Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Development and Maintenance of Pilot Digital Mental Health Solution

Date: 27 August 2026

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal)

Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Development and Maintenance of Pilot Digital Mental Health Solution

1. Background

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal) is one of Nepal’s leading non-profit, non-governmental psychosocial organizations. It was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting psychosocial well-being and mental health of children and families in conflict affected and other vulnerable communities. TPO Nepal is a knowledge-driven, innovative organization working in areas disrupted by violence and poverty. We strive to develop local psychosocial, mental health and conflict resolution capacity and systems that promote community resilience, quality of life and self-reliance through education, research, service delivery and advocacy.

Currently, TPO Nepal is implementing the Mental Health Support Programme (MSP) in four municipalities, namely Ishworpur Municipality, Malangwa Municipality, Lalbandi Municipality and Hariwon Municipality of Sarlahi District, Madhesh Province. The joint UN-project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO, with UNFPA leading its implementation in Madhesh. TPO Nepal, as a key implementing partner of UNFPA, plays a significant role in supporting the integration of mental health issues into existing government-led municipality-level health, gender, protection, education and other relevant coordination platforms.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen government systems at federal, provincial and local levels to promote mental health and well-being and improve access to quality, integrated and people-centred mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The programme supports the integration of MHPSS into existing policies, plans, services and systems, while strengthening coordination, service delivery, referral pathways and the capacities of health workers, community-based actors and other frontline service providers. Particular attention is given to populations experiencing heightened vulnerability or barriers to accessing MHPSS, including women and girls, children and adolescents, conflict-affected people, persons with disabilities and other marginalized and underserved populations. As part of this effort, TPO Nepal intends to assess the need and opportunities for, and subsequently develop and pilot, an appropriate digital MHPSS solution. The initial concept envisages a user-friendly digital service platform with an AI-enabled conversational/chatbot component; however, the final configuration, functionalities and intended users of the solution will be informed by the digital landscape assessment, identified needs and consultations with relevant government and other stakeholders. Depending on the findings, this may involve developing a new solution, strengthening or adapting an existing digital platform or system, or developing a more targeted solution for specific populations, service providers or identified MHPSS needs.

The digital MHPSS solution is expected to improve access to relevant mental health and psychosocial information, resources, services and referral mechanisms in Nepal. Depending on the needs and priority users identified through the initial assessment, stakeholder consultations and digital landscape assessment, the solution may include information on mental health and psychosocial issues, available MHPSS resources and services, referral pathways, helplines and relevant emergency support. It may also include an AI-enabled conversational/chatbot component, where this is assessed as appropriate, feasible and useful. The specific functionalities, target users and configuration of the solution will be determined based on identified needs and agreed with TPO Nepal and relevant government stakeholders, with appropriate safeguards and clearly defined limitations.

Priority will be given to strengthening, adapting or integrating with existing government or other relevant digital systems and initiatives where appropriate, rather than creating a parallel or duplicative solution. Depending on the findings, the assignment may therefore involve developing a new digital solution, strengthening or adapting an existing platform or system, or developing more targeted functionality for specific populations, MHPSS service providers or other priority users. Relevant linkages with existing health, protection and GBV information and referral mechanisms should also be considered, where appropriate. The selected approach should take into account interoperability, government ownership, sustainability and potential for future scale-up.

Therefore, TPO Nepal invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified and experienced individual consultants and consulting firms/organizations to provide professional technical services for the development, piloting and maintenance of the digital MHPSS solution.

Title: Consultant/Consulting Firm/Organization for Development and Maintenance of Pilot Digital Mental Health Solution

Duration: First week of September to December, 2026
Number of requirements: 1 (One)
Start date: At the earliest upon agreement.
Working area/Coordination with: TPO Nepal, Government Institutions and Stakeholders

1. Objective of the Consultancy

The overall objective of this consultancy is to assess needs and opportunities and, based on the findings and in consultation with relevant government stakeholders and digital landscape assessment, design, develop, test and pilot an appropriate digital MHPSS solution that improves access to reliable mental health and psychosocial support information, resources and/or services. Depending on identified needs, the solution may involve the development of a new platform, strengthening or adaptation of an existing platform or system, or development of a targeted solution for specific populations, users or service providers.

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

• Engage with relevant government institutions, MHPSS stakeholders, service providers and potential users to identify priority needs, target users/populations, existing digital systems and initiatives, available MHPSS services and referral mechanisms, and opportunities for integration or strengthening existing systems.
• Conduct digital landscape assessment to identify relevant digital health and MHPSS platforms, systems, resources, services, gaps, opportunities and existing government initiatives in close collaboration with MHPSS Expert.
• Assess existing digital MHPSS solutions and their linkages with health, protection and GBV information and referral systems, including opportunities to strengthen or integrate GBV-related information and safe referral pathways to MHPSS and other relevant services, while ensuring confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding and survivor-centred approaches.
• Assess whether the identified needs would be best addressed through a new digital solution, strengthening or adapting an existing solution, or developing targeted functionalities for specific populations, service providers or MHPSS needs.
• Define the functional and technical requirements of the proposed digital MHPSS platform based on user needs, government priorities, technical feasibility, operability, governance and sustainability considerations.
• Assess the appropriateness, added value, feasibility and risks of incorporating an AI-enabled conversational/chatbot component and, where justified by the assessment and agreed with TPO Nepal and relevant government stakeholders, develop and integrate such functionality into the proposed solution. If relevant, the chatbot will use AI to give users accessible, Nepal-specific information on mental health and psychosocial support, covering available services, support organizations, and helplines. It will also guide users through referral pathways to professional support and flag emergency situations, directing them to appropriate emergency or professional help when needed.
• Establish appropriate safeguards and escalation/referral protocols for users presenting urgent or high-risk needs, including risks related to suicide/self-harm, GBV, violence, abuse and other protection concerns, with clear limitations on the role of AI and appropriate referral to qualified professional and emergency services.
• Develop, test and pilot the digital MHPSS platform and AI-enabled features where technically feasible, useful, ethical and appropriate in consultation with government institutions and stakeholders. In addition, orient key government stakeholders on the use and functionality of the platform.
• Develop recommendations for platform maintenance, governance, sustainability, integration and potential scale-up and hand over the pilot platform and agreed technical materials to relevant institution under Government of Nepal

1. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

The selected individual consultant or consulting firm/organization will be responsible for the following:

• Engage with the relevant government stakeholders to identify needs, priorities, existing digital health initiatives, systems, available mental health services, referral mechanisms, interoperability requirements and opportunities for integration.
• Conduct a digital landscape assessment of relevant government and non-government digital health and MHPSS resources, platforms, helplines, referral systems, service directories and other relevant initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen, complement and integrate with existing government digital health systems and avoid duplication of existing platforms and initiatives.
• Conduct consultations with relevant government institutions, mental health professionals, potential users and other relevant stakeholders to identify user needs, information requirements, accessibility considerations and expectations for the digital MHPSS solution.
• Develop a detailed functional and technical requirements document for the proposed platform, including user roles, core functions, chatbot/conversational component, content requirements, workflows, technical architecture, data management, security, interoperability, governance and sustainability considerations.
• Develop an appropriate digital solution design and prototype based on the agreed functional and technical requirements.
• Develop content providing reliable, evidence-informed and contextually appropriate information on, in close collaboration with an MHPSS expert as relevant: :
  • Mental health problems and common concerns
  • Mental health and psychosocial support considerations in the context of GBV and other forms of violence;
  • Psychosocial issues
  • Appropriate self-help and supportive information
  • Mental health and psychosocial support resources available in Nepal
  • Mental health and psychosocial service providers and support services;
  • Helplines and relevant support services;
  • Referral pathways and mechanisms;
  • Emergency mental health and psychosocial support information; and
  • Location-appropriate services and referral options, where feasible.
• Ensure that the chatbot uses Nepal-specific context in the information provided to users and does not rely solely on generic or international information, particularly when users require local services, referral pathways or support .
• Develop appropriate mechanisms for directing users to professional services and referral pathways, particularly where the user's needs exceed the scope of informational or conversational support.
• Ensure that the AI-enabled chatbot does not present itself as a replacement for professional mental health and psychosocial assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
• Establish appropriate safeguards and protocols for situations involving urgent or emergency mental health and psychosocial needs, including measures for safeguarding, privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, and data protection, and ensure that users are appropriately guided towards relevant emergency or professional support services available in Nepal.
• Propose a “Recommended Digital Solution and Implementation Roadmap”, setting out the preferred option, rationale, user groups, core functions, integration requirements, governance/ownership and sustainability considerations.
• Ensure that the solution development and pilot process complies with relevant ethical, data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and safeguarding requirements as per the existing law of Government of Nepal.

1. Deliverables and Duration of the Consultancy

The selected individual consultant or consulting firm/organization is expected to produce the following key deliverables:

• Government and Stakeholder Needs Assessment and Consultation Report, documenting consultations, identified needs and priorities, intended users/populations, existing services and referral mechanisms, accessibility considerations, and key implications for the proposed digital solution.
• Digital Landscape Assessment Report documenting existing digital health and MHPSS initiatives, platforms, systems, services, resources, referral mechanisms, gaps, opportunities and interoperability considerations.
• Digital MHPSS Solution Options and Recommendation, presenting feasible options and recommending the most appropriate approach based on identified needs, added value, feasibility, interoperability, sustainability, government ownership and potential for scale-up.
• Based on the agreed solution, \Functional and Technical Requirements Document defining the digital solution’s user needs, functionalities, technical specifications, architecture, data management, interoperability, governance, sustainability and AI-enabled features.
• Nepal-specific MHPSS Information and Referral Content/Database, including relevant mental health information, psychosocial support resources, helplines, emergency support information, referral pathways and available services.
• Prototype/Demonstration Version of the proposed digital MHPSS solution and if relevant, AI-enabled chatbot for review and feedback.
• Functional Pilot Digital MHPSS Service Solution, including the AI-enabled conversational/chatbot component if relevant.
• Testing and Pilot Report documenting technical testing, user testing, pilot implementation, user and stakeholder feedback, challenges, improvements and lessons learned.
• Government Stakeholder Orientation on the use of the platform and its MHPSS information, chatbot and referral functions.
• Technical Documentation, including relevant user guidance, system/administrative documentation, content updating procedures and maintenance requirements.
• Final Consultancy Report documenting the overall process and work undertaken, including the digital landscape assessment, stakeholder consultations, platform development, testing, piloting, feedback, key findings, lessons learned and recommendations for sustainability and scale-up.
• Handover of the Pilot Digital Solution, including agreed source code, database/content, technical documentation, access credentials and other relevant materials.

The consultancy is expected to be completed within the agreed assignment period, with the assignment expected to start at the earliest possible date upon agreement and contract signing.

The consultant/consulting firm is expected to remain flexible and, as needed, undertake additional or adjusted tasks as requested by TPO Nepal, in line with the overall scope and objectives of the assignment. All work should be carried out in close consultation and coordination with the MHPSS expert, TPO Nepal, and UNFPA.

1. Reporting and Supervision

The selected consultant or consulting firm/organization will work under the supervision of the designated focal person from TPO Nepal and will coordinate closely with relevant project staff and government stakeholders throughout the assignment period.

The consultant/organization will maintain regular communication with TPO Nepal, provide progress updates, present key outputs for review and incorporate feedback provided by TPO Nepal and relevant government stakeholders.

1. Required Qualifications and Experience

The assignment is open to qualified individual consultants as well as consulting firms/organizations.

For Individual Consultants:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Digital Health, Health Informatics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence with relevant digital health expertise, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in digital platform development, digital health, health informatics, software development, AI-enabled applications or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, testing and/or deploying web-based digital platforms.
• Experience in developing chatbot, conversational AI or AI-assisted information platforms will be strongly preferred.
• Experience in digital health, mental health, MHPSS, health information systems or government digital systems will be an asset.

For Consulting Firms/Organizations:

• Legally registered organization/company with demonstrated experience in software development, digital health, health informatics, AI-enabled digital solutions or related areas.
• Minimum 5 years of organizational experience in relevant digital technology, software development, digital health or related assignments.
• Availability of qualified technical personnel with expertise in software development, digital health, AI/data science, cybersecurity and/or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience in development and deployment of digital solutions, preferably for government, health or development-sector institutions.

1. Submission Requirements

Interested individual consultants and consulting firms/organizations are requested to submit the following documents:

For Individual Consultants:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment, along with a brief technical proposal/concept note outlining the proposed methodology, implementation approach, technical approach, work plan, data privacy and security considerations, ethical safeguards and proposed timeline.
• Updated CV highlighting relevant professional experience, technical expertise and previous assignments related to similar work.
• Portfolio or samples of relevant digital platforms, software, digital health solutions, chatbot/conversational AI or AI-enabled applications developed.
• A brief financial proposal with a detailed budget breakdown, including applicable costs and taxes.

For Consulting Firms/Organizations:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the assignment, along with a brief proposal/concept note outlining the proposed methodology, implementation approach, technical approach, work plan, data privacy and security considerations, ethical safeguards and proposed timeline.
• Organization/company profile highlighting relevant organizational experience, technical expertise and portfolio of similar assignments.
• CVs of key proposed technical personnel/team members.
• Portfolio or samples of relevant digital platforms, software, digital health solutions, chatbot/conversational AI or AI-enabled applications developed.
• A brief financial proposal with a budget breakdown, including applicable costs and taxes.
• Copies of company/organization registration certificate, VAT/PAN registration documents, tax clearance certificate and other relevant legal documents.

1. Technical Competencies

• Technical expertise in web-based platform development and relevant software development frameworks.
• Practical experience in digital health, health information systems and/or health informatics.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of AI-enabled conversational systems, chatbots, Natural Language Processing (NLP), large language model (LLM)-based applications.
• Ability to develop and manage a chatbot capable of providing contextualized, reliable and Nepal-specific mental health and psychosocial information.
• Understanding of digital health operability, APIs, data standards and integration with existing digital health systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data privacy, cybersecurity, information security, data governance and responsible management of sensitive health information.
• Strong understanding of responsible AI, including appropriate human oversight, transparency, accuracy, limitations, bias mitigation and user safety.
• Strong skills in user-centered design, user experience and usability testing.
• Ability to translate stakeholder and user needs into clear functional and technical requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation and technical reporting skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government institutions, mental health professionals, technical teams and other stakeholders.

1. Field Visit and Coordination

• Coordinate with TPO Nepal and relevant government stakeholders for planning, scheduling, consultations and field visits if required.

1. Submission Deadline

Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be submitted no later than 3rd September, 2026 through email at hrtponepal@tponepal.org.np or hard copy submission to the HR Unit at TPO Nepal, Head Office.

1. Selection Criteria

Shortlisting will be based on the following criteria:

• Relevant professional/organizational experience and technical expertise.
• Qualification and experience of the proposed individual consultant or technical team.
• Experience in development and deployment of digital platforms and digital health solutions.
• Experience with AI-enabled applications, chatbot/conversational AI and responsible AI approaches.
• Understanding of operability, data privacy, cybersecurity and digital health governance.
• Experience in developing contextualized information, referral mechanisms and service directories.
• Quality and suitability of the proposed technical methodology and approach.
• Previous work samples and portfolio.
• Experience working with government or public-sector institutions.
• Financial competitiveness.

Only shortlisted individuals, firms/organizations will be contacted.

1. Additional Information

• TPO Nepal is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals and organizations representing minority groups, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. TPO Nepal upholds a Zero Tolerance Policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).
• The consultant/organization shall maintain strict confidentiality of all information, data, documents and systems accessed during the consultancy and shall comply with applicable ethical, privacy, data protection and information security requirements.
• The consultant/organization shall ensure that any AI-enabled chatbot or other AI features, where assessed as appropriate and applicable to the agreed digital solution,, where applicable, are developed and implemented responsibly, with appropriate consideration of user safety, privacy, transparency, accuracy, human oversight, potential risks and limitations of AI-generated information.
• The consultant/organization shall apply appropriate safeguarding and “do no harm” principles throughout the design, development, testing and piloting of the digital solution, with particular consideration for users who may disclose or experience mental health crises, self-harm or suicide risk, GBV, violence, abuse or other protection concerns. Appropriate safeguards, referral protocols and limitations of the digital solution shall be established in consultation with relevant technical stakeholders.
• The digital solution shall follow principles of privacy by design and data minimization, limiting the collection, processing, storage and sharing of personal and sensitive information to what is necessary for the agreed functionality. Particular safeguards shall apply to sensitive health, mental health, GBV and protection-related information, where applicable.