Request for Proposals (RFP): Conference, Knowledge Mobilization, and Stakeholder Engagement Coordination

• project title:Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Conference & Knowledge Mobilization Initiative
• application deadline:March 1, 2026
• start date:March 9, 2026
• end date:August 9, 2026
• contract duration:5 months
• total budget:$18,000 CAD (inclusive of all costs)

1. overview

Expertise Hub Cooperative is seeking a qualified consultant, firm, or team to coordinate a multi-stakeholder conference and lead knowledge mobilization and engagement activities as part of its Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) initiative.

This work will bring together employers, regulatory bodies, service providers, and policymakers to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and advance practical solutions to improve labour market integration for internationally trained professionals.

2. objectives

The selected contractor will:

• Plan and deliver a high-impact FCR conference (approx. 100–130 participants)

• Facilitate collaboration between employers, regulators, and service providers

• Capture and mobilize knowledge to inform system-level improvements

• Support stronger coordination across the FCR ecosystem

3. scope of work

A. Conference Planning & Coordination

• Develop agenda and run-of-show in collaboration with project team

• Coordinate speakers (including virtual/national contributors)

• Manage logistics (venue, catering coordination, AV, registration)

• Support facilitation of sessions (panels, workshops, roundtables)

B. Stakeholder Engagement

• Identify and engage key stakeholders:

  • Employers across sectors

  • Regulatory and licensing bodies

  • Government representatives

  • Settlement and employment service providers

• Lead outreach and invitations

• Design participatory engagement formats (roundtables, social hackathon-style sessions)

C. Knowledge Mobilization

• Capture key insights from discussions and sessions

• Develop:

  • Conference summary report

  • Key findings and recommendations brief

• Ensure outputs are clear, practical, and accessible (plain language)

D. Communications & Promotion

• Support development of outreach materials

• Coordinate event promotion with project team

• Support participant engagement pre- and post-event

4. deliverables

• Detailed workplan and conference agenda

• Stakeholder engagement and outreach tracking

• Successfully delivered conference event

• Post-event report (key insights + recommendations)

• Knowledge mobilization outputs (summary brief)

5. qualifications

The ideal proponent will demonstrate:

• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder events or conferences

• Strong facilitation and knowledge mobilization skills

• Experience engaging employers and/or regulatory bodies

• Understanding of immigrant labour market integration or FCR (asset)

Preference may be given to:

• Individuals or teams with lived experience of immigration or credential recognition

• Social enterprises, cooperatives, or community-based organizations

6. budget & payment terms

Total budget: $18,000 CAD (all-inclusive)

• Proponents must submit a detailed budget breakdown aligned with deliverables

• Payments will be tied to milestones (e.g., planning phase, event delivery, final report)

HST/GST Requirements:

• If registered, HST/GST must be clearly indicated

• If not registered, invoices must clearly state that no HST/GST is being charged

Reporting Requirements:

• Timesheets and activity tracking will be required to ensure compliance with funder and audit requirements

7. proposal requirements

Please submit:

• Proposal (max 3 pages) including:

  • Approach and methodology

  • Relevant experience

  • Workplan aligned with March–August timeline

• Budget breakdown

• CV(s) or organizational profile

• 1–2 examples of similar work

8. submission instructions

Submit proposals to roxana.f@expertisehub.ca

Subject line: RFP – Conference & Knowledge Mobilization Coordination

9. additional information

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen coordination and reduce systemic barriers in foreign credential recognition. The conference will serve as a platform to align stakeholders, share innovations, and co-develop actionable solutions across sectors.