\x99 categories and streams, as well as the screening process \xc2\xb7 Review the application process for key immigration streams including how to support applicants at all stages of the application procedure. This course will be open to anyone but must be designed for settlement workers and service providers who are working in or with the immigrant and refugee-serving sector across Alberta. scope of work The scope of work of the project is as follows: \xc2\xb7 Design, Development and Facilitation of professional development sessions \xc2\xb7 Creation of an Evaluation of Learning Effectiveness for the workshop sessions and self-paced online course modules. \xc2\xb7 A development report that provides a summary of workshop and course description, learning objectives and outcomes, learning activities, and course structure. \xc2\xb7 A final report that will assist AAISA in shaping the future direction of its professional development work with settlement practitioners in Alberta\xe2\x80\x99s settlement and integration sector, including reflection by the facilitator(s) on the proceedings of the workshops and activities and possible areas of improvement, and other relevant information. course structure Courses are developed according to AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s settlement practitioner competency framework, representing best practices and describing a continuum of functions and activities within the settlement sector. AAISA courses comprise 5-7 modules which include guiding materials for up to 15 hours of training time, delivered as an online or in-person facilitated course and as a self-paced course over an agreed period of time. Each course is designed to be highly interactive, incorporate participant experience, and provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and skill development. Other AAISA courses can be provided to the selected SME(s) as a guiding resource. components \xc2\xb7 A brief description of the course and intended outcomes \xc2\xb7 Demonstration of how learner outcomes align with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Settlement Practitioner Competency Framework \xc2\xb7 Key tasks and activities, including the course assessment (course quizzes, case studies and assignments), main content and additional resources, discussion questions and announcements for the LMS \xc2\xb7 Facilitator guide including notes to facilitators with instructions for delivery and materials required \xc2\xb7 Digital learning resources (electronic documents, Microsoft PowerPoint presentation slides, audio, video and other multimedia resources) \xc2\xb7 List of resources and references DELIVERY TIMEFRAME The development of the course should start in March 2023. It is expected that the course deliverables will be submitted by the SME in MAY 2023 with the delivery of the facilitated synchronous sessions completed no later than JUNE 2023. The facilitated synchronous session may be online via zoom or any other video conferencing platform or in-person over 1 to 3 weeks, as to be agreed. The self-paced version of the course will be developed and completed in consultation with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Online Learning Coordinator no later than SEPTEMBER 2023. The self-paced course is to be delivered in November 2023. Please note that the self-paced delivery of the course may involve some live sessions and active participation of the SME. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Proprietary right to all data, materials, documentation and products originated by and prepared pursuant to the contract shall belong exclusively to AAISA. The contractor will acknowledge and agree that any Product and/or Deliverable created shall be considered a \xe2\x80\x9cwork made for hire\xe2\x80\x9d and all rights to said Product and/or Deliverable shall belong exclusively to AAISA. The contractor will be prohibited from disseminating products and information developed. PROJECT DELIVERABLES The SME (also known as the \xe2\x80\x9cconsultant\xe2\x80\x9d) will be responsible for: \xc2\xb7 Providing a plan with a timeline for each project component and deliverable \xc2\xb7 Conducting a literature review and exploring current best practices to identify key areas of focus for the modules course \xc2\xb7 Ensuring all online self-paced course components are developed in alignment with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s settlement practitioner competency framework and current contextual needs \xc2\xb7 Providing the content for the self-paced course including drafts, revisions, and finals \xc2\xb7 Meeting with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Programs & Services department to plan for the development of the online self-paced course \xc2\xb7 Collaborating with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Learning & Technology Coordinator to develop content in relation to AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s structure of the online self-paced course \xc2\xb7 Committing to generation of digital learning resources for the online self-paced course (this would include electronic versions of pre- and post- assessments of competencies, discussion board tasks, full course content, descriptions and course outlines, assignments and quizzes, readings and references, and Microsoft PowerPoint slides) \xc2\xb7 Assisting in the creation of the audio and video recording of content for the online self-paced course. The SME will require a commitment of an estimate 25 hours (approximately 5 hrs per module) to complete audio and video recording. The SME will coordinate with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Learning & Technology Coordinator to arrange suitable dates to undertake recordings. \xc2\xb7 Attend a virtual technology orientation session with AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Learning & Technology Coordinator on managing online and self-paced sessions including breakout rooms, group discussions. \xc2\xb7 Create an Evaluation of Effectiveness of Learning for the online self-paced course modules to AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s Learning and Professional Development Lead AAISA will be responsible for: \xc2\xb7 Securing the online platform, advertising, and promoting course on social media, and handling registration, enrolment, and distribution of course materials \xc2\xb7 Schedule and host a virtual technology orientation session with the SME on managing online and self-paced sessions including breakout rooms, group discussions, online engagement on AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s LMS, etc \xc2\xb7 Providing the working space and technology to video and audio record for all presentation slides of the content modules for the online self-paced course. These recordings could be done at the AAISA office in downtown Calgary or virtually \xc2\xb7 Providing the working space and technology to video record a short introductory orientation for the online self-paced course. These recordings will be done at the AAISA office in downtown Calgary or virtually \xc2\xb7 Providing the SME with the AAISA Competency Framework and other course preparation templates. PROPOSAL We require a detailed proposal with a cost estimate and projected timelines for the project that includes the above deliverables. PLEASE NOTE that the proposal is for a total of $8,000 for all SMEs (subject to negotiation). The proposal should include: \xc2\xb7 Project design: proposed activities, cost estimates, and timeline for the various components (approach to learning/facilitation, learning goals, proposed modules, etc.) of the project \xc2\xb7 Resume of the Project Leader responsible for the development and coordination of the project \xc2\xb7 List of courses/workshops developed/delivered previously \xc2\xb7 Two references of people whom you have developed/delivered course or workshops previously and their contact information SELECTION CRITERIA & PROCESS. The following are the criteria we will use in the selection process: \xc2\xb7 Detailed plan and timeline (including projected costs for each component). \xc2\xb7 Demonstrated expertise in immigration consulting and support particularly in rural Alberta \xc2\xb7 Knowledge and/or experience in the immigration, settlement and integration sector is considered an asset \xc2\xb7 Demonstrable experience in facilitating learning and development workshops, trainings, courses with adult learners \xc2\xb7 Familiarity with online learning platforms preferred (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard, D2L etc.) \xc2\xb7 Familiarity with online webinar platforms preferred (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) \xc2\xb7 Compliance with deadline(s) \xc2\xb7 Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Fluency in French would be an asset \xc2\xb7 In your proposal, please identify the following information: \xc2\xb7 Learning goals and outcomes \xc2\xb7 Key focus questions \xc2\xb7 Main areas of awareness and attitude The proposal will be reviewed in detail according to the above criteria. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide portfolios of their work or examples of previously designed and developed courses and/or workshops, as well as to participate in an interview. All applicants will be promptly notified when a selection has been made. Both individual and collaborative proposals will be considered. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION Please send an electronic submission including the following: letter of intent, resume, plan, examples of past work, and proposed fees. Please ensure that your name or your organization\xe2\x80\x99s name appears in the file name with the email title: \xe2\x80\x9cRFP Submission: Immigration Support and Processes\xe2\x80\x9d Your electronic submission should be sent by by Friday, March 17, 2023 @ 5PM MDT to the AAISA PD team. For details, please refer to the AAISA website: https://aaisa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/RFP_Immigration-Processes-and-Support.pdf Please note that applications not through the AAISA PD will be disregarded. Qualified applicants will be added to AAISA\xe2\x80\x99s network for notification of future opportunities. AAISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we work to sustain anti-discrimination and anti-racism practices in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, age, physical or mental health, religion or beliefs, or any other status protected by law. Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated at AAISA. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. PLEASE NOTE: AAISA is not obligated to accept the lowest cost proposal. In addition, AAISA need not accept any of the proposals. All decisions of AAISA shall be final and binding. Job Types: Fixed term contract, Freelance
Contract length: 6 months Salary: Up to $8,000.00 per year Application deadline: 2023-03-17
Expected start date: 2023-03-20