Consultant/Facilitator for Inter-Party District-Level Political Dialogue

Center for Dalit Women Nepal

Shankhamul Marg, New Baneshwor

Kathmandu, Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultant/Facilitator for Inter-Party District-Level Political Dialogue

1. Background and Context

Center for Dalit Women Nepal (CDWN) is a national non-governmental organization committed to empowering Dalit and marginalized communities to claim their rights, achieve economic independence, and live with dignity. Established in March 2016 by Dalit women activists and parliamentarians, CDWN works across Nepal to promote inclusive governance and eliminate all forms of discrimination.

In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation (TAF), CDWN is implementing the project titled “Fostering Effective and Inclusive Sub-national Governance Program” in five municipalities across all five provinces: Bhimeshwor, Waling, Tansen, Tikapur, and Birendranagar municipalities. The project is aimed to achieve a stable, effective and inclusive sub-national governments of Nepal that cater the need of the women, disabled and the marginalized communities through policy support, institution building and capacity building at the local government to strengthen inclusive planning, decision-making and service delivery with the expectation that the program will strengthen institutional structures and systems, and the service delivery systems and mechanisms will be more efficient, effective, GEDSI responsive and accountable. 

To promote meaningful and equitable political participation of women, particularly Dalit women, Person with Disability and other marginalized groups, CDWN will organize five Inter-Party District-Level Political Dialogue Workshops in Bagmati, Syangja, Palpa, Surkhet, and Kailali districts. The dialogues will bring together district-level representatives of major political parties to reflect on existing barriers to women's political leadership, review commitments made during previous municipal-level dialogues, and foster cross-party dialogue on creating more inclusive and gender-responsive party structures.

CDWN invites applications from qualified consultants/facilitators to facilitate these district-level political dialogue workshops.

2. Scope of Work

This consultancy will be responsible for:

• Facilitating five Inter-Party District-Level Political Dialogue Workshops in Bagmati, Syangja, Palpa, Surkhet, and Kailali districts.
• Reviewing the objectives and expected outcomes of the dialogue.
• Facilitating impartial, inclusive, and evidence-based discussions among representatives of different political parties.
• Encouraging constructive dialogue on strengthening women's political leadership and inclusive candidate selection.
• Guiding discussions on institutionalizing mentoring and leadership development mechanisms within political party structures.
• Supporting participants to reflect on commitments made during previous inter-party municipal dialogues and identify actions for future implementation.
• Preparing a concise facilitation report summarizing key discussions, commitments, recommendations, and follow-up actions after each workshop.
• Coordinating closely with the CDWN project team throughout the assignment.

3. Deliverables

The consultant will submit:

• Facilitation plan and discussion approach prior to the workshops.
• Facilitation of five district-level political dialogue workshops.
• A brief workshop report for each district/consolidated, including key discussion points, commitments, recommendations, participant observations, and agreed follow-up actions.

4. Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Governance, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Law, or a related discipline.
• At least seven years of professional experience in governance, democratic processes, political systems, public policy, or political dialogue facilitation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Nepal's political party structures, electoral processes, and local governance. 
• Proven experience facilitating multi-stakeholder or political dialogue processes involving diverse actors.
• Strong understanding of women's political leadership, gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), and inclusive governance.
• Experience working with elected representatives, political parties, government institutions, and civil society organizations.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills in both Nepali and English.
• The consultant must maintain political neutrality and impartiality and should not have any active affiliation that could compromise the credibility of the dialogue process.

5. Duration of the assignment

The consultancy will cover the facilitation of five district-level dialogue workshops and preparation of workshop and the required report/reports. The assignment is expected to be completed within the agreed project schedule in coordination with the CDWN team.

6. Documents to be submitted

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A cover letter demonstrating relevant experience and suitability for the assignment
• The expected consultancy fee, clearly indicated in the cover letter

Applying Procedure: Interested candidates are requested to send the required documents at cdwn2021@gmail.com by 10 August 2026, 17:00 hrs. Please include "Application for Consultant – Inter-Party District-Level Political Dialogue" in the subject line.

CDWN reserves the right to shortlist or not to shortlist any or all applicants without assigning any reasons whatsoever. Inter-party district-level.