Expression of Interest (EOI) for Workforce Optimization and Localization Alignment Review Consultancy

dZi Foundation:

dZi Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization that partners with rural communities in Nepal to achieve lasting prosperity by addressing barriers to basic needs, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and strengthening local capacity for transformational change. Guided by our strategic plan, we continuously adapt to evolving development and policy environments, with a sharpened focus on partnerships, local ownership, and long-term sustainability beyond external investments.

1. Call for Proposals

dZi Foundation/Nepal invites technical and financial proposals from qualified, independent Human Resource (HR) consulting firms or organizational development experts to conduct a Workforce Optimization and Localization Alignment Review for its Nepal Country Office (NCO).

dZi Foundation/Nepal is seeking an objective, third-party assessment to support its strategic transition. As dZi Foundation advances its localization drive- increasing resource allocations directly to field-level execution through local implementing partners- this independent review will identify the exact operational alignment needed between our core office structure and the long-term goals of the dZi Foundation/Nepal current Strategic Plan.

2. Specific Objectives & Scope

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a forward-looking gap analysis comparing the human resource capacities currently available within the country office against the optimal structure required to deliver our localized strategic plan. The final third-party recommendations will provide management with an impartial, evidence-based foundation for future organizational design and resource optimization. The scope of work encompasses two core dimensions: 

A. Strategic Resource Mapping & Alignment

• Role Optimization & Relevancy: Evaluate the scoping, utility, and distribution of roles within the current lean structure (approximately 12–13 staff members) relative to upcoming strategic shifts. 
• Operational Efficiency: Perform a high-level review of functional outputs against core operational needs to ensure optimal resource utility. 
• Institutional Value Integration: Assess organizational culture alignment and compliance with updated institutional HR policies.

B. Localization Readiness & Gap Analysis

• Strategic Plan Gap Identification: Systematically identify the functional gaps between what is structurally required to execute dZi’s decentralized strategic vision and the existing in-house staffing configuration. 
• Field-Partner Transition Capacity: Analyze operational workflows to determine how core office functions can be seamlessly streamlined as greater implementation responsibilities shift directly to local partners.

3. Key Activities & Methodology

The selected consultant/firm will deploy a rapid, non-disruptive methodology tailored for a lean and agile team environment: 

• Strategic Desk Review: Analyze existing organizational charts, job descriptions, institutional strategic plans, and relevant HR policies. 
• Structured 1-on-1 Consultations: Conduct confidential, brief, and structured interviews with all 12–13 staff members to gather objective data on workload distribution, operational bottlenecks, and workflow alignment. 
• Capability Matrix Mapping: Create an analytical matrix mapping current in-office capacities directly against the resource demands of the localized delivery model.

4. Deliverables

The consultant will provide clear, data-driven, and impartial deliverables within the agreed-upon timeframe: 

1. Inception Tools & Interview Guide: Finalized work plan, mobilization of desk review criteria, and a structured, diplomatic interview framework. 
2. Draft Alignment Report & Gap Matrix: A preliminary analysis mapping structural trends, resource alignment gaps, and localization readiness indicators. 
3. Final Review & Optimization Roadmap: A comprehensive, final independent report incorporating leadership feedback and providing objective structural recommendations to guide future management decisions.

5. Fast-Track Timeline and Duration

To minimize operational disruption and ensure findings directly inform upcoming institutional planning cycles, this assignment must be completed on an accelerated schedule within 10 working days (2 weeks) between July 15, 2026, and July 28, 2026. The final, unedited roadmap must be in management's hands no later than July 28, 2026, to allow for administrative review. 

6. Minimum Qualifications of the Consultant/Firm

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5 years of verified experience in corporate organizational design, human resource consulting, or strategic workforce planning with lean team structures. 
• Sector Capability: Clear understanding of the INGO/NGO development sector in Nepal, specifically regarding localized governance, partnership management, and remote-area community development models. 
• Diplomacy & Objectivity: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven track record of maintaining absolute confidentiality and conducting impartial organizational reviews. 
• Resource Readiness: Immediate availability to dedicate concentrated, high-impact level of effort to meet the tight institutional deadline.

7. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on a cumulative scoring matrix split across technical competence and value for money: 

8. Submission Guidelines

Interested and eligible firms/consultants should submit their EOI pack containing:

• Cover Letter: Signed by the lead consultant or an authorized partner. 
• Technical Proposal: A brief strategic methodology outlining how you will manage the fast-track timeline and deliver objective, third-party recommendations (maximum 2–3 pages). 
• Financial Proposal: A lump-sum financial breakdown inclusive of all applicable taxes. 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed professional profile of the lead analyst(s) designated for this exercise. 
• References: Evidence or references for at least 2 similar organizational structure or workforce reviews successfully completed.

Submission Email: procurement.np@dzi.org   

Subject Line: EOI for Workforce Optimization and Localization Alignment Review  

Deadline: On or before July 14, 2026

File Size Limit: Submissions must not exceed 10 MB 

Note: Telephone inquiries will not be entertained. Canvassing at any stage will result in automatic disqualification. dZi Foundation reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason whatsoever.