Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ActionAid Bangladesh Consultancy Portal

1. What is the ActionAid Bangladesh Consultancy Portal?

The Consultancy Portal is an online platform where Individual Consultants and Consultancy Firms can register, maintain their profiles, view consultancy opportunities published by ActionAid Bangladesh, and submit proposals electronically.

2. How do I apply for a consultancy opportunity?

To apply for a consultancy opportunity:

1. Register for a new account.
2. Log in to the portal using your registered email and password.
3. Complete and update your profile (mandatory).
4. Go to the Home page and browse available consultancy opportunities.
5. Select the relevant consultancy and click Apply.
6. Upload the required documents:
   • Technical Proposal
   • Financial Proposal
   • CV/Profile or other supporting documents (if applicable)
7. Click Submit to complete your application.

After submission, you will receive a confirmation notification.

3. Do I need to register before applying?

Yes. All consultants and consultancy firms must create an account before applying for any consultancy opportunity through the portal.

4. Is profile completion mandatory?

Yes. Profile completion is mandatory before you can apply for any consultancy opportunity.

5. What information should I include in my profile?

You should provide accurate and updated information, including:

• Personal or Company Information
• Contact Details
• Professional Experience
• Areas of Expertise
• Relevant Qualifications
• Other information requested in the profile form

6. I forgot my password. What should I do?

Click on Forgot Password on the login page and follow the instructions sent to your registered email address.

7. Can I update my profile after registration?

Yes. You may update your profile information at any time after logging in.

However, updates made after submitting an application may not automatically update previously submitted applications.

8. What documents are required for consultancy applications?

Generally, consultants should prepare:

• Technical Proposal
• Financial Proposal
• Updated CV or Resume
• Company Profile (for consultancy firms)
• Relevant Certificates or Supporting Documents (if required)

Please refer to the specific Terms of Reference (ToR) for detailed requirements.

9. What is the difference between a Technical Proposal and a Financial Proposal?

Technical Proposal:

Demonstrates your understanding, methodology, experience, qualifications, and work plan for the assignment.

Financial Proposal:

Provides your proposed consultancy fee and any relevant cost breakdown as required.

Both documents should be uploaded separately in their designated sections.

10. Can I apply for multiple consultancy opportunities?

Yes. Consultants may apply for multiple consultancy opportunities provided they meet the requirements of each assignment.

11. Can I edit or withdraw my application after submission?

Once an application has been submitted, editing may not be possible through the portal. If you need assistance, please contact the support team before the application deadline.

12. How will I know if my application has been successfully submitted?

After submitting your application, you should:

• See a confirmation message on the portal.
• Receive a confirmation notification or email (if enabled).

If you do not receive confirmation, please review your application status or contact support.

13. Why am I unable to apply for a consultancy opportunity?

Possible reasons include:

• Your profile is incomplete.
• Required documents have not been uploaded.
• The consultancy submission deadline has passed.
• There is a temporary system issue.

Please verify all requirements and try again.

14. What should I do if the website shows a 500 error?

A 500 Internal Server Error usually indicates a temporary system issue. You can try the following:

• Refresh the page.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Try using another browser or device.
• Log out and log in again.
• Try again after some time.

If the issue persists, please contact the support team.

15. Why am I not receiving emails from the portal?

Possible reasons include:

• Incorrect email address during registration.
• Email delivered to the Spam/Junk folder.
• Temporary email server delay.
• Mailbox storage limit reached.

Please check your Spam/Junk folder first. If the issue continues, contact support.

16. Are there any fees for registration or application?

No. Registration and application through the ActionAid Bangladesh Consultancy Portal are completely free of charge.

17. Can a consultancy firm apply through the portal?

Yes. Both Individual Consultants and Consultancy Firms can register and submit applications through the Consultancy Portal.

18. What file formats can I upload?

The portal generally accepts commonly used document formats such as PDF, DOC, DOCX, and other formats specified during application submission. Please ensure files are clear, complete, and within the allowed size limits.

19. What happens after I submit my proposal?

After submission:

1. Your application will be recorded in the system.
2. The relevant evaluation committee will review all submitted proposals.
3. Only shortlisted consultants or firms will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.

20. How can I contact support if I face technical problems?

If you experience technical difficulties while registering, updating your profile, or submitting an application, please contact:

Email: aab.mail@actionaid.org

When contacting support, please include:

• Your registered email address
• Screenshot of the error (if applicable)
• Consultancy Title/Reference Number
• Brief description of the issue

This will help the support team resolve your issue more quickly.

21. Should I wait until the deadline to submit my application?

No. Consultants are strongly encouraged to submit their proposals well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical or internet connectivity issues.

Tip: Complete your profile and prepare all required documents in advance for a smooth application process.