Consultancy Services on Localized Risk Communication for Inclusive Early Warning Systems

1. Background

The SaSA Project, funded by CARE Nepal and implemented by the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR) and Campaign Nepal, aims to strengthen anticipatory action systems by promoting women's leadership and voice in disaster preparedness and early warning. In flood-prone areas like Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality and Rajdevi Municipality of Madhesh Province, it has been difficult to disseminate localized early warning messages to the most at-risk populations, particularly women and marginalized groups.

The project focuses on supporting local governments in delivering customized early warning and preparedness messages, based on risk polygons, using human-centric design principles and mixed communication channels. The consultancy will support the development of localized risk communication strategies, finalization of messages through Palika-level workshops, pilot Interactive Voice Response (IVR), orientation of community actors, and mobilization of a volunteer communication roster to ensure inclusive, last-mile delivery of alerts.

2. Objectives

This consultancy aims to:

• Design and support implementation of human-centric, polygon-specific risk communication strategies.

• Facilitate inclusive message finalization and dissemination, ensuring diverse and marginalized voices are reflected.

• Strengthen coordination between local governments, DHM, and community networks including Women-Led Organizations (WLOs).

• Mobilize volunteer-based communication networks and promote multi-channel dissemination strategies.

3. Scope of Work / Key Tasks

The consultant will be involved in

A. Assessment & Human-Centered Design

• Conduct field assessments and user-centered design sessions to understand community needs, preferences, and communication barriers in Five CDMCs.

• Develop early warning and preparedness messages in local language Bajjika using human-centric design tailored to each risk polygon.

• Map local communication mechanisms and social structures, with a focus on accessibility for women, elderly, people with disabilities, and non-literate populations.

B. Message Co-Creation & Finalization

• Facilitate Ward and Palika-level workshops in each municipality to validate and finalize localized early warning messages and delivery protocols, ensuring participation from women’s groups, WLOs, EW task teams, and DHM.

• Support the co-creation of localized message templates that reflect hazard-specific and zone-specific risks (e.g., high, medium, low risk ).

C. Orientation & Capacity Building

• Conduct orientation sessions for WLOs and community members on the concept of risk polygons, message content, and response expectations.

• Train key actors (EW task teams, volunteers, WLO representatives) on communication protocols and message relay.

• Train local stakeholders in delivering local messages through Mikes, sirens, communities, BIPAD Chautari

D. Multi-Channel Communication Strategy Design

• Develop a communication strategy that uses mixed channels, including:

  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

  • Mobile apps/SMS-based alerts

  • Door-to-door dissemination via volunteers

  • Community loudspeakers

  • FM radio/Local TV

  • Social media

• Ensure messaging is gender-responsive, accessible, and tested for clarity.

E. Volunteer Roster Development & Mobilization

• Support to establish and maintain a communication volunteer roster, in coordination with local governments and WLOs.

• Train volunteers on message dissemination, rapid mobilization, and community feedback collection.

F. Simulation and Testing

• Design and implement at least one simulation exercise in each municipality to test message clarity, timing, reach, and effectiveness.

• Document gaps and revise communication materials and strategies accordingly.

G.  Implement IVR Messaging from June to January 2025.

• Send Regular IVR messages based on the triggers and requirements identified by the Palika.

H. Monitoring, Documentation, and Recommendations

• Design simple feedback tools and M&E frameworks to assess reach and comprehension of messages.

• Document lessons learned and provide a sustainability roadmap for municipalities to institutionalize localized risk communication protocols.

4. Deliverables

5. Required Qualifications

• Human resource with healthy experience in disaster risk reduction, risk communication, or communication for development (C4D).

• Proven experience in human-centered design, inclusive communication, and message co-creation.

• Experience working with local governments, particularly in Madhesh province with proven communication skills in local language

• Familiarity with DHM early warning systems, forecast-based action, and community preparedness mechanisms.

• Fluency in Nepali; knowledge of local languages (Bajjika, Maithili, Bhojpuri) is a strong asset.

• Excellent facilitation and documentation skills.                                                    

• Company with the commitment of uninterrupted services with quality delivery.                        

6. Coordination & Supervision

The consultant will report to the SaSA Project Coordinator (IHRR) and will work in close coordination with:

• Local Governments of Durga Bhagwati and Rajdevi Municipalities

• Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM)

• CARE Nepal technical team and CARE’s communication team on developing of the messages 

• Community stakeholders including WLOs, EW task teams, FM stations, and other communication actors.

Regular field visits, stakeholder consultations, and coordination meetings will be essential to the assignment.