Call for applications: Consultant/Firm for Podcast Development and Broadcasting on Inclusive Education

Call for applications

Consultant/Firm for Podcast Development and Broadcasting on Inclusive Education

Background

Autism Care Chitwan Society (ACCS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2018 by dedicated parents of children with autism. ACCS actively works to raise awareness, promote rights, and build the capacity of children/persons with autism. The organization operates in Chitwan District, Nepal.

ACCS, with support from Handicap International (HI), is implementing the "Disability Inclusive Development (DID): Strengthening Inclusive Education Systems and Services in Nepal" project in Kalika Municipality and Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan District. The program aims to ensure access to quality inclusive education for children with disabilities (aged 4 to 17 years).

Project Description

Inclusive education is a fundamental right as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26). Despite this, children with disabilities remain one of the most marginalized groups in terms of access, participation, and learning outcomes. This program focuses on ensuring access to quality education for children with disabilities through interventions grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, across 145 community schools in Kalika Municipality and Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

As part of our advocacy and knowledge sharing strategy, we are seeking a qualified consultant or firm to develop, produce, and broadcast a podcast on inclusive education.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIRED SERVICE PROVISION

A podcast platform offers an innovative, accessible, and engaging medium to bring stakeholders together to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore solutions for strengthening inclusive education systems. The podcast should highlight practices in the following contexts:

• Government Representatives: Officials from the Ministry of Education, local government education departments, and Representatives from CEHRD.
• OPD Representatives: Leaders and members of organizations advocating for disability rights.
• Education Experts: Inclusive education practitioners, special educators, and advocates.

The objective of the podcast is to:

• Raise awareness on the importance and benefits of inclusive education.
• Share experiences and best practices from government and OPD initiatives.
• Highlight policy commitments and identify gaps in implementation.
• Promote collaboration between the government, OPDs, and education stakeholders.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Co-develop podcast content and scripts in consultation with ACCS and partners.
• Record, edit, and produce one full-length podcast episode (60 – 90 mins) and short clips (mini-podcast/short videos) for wider dissemination.
• Ensure inclusive, rights-based language and accessibility (subtitles, transcripts, and sign language interpretation).
• Broadcast via YouTube, Facebook, and other agreed platforms
• Provide transcripts and a short dissemination report.

DELIVERABLES

• One finalized podcast episode (60-90 mins) with subtitles and sign language interpretation)
• Short clips/mini-videos for wider reach
• Final dissemination report including reach and engagement.
• Language: Nepali
• Accessibility Features: Sign language interpretation, transcript availability.

Vendor/Agency Experience and Qualifications

Technical Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in podcast/video/radio production.
• Strong skills in audio storytelling and editing.
• Proven track record with samples of published work (YouTube, FM/radio, TV, social media).

Knowledge

• Familiarity with disability inclusion and/or education issues is an asset.

Capacity

• Ability to deliver within deadlines.
• Ability to integrate accessibility features (subtitles, transcripts, sign language).

SERVICE DURATION

The assignment is expected to commence on 10 September 2025 and will require 10 working days, with the final deliverables to be submitted by the end of September 13, 2025. The detailed schedule will be finalized in consultation with ACCS and HI.

Tentative Timeline:

Payment Terms:

• 30% upon contract signing.
• 70% upon submission and approval of all deliverables.

Monitoring and Supervision

The consultant will work closely with ACCS and HI teams, who will:

• Approve the storyboard and final script.
• Provide feedback during key milestones (e.g., draft reviews).
• Ensure alignment with project goals and cultural sensitivity.

Required Documents (Financial proposal must be delivered with a sealed envelope or with PIN Code; otherwise, it will not be eligible)

For Firms:

• Cover letter.
• Financial proposal.
• Concept note (including methodology, work plan, and quality assurance mechanisms).
• Firm registration and renewal certificates.
• VAT registration certificate.
• Latest tax clearance certificate.
• Portfolio with samples of relevant work.

For Individuals:

• Cover letter.
• Financial proposal.
• Concept note (including methodology, work plan, and quality assurance mechanisms).
• Bio-data of team members.
• Copy of citizenship certificate.
• Portfolio with samples of relevant work.
• PAN registration certificate, if applicable.

All rights to the final podcast materials, including raw and edited footage, will be retained by ACCS and HI. The consultant/firm will not reproduce or use the material for other purposes without written permission.

Submission Details

Please send your application, including all required documents, to s.paudel@accsnp.org by September 1, 2025 at Monday 5 PM. Ensure the subject line includes the consultancy title: "Podcast".