Training Of Ndrt (National Disaster Response Team) Volunteers / Malagasy Red Cross Technicians On Earthen Construction Techniques At

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The Luxembourg Red Cross International Aid (AICRL) is seeking a consultant or a consulting firm to carry out the following mission:

Title : Training of NDRT (National Disaster Response Team) volunteers / Malagasy Red Cross technicians on earth construction techniques.

Context: The Malagasy Red Cross (CRM), with the support of the Luxembourg Red Cross International Aid (AICRL), has been working for several years to strengthen community resilience to climate hazards. However, it has become necessary to go further by integrating local materials into resilience strategies.

Studies conducted between 2018 and 2026 have shown:

  • To carry out a diagnosis of earthen habitats in several regions (Analamanga, Vakinakaratra, Haute-Matsiatra, Vatovavy, Menabe).
  • To organise a pilot training course (ECVET Earth Building level) for volunteers and craftsmen, in order to test the transferability of know-how.
  • To identify local construction typologies (adobe, cob, compressed earth blocks) in the Menabe region in May 2026.
  • To highlight recurring vulnerabilities: action of water (rain, runoff, capillary rise), weakness of foundations, fragility of wood, termites, lack of maintenance.
  • To propose realistic technical improvements: protection of the base of walls, sufficient roof overhangs, reinforcement of wall-roof interfaces, suitable coatings, seasonal maintenance.

In this context, the CRM and the AICRL are seeking to recruit a consultant or a research firm (national or international) to design and lead a suitable training course, enabling NDRT volunteers to master the improved techniques and disseminate them in their communities.

Study area : Menabe region, Morondava districts.

General objectives:

The objective is to strengthen the skills of NDRT volunteers and CRM (Malagasy Red Cross) technicians on raw earth construction techniques.

The recruited consultant will have the following roles and responsibilities:

  • Design the educational and practical content of the training and produce technical materials (fact sheets, modules, photographic documentation);
  • Facilitate theoretical and practical sessions on earth (adobe) construction techniques;
  • To supervise the construction of a prototype house made of raw earth adobe with volunteers;
  • Write a training report including recommendations and a standardized curriculum.

Specific objectives:

  • To transmit good practices in earthen construction to the NDRT and technical staff.
  • Developing practical skills through workshops and a pilot construction (in adobe).
  • Produce a standardized curriculum for future community training programs

Deliverables

  • Training report.
  • Standardized curriculum (earth modules).
  • Prototype house built (in adobe) and documented.
  • List of certified participants.

Proposed methodology and timeline

The consultant will be required to propose training focused on the construction of a model of adobe house adapted to the building practices of the Menabe region. They will also be required to propose technical improvements to increase the resistance of the dwellings to climatic hazards and their lifespan.

The proposed improvements compared to standard practices must remain compatible with local know-how, locally available materials and the financial capabilities of households in the target area.

  • First phase: technical preparation (remote) indicative dates from 19/10/2026 to 30/10/2026:
    • Review of reference documents, pedagogical framework with CRM/AICRL;
    • Development of the training curriculum and training materials;
    • Preparation of a detailed list of materials to be acquired before the start of practical training, as well as a list of necessary equipment.
  • Second phase: logistical preparation (on site) indicative dates from 02/11/2026 to 08/11/2026:
    • Purchase by the consultant of all materials and equipment necessary for the training;
    • Transport of materials by the consultant to the training site (CRM office in Morondava).

NB: AICRL/CRM will take care of the participants (accommodation, transport, etc.) as well as catering and room rental during the training.

The consultant will be required to provide, at their own expense, all the equipment and materials necessary for the training.

  • Third phase: Training itself (on site in the Menabe region) mandatory dates from 09/11/2026 to 20/11/2026 :
    • Theoretical session: diagnosis, typologies, principles of resilience, choice of materials, choice of location;
    • Practical session : Complete construction of a prototype house in raw earth adobe (with interior dimensions of 3.5m x 3.5m) with active participation of volunteers:
      • manufacturing the necessary adobe bricks
      • foundations made of rubble masonry,
      • raising the walls,
      • coatings,
      • installation of openings (including lintels),
      • installation of the framework and roofing (including ridge).

Note: An evaluation of the participants will need to be carried out by the consultant at the end of the training.

  • Fourth phase: capitalization (remote) indicative dates from 21/11/2026 to 30/11/2026:
    • Drafting of the final report including photographic documentation, technical data sheets, recommendations and updated standardized curriculum.

Profile

The consultant or team of consultants must have the following skills:

  • Architect, expert in earthen construction with prior experience in Madagascar;
  • Proven experience of at least 5 years in training curriculum design;
  • Conducting training courses in the field of earthen construction;
  • Knowledge of the study area;
  • Excellent writing and summarizing skills;
  • Knowledge of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Request for terms of reference: Detailed terms of reference can be requested from fiammetta.ferioli@croix-rouge.lu

How to apply

Documents to be provided and submission deadline

Administrative file:

  • Identity of the consultant or consulting firm;
  • Consultant’s experience in the field of raw earth construction and training.

Technical Offer:

  • CV of the consultant or CV of the members of the team proposed for the service;
  • Understanding the mandate;
  • Proposed methodology;
  • Implementation schedule for the service;
  • Plan and BDQ of the proposed box for training;
  • List of materials and nomenclature of materials (which will be provided by the consultant).

Financial offer

  • Fees (including daily rate and number of days for each team member);
  • Disbursements;
  • Transport ;
  • Accommodation/meals;
  • Materials and equipment.

Selection criteria:

  • The price (30%).
  • The technical offer (70%):
    • The consultant’s experience in technical training on earth construction (20%);
    • The consultant’s knowledge of the area (Menabe region) (20%);
    • The suitability of the team composition (10%);
    • The quality of the proposed plans and BDQs (10%);
    • Understanding of the mandate, quality of methodology and planning (10%);

Complete applications must be sent by email, indicating the reference MADA2026_09 in the subject line, to: fiammetta.ferioli@croix-rouge.lu before October 6, 2026.