Consultant

South Asia Partnership-Nepal (SAP-Nepal)

SAP Nepal is one of the leading National Non-Government Organizations (NGO) for promoting Good Governance since its inception in 1985 A.D. SAP Nepal also promotes the processes of capacity building of communities, socially excluded and disadvantaged groups, CBOs/ NGOs and other civil society organizations in the areas of good governance, social accountability, peace building and economic empowerment. It also works to strengthen linkage, partnership and networking between and among the CSOs, the state and the citizens.

Details / requirements:

Call for Expression of Interest

Study on “Civil Society Organizations Contribution in Development of Nepal” 

South Asia Partnership - Nepal (SAP-Nepal) is a national NGO established in Nepal in 1985 for promotion of pro-people governance by strengthening civil society solidarity. It is essential to analyze previous contribution of CSOs to inform future way forward for its esteemed role in strengthening social and human development in sustained manner.

SAP Nepal as a part of “Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Promotion Program” funded by FHI360 is conducting a study on Civil Society Organizations’ Contribution in Development of Nepal. In this context, SAP Nepal invites interested consultants to submit Expression of Interest (EoI) for conducting the study. The deadline for submission of the EoI is April 7, 2017.

A detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) will be made available upon request. It is also available in website of SAP-Nepal (www.sapnepal.org.np)

The EoI shall be submitted either in a sealed envelope or in electronic copy with the subject line mentioning “Consultancy for Study on Civil Society Organizations' Contribution in Development of Nepal” to the following address.

South Asia Partnership - Nepal

Email: sapnepal2041@gmail.com

GPO Box.3827, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Terms of Reference (ToR)

Study on Civil Society Organizations' Contribution in Development of Nepal           

1. Background

South Asia Partnership - Nepal (SAP-Nepal) is a national NGO established in Nepal in 1985 for the promotion of pro-people governance at the local and national levels by strengthening and creating solidarity in the civil society to advocate pro-people inclusive policies and practices for social justice and human rights. The organization has a vision of creating a Just Society with Peace and Prosperity. It envisages a society where people have wider participation in decision making so that they may control their own lives and the future of their communities. It also works for creation of a congenial environment for the promotion of human development by strengthening civil society organizations and encouraging disadvantaged groups to improve their living standards by reforming public policies, improving service delivery systems and increasing inclusionary practices. 

Civil Society Organizations including NGOs have effectively made their presence as an alternative mechanism for development. Instead of dealing with a cumbersome bureaucratic machinery of the state and pecuniary motives of the private sector, even donors have found NGOs to be a convenient vehicle. In the case of Nepal, one can find a mushrooming growth of NGOs particularly after the reinstitution of multiparty democracy in 1990. There are 39,763 NGOs and 254 INGOs registered with the Social Welfare Council (Source: Kantipur Daily August 28, 2016). Presently, all social organizations or NGOs in Nepal operate under one or more of the following Acts or their Regulations: i) Social Registration Act 2034 and Regulations ii) Social Welfare Act 2044 and Regulations iii) Company Act and Regulations 2022.

The new Constitution - 2072 B.S. has stated that NGOs and INGOs will be focused only in the areas of national needs and priority adopting a one-door policy for the establishment, endorsement, engagement, regulation and management of such organizations. It has also emphasized to make investment and role of such organizations accountable and transparent. Again, right to freedom clause (d) has stated freedom to form union and associations. It clearly indicates that there should be proper interpretation of these terminologies to ensure more liberating environment for Civil Society Organizations to play dynamic role in sustainable development of the country. In this context, it is essential to analyze previous contribution of CSOs to inform future way forward for its esteemed role in strengthening social and human development in sustained manner.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

CSOs are key contributors for strengthening democracy as they contribute in promoting people’s organized action in the public sphere to raise unheard voices of people. Thus, CSOs are considered as social space for promoting people participation in policy and development that is essential elements of democracy. These organizations also support in promoting governance as people engagement in promoting public services and accountability. 

These organizations role in empowering marginalized communities should not be undermined. In Nepal, these organizations have played good role in movements related to empowerment of women, ex-kamaiyas, dalits, haliyas and indigenous groups. Thus, these organizations have supported in strengthening democratic local ownership thereby contributing in realizing human rights. 

CSOs has contributed in delivery of services and development programs. They have played varied roles depending on different services ranging from health, education, water and sanitation, rehabilitation to good governance and social accountability promotion with advocacy endeavors. These organizations have also played role in monitoring government services to increase their accountability towards concerns of marginalized sections of society. However, contributions of these organizations are not recognized due to inadequate analyses based on their performance. 

In such a situation, there is a great need to bring-up CSOs contributions in different aspects of human development by generating evidences. Such evidences will be helpful to influence policy makers for creating enabling environment to foster a more legitimate, accountable, and resilience Nepal Civil Society that is capable of advancing the public interest.

In this context, SAP-Nepal is implementing "Civil Society Mutual Accountability Promotion Project" with financial support of FHI360 with aims to strengthen enabling environment for civil society. One of the key activities of this project is to carry out study on CSOs' Contribution in Development of Nepal.

OBJECTIVES

The broad objective of the study is to analyze contribution of CSOs in sustainable development of Nepal. 

Specific Objectives of the study are:

  • To analyze contribution of CSOs in Nepal in the areas of social and human development
  • To explore areas of improvement for increasing vibrancy of CSO sector in the changing context
  • To provide recommendations for increased significant role of CSOs in promoting sustainable social and human development  

3. Scope of the Assignment

A study team member comprising of profound knowledge on "civil society and development" will dedicate maximum of 30 working days of time as consultancy for conducting the study. A preliminary meeting with SAP-Nepal team for developing further clarity on Terms of Reference and Scope of the assessment will be conducted.   

The study will be done by reviewing secondary source of information with some consultations in Kathmandu. It is planned that at least 20 prominent persons of civil society organizations, government organizations, INGOs and planning commission will be selected randomly keeping in mind GESI for intensive interview and discussion. 

  • The following methodology has been broadly suggested for finalisation with the study team:
  • Literature review of existing information, policy documents, reference materials on contribution of CSOs in Nepal's development.
  • Preparation of check-list and questionnaire for information collection.
  • Focus Group Discussions (4) with subject experts for collecting key information focusing more on global and national scenario, policies and institutional practices.
  • Interview with selected national experts to collect and validate information on ground realities.
  • Information/data compilation, processing and analysis on study topic.
  • Preparation of draft report and sharing with subject experts.
  • Finalization of report incorporating feedbacks of experts.

Besides, the consultant is also responsible to:

  • Collect and analyze reference materials to be used in the study.
  • Organize all logistics required for the study.
  • Submit financial report as per agreed upon format.
  • It is envisaged that the duration of the study will be for three months; however, this may be subject to change based on consultant’s suggestions. 

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1. SAP Nepal

  • SAP Nepal will select consultant based on the following criteria: qualification and work experience in relevant field, Understanding of TOR and Clarity on methodology. Proposal should be short and include evidences, facts and statements mentioned along the selection criteria.
  • SAP Nepal, Executive Director and concerned team members will be pro-actively engaged in the study processes as and when necessary.
  • SAP Nepal team members will provide the consultant with comments/suggestions to the draft report.
  • SAP Nepal will bear additional costs required for organizing four Focused Group Discussions as part of the study apart from remuneration.

4.2. Consultant

The consultants will cover the following areas and responsibilities for conducting the study:

  • Timely submission of deliverables like Inception report preparation incorporating study framework with detailed methodology, operational plan including national consultation schedule, checklist, guidelines and questionnaires; Draft and Final Study Reports.
  • The consultant should be presenting key features of inception report and study outcomes in appropriate time as per consultation with SAP-Nepal.
  • The consultant will provide 2 hard copies and electronic versions of written deliverables. 

5. Key Deliverables And Timeline

The Consultant will provide the following deliverables:

Deliverable

 

Due date

1. Inception report with study framework, methodology, operational plan including national consultation schedule, checklist, guidelines, questionnaires          

1 week after start of consultancy.

2.  National expert interview and initial focus group discussion (2)

Within 6 weeks after start of consultancy.

3.  Draft study report based on agreed study framework

8 weeks after start of consultancy. 

4. Focus group discussion on draft report (2)

10 weeks after start of consultancy.

 5. Final study report

11 weeks after start of consultancy.

Timeframe of the Consultancy Team: 30 working days.

  • Desktop Review (2 days)
  • Coordination, planning and communication (2 days)
  • National expert and stakeholder interview and focus group discussions (7 days)
  • Draft Study Report  (10 days)
  • Final Report incorporating comments (9 days) 

6. Reporting Line

  • The consultant will report to SAP-Nepal Executive Director

7. Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of Master Degree with seven years of experience in relevant field
  • Strong research background and case study analysis in social development, preferably with a focus on CSOs and development.
  • Good inter-personal linkage with government stakeholders at various levels particularly CSOs and development sector.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken Nepali and English. 

8. Logistic support

  • The consultant will manage their own logistic support for the completion of this assignment. 

9. Remuneration And Other Costs

  • The consultant will be provided remuneration of NRs 3,00,000 (In words: Three Lakhs only). Tax will be deducted in the source as per the Government Tax policy.
  • Apart from remuneration, SAP Nepal will bear cost of organizing four focused group discussions as per requirement of the study.
  • Selected consultant will not receive any additional costs besides the above stated remuneration.
  • Consultant will be self-responsible for any incident which has insurance impact during the consultancy period 

10. Payment schedule 

It is agreed by both parties that the payment will be made as per major work packages/deliverables and acceptable to SAP-Nepal as per the following schedule: 

 

SN.

Deliverables

Payment

1

Inception report submission

30 %

2

Draft Report Submission

40%

3

Final Study Report Submission

30%

  • Annex 1 : Preliminary outline of Study on CSOs Contribution in Development of Nepal 

The study report will be presented in the following framework. There can be some changes upon consultation with the consultant. 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Section 1: Background information 

a. Civil Society Organizations – definition and scope of work. 

b. Civil Society Organizations in Nepal – diverse stakeholders, number and perception of other stakeholders; status of legitimate, accountable and resilient Nepali civil society ; status of GESI in CSOs

c. Policy environment

Section 2: Rationale, objective, methodology and limitations of the study 

Section 3: Significant contribution of CSOs in national development   (with case studies and evidences)

  • Democracy and good governance promotion
  • Empowerment of marginalized sections of society – GESI including promotion of economic, social and cultural rights
  • Delivery of services and development endeavors including livelihood promotion
  • Networking and knowledge management

Section 4: Challenges of CSOs 

Section 5: Recommendations for improving CSOs role in social and human development

  • Enabling legal and policy framework
  • Public understanding and confidence on role of CSOs
  • Internal good governance of CSOs
  • Achieving of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

References 

Annexes:

  • Brief notes of consultations and focus group discussions

Overview

Category Social Science
Openings 1
Experience 7+ years
Education M.S.W. (Masters in Social Work)
Posted Date 23 Mar, 2017
Apply Before 07 Apr, 2017
City Kathmandu