Consultant - Development of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Framework for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

IFRC CRC opened a consultant position for "Development of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Framework for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 

Interested candidates should submit their expression of interest along with the required documents (as mentioned below) no later than 12 October 2025, to Ms. Aliza Baidya, e-mail: aliza.baidya@ifrc.org

Terms of Reference for Development of

Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) Framework for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Introduction

Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has been delivering health services to vulnerable and needy populations across the country since its inception by mobilizing its staff and volunteers. The health services undertaken by society are categorized into two major themes: First, promotive and preventive health services for community resilience, which include reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health, immunization, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health and psychosocial support, water, sanitation and hygiene awareness, vector- and water-borne diseases, etc., to reduce vulnerability. Second, curative health services for the delivery of health care, which include blood transfusion, first aid, eye care, emergency clinical services, and pre-hospital care including ambulance services, to protect and save lives.

The NRCS developed its health policy in 2022 and formulated the health strategy (2022-2030) and operational plan (2023-2025). The priorities and programs of the NRCS health strategy are compatible with the Nepal Government’s health sector strategy. The NRCS has also developed its emergency health preparedness and response framework for an effective and efficient preparedness and response mechanism to address the needs of vulnerable communities with respect to multi-hazard risks. A mental health strategy was developed in 2024 to continue MHPSS service effectively in both emergency and non-emergency situations.  Similarly, NRCS has integrated anticipatory actions into its disaster risk management policy and response manual, aiming to enhance preparedness and response to multiple emergencies.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, mental health issues, and chronic respiratory diseases, cause nearly 41 million deaths globally. NCDs account for more than 71% of the health burden in Nepal and particularly in the context of natural hazards, disasters and emergencies NCDs are rising. Natural disasters, especially floods, pose significant challenges for people living with non-communicable diseases (PLWNCDs) in Nepal, disrupting access to healthcare and medications. While early warning systems (EWS) are intended to help communities prepare for disasters, PLWNCDs face distinct barriers that prevent them from receiving and acting on early warning messages effectively. Effective Continuity of NCDs management demands anticipatory, comprehensive, and proactive measures, particularly during disasters.

The study conducted in flood-prone areas of Kanchanpur and Kailali districts in Sudurpaschim Province Nepal by the Aarhus University in 2025 highlighted the critical gaps in Nepal’s Early Warning System for addressing the specific needs of PLWNCDs in disaster-prone areas. While current EWS frameworks provide general alerts, they often fail to deliver timely, accessible, and actionable information tailored to the health needs of PLWNCDs, leaving this vulnerable group at increased risk during emergencies.

The Ministry of Health and Population in Nepal has adapted the World Health Organization's (WHO) Package of Essential Non-communicable Diseases (PEN) to facilitate the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health conditions at healthcare facilities.

Since May 2025, NRCS has been developing the package of essential NCD interventions for disaster preparedness and response (PEN-D), and its prototype Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) to ensure the continuity of NCD services during and after disasters.

The NRCS has been implementing the “Resilience NCD: Strengthening NCD Care Resilience in Disaster” project since April 2024 in flood-prone municipalities of Kailali (Bhajani) and Kanchanpur (Laljhadi), with the technical support of the Canadian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross, and Aarhus University and funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation.  In order to develop a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy to integrate NCD prevention and control into all phases of emergency management, ensuring continuity of care and reducing the burden on affected populations, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)/Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and Danish Red Cross (DRC) Program Office in Nepal is seeking consultancy services from a qualified and experienced Nepalese firm or team of experts  in public health and disaster risk management to develop the NRCS framework for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Objectives, outputs, scope of work, and suggested methodologies and timeframe

Objective

To develop an actionable NRCS Framework for NCDs (2026–2030) that institutionalizes the PEN-D across preparedness, response and recovery; integrates NCD continuity of care with Early Warning, Early Action (EWEA) and Anticipatory Action (AA) systems; and defines roles, and ensure alignment with the NRCS Health/MHPSS Strategy, the Government of Nepal Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for NCDs (2021-2025) and relevant IFRC/Government of Nepal (GoN) health policies.

Specific objectives 

• To assess barriers, current challenges, and opportunities for NCD programs during both emergencies and non-emergency situations (emergencies are considered across the full Disaster Risk Management cycle—from Early Warning/Anticipatory Action and preparedness to response, recovery, and resilience).
• To Identify key NCD risks and prevention to response/resilience measures for use in emergencies and non- emergencies situations, in line with NRCS and Government of Nepal strategies and plans.
• To develop an action plan/framework that defines clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines for NCD management, and to create protocols, procedures, and relevant tools to strengthen NRCS’s capacity to prepare for and respond to NCD risks before, during, and after disasters, including the integration of Early Warning Systems/Anticipatory Action (EWS/AA) into NCD management during emergencies.
• To establish mechanisms for coordination among all levels of government health systems, UN agencies, major international agencies and donors and community stakeholders. 
• Consider integrating Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI) and Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) principles within the framework

Scope of work

The NRCS framework for NCDs will be applied in both emergency and non-emergency situations, ensuring continuity of care, early warning/anticipatory actions, preparedness, and effective response. The scope of work for the consultancy shall comprise but not necessarily limited to:

• Review existing NCD data, health system capacities, and policies related to Early Warning System/ Anticipatory Action emergency preparedness and response for people living with NCDs. 
• Involve relevant actors, including government ministries, NGOs, community leaders, and international organizations, in the framework development process. 
• Outline the process for developing NRCS framework for Non-Communicable Diseases, including research, data synthesis, and multi-stakeholder consultations. 
• Aligning with the national strategies and plan, this consultancy will prepare a NCD framework for NRCS covering:

I. Emergencies 

• Early Warning/Anticipatory Action: Integrate NCD into existing EWS and acting early with supplies, services, and information to protect vulnerable people before disaster occurs.
• Preparedness: Strengthening NRCS capacities in early detection, screening for NCD care, integrating NCDs into risk assessments and programming and building health workforce capacity. early detection for NCD case
• Response: Ensuring access and continuity of essential NCD interventions, managing acute exacerbations and complications,
• Recovery: Strengthening NRCS capacity for NCD surveillance, promoting risk factor reduction at the population level, and improving access to primary care for chronic disease management.

II. Non emergencies 

• Prevention and Health Promotion
• System Strengthening 
• Advocacy and Partnerships 
• Innovation and Research
• Monitoring and Evaluation 
• PGI/CEA/MHPSS integration

Methodologies

The Technical Working Team representing NRCS, IFRC, CRC, DRC, Aarhus University will be formed to work along with the consultant. The working team will advise, oversee the progress, and will work closely with the consultant to ensure that deliverables uphold the expected quality.  Series of workshops and consultation meetings will be organized between the technical working group and the consultant. 

The Consultant will lead and be responsible for the overall development of the framework in coordination with technical working group, relevant stakeholders, facilitating the workshop and finalizing deliverables as stated below. 

• Consultative meetings with the technical working team, NRCS governance, Senior Management Team, Health Service Department, IFRC/Partner National Societies (PNSs) to finalize frame of outputs,
• Review relevant documents of NRCS, IFRC, UN agencies, INGOs and Government of Nepal,
• Consultative meetings with Directors of different departments of NRCS, IFRC/PNSs. 
• A virtual consultative meeting with the district chapters, province as necessary. 
• Procedures interview/discussion with planning division of Ministry of Health and Population, National Health Emergency Operation Center (NHEOC) and Department of Health Service (Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, NCD section etc), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), United Nations agencies, I/NGOS supporting NRCS, 
• Share drafted NCDs framework with technical working team for inputs/feedback. 
• Conduct workshops to finalize the framework
• Present final framework

In addition to the above-mentioned methods, consultants shall propose additional methods to make process fully participatory and produce intended outputs.

Deliverable and expected timeline of the assignment

The duration of this consultancy will be 23 working days within a time frame of 60 days and will be effective from the date of signing the agreement. The consultancy is expected to start in October 2025.

The consultant will deliver the following at the end of mission. 

• A detailed, actionable NCDs framework 
• Reports on stakeholder consultations and workshops conducted.

Qualification/Experience Required

• The team members shall have at least a master’s degree in public health, disaster management or Global health practitioner (NCDs) or other relevant qualifications. 
• Professionals with experience in health and disaster management, as well as strategic planning and framework development.
• At least 10 years of work experience in health service delivery, health research, and the planning and implementation of health programs, with a strong understanding of the humanitarian sector and the country’s non-communicable diseases (NCDs) landscape.
• Strong analytical skills along with health policy and regulatory analysis of different health related policies, and framework at national level. And a good team player.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Knowledge of public health issues in Nepal. Understanding Nepal government health system, Package of essential non communicable diseases, sound understanding and experience on development of health plan, policy, framework strategy, guideline etc.
• Demonstrated experience in developing health policy, framework, and programs at all levels, working in strengthening health systems.
• Understanding of the NRCS structure, mandates, capacities, and its auxiliary role to public authorities (preferred)
• Skills in facilitation of meeting and workshop. 
• Evidence of having undertaken similar assignments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, sound comprehension, analytical and interpersonal abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Nepali.

How to apply

Interested firm or team of experts should submit the following documents no later than October 12, 2025 17:00 HRs NPT to Aliza BAIDYA at Aliza.BAIDYA@ifrc.org Please be informed that the technical and financial proposal must be submitted as separate documents. The incomplete proposal in all respects and proposal submitted after deadline will not be considered.

1. A technical and financial proposal demonstrating a clear understanding of this ToR.

2. Detailed CVs of each team member, including contact information for atleast two references.

3. An application letter explaining suitability for undertaking the consultancy.

4. Samples of similar assignments (if any).

5. For firms:

• Organizational profile with a brief overview and relevant experience.
• Copy of valid company/firm registration certificate.
• Copy of tax registration certificate.
• Copy of the latest tax clearance certificate or tax exemption letter (for the most recent fiscal year).

6. For a team of experts: PAN numbers of the team leader and all members.

We thank you in advance for understanding that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the next step in the application process.