Research Methods Consultant–E-ticketing Adoption Study

Terms of Reference

Research Methods Consultant–E-ticketing Adoption Study

1. Background

Association for  International  Solidarity in  Asia  (ASIA  Nepal)  is implementing an applied research study on the adoption of open-loop e-ticketing in Nepal's public transport under the SET4NPL programme. The SET4NPL project is financed by the  Mitigation  Action Facility.  Gesellschaft für  Internationale  Zusammenarbeit  (GIZ)  and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) are jointly implementing the project in Nepal in close cooperation with the  Ministry of  Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) and other partners. The study examines whether passengers,  drivers and conductors change how they pay and collect fares once digital ticketing is switched on, following the rollout route by route: first in the Kathmandu Valley, then on intercity and rural routes.

The first pilot is expected to go live around the end of August 2026, subject to confirmation. Before that date, the study must capture a passenger payment baseline on the pilot routes–a one-off reading that cannot be repeated

once the system is active. ASIA is concurrently recruiting its full-time study team (a Field Research Specialist and a Research Assistant), expected in post by mid-August. The consultant contracted under these ToR will prepare a complete initial methods package during this transition, ensure that the first wave is ready for immediate deployment, and provide continuing methodological support and independent quality assurance to the study team across later waves and outputs.

2. Purpose of the consultancy

ASIA seeks a hands-on research methods consultant to provide methodological support across the full duration of the E-ticketing Adoption Study. The consultancy has three principal functions:

• Initial methods preparation: prepare a complete initial methodological package covering the foundational research layers, quantitative and qualitative instruments, digital data-collection forms, sampling and case- selection approaches, field protocols, training materials, data-quality procedures and analytical framework. The tools required for the Wave 1 baseline will be prioritised and made immediately deployment-ready. The package will be tested, refined and operationalised under the leadership of the Field Research Specialist once in post.
• Collaborative adaptation: work with and support the Field Research Specialist and Research Assistant in refining,  piloting,  translating,  programming and adapting the initial methods package for subsequent cohorts and streams, including the full before-and-after design from Wave 2 onward and the re-grounding required for intercity and rural contexts. The Field Research Specialist leads these adaptations and retains day-to-day ownership.
• Independent methodological quality assurance: review study designs, instruments, fieldwork arrangements, analytical approaches and all principal research deliverables before submission, identifying methodological risks, inconsistencies, limitations and recommended revisions. Final decisions on the incorporation of recommendations rest with ASIA.

This is a practical, delivery-focused role. It requires quick turnaround on concrete outputs and close collaboration with ASIA's research team rather than long-form standalone reporting. The consultant provides initial methods preparation,  technical support and independent methodological review,  without substituting for or managing the study team.

Link:

Detailed ToR

Annex 1_Research design

How to apply

Individual consultants: send a CV (maximum 4 pages), one example of a field instrument you have personally designed (any format), and a brief financial offer.

Firms: send a short proposal (maximum 2 pages) naming the individual lead consultant who will personally deliver the work, that person's CV (maximum 4 pages), one example of a field instrument they have personally designed, and a brief financial offer. The named lead consultant's profile is what will be assessed, and that person is expected to deliver the work personally.

Proposals shall state: (i) the total fixed fee for the Block 1 deliverables; (ii) the level of effort in days considered necessary;  and (iii)  the proposed day rate for any subsequent assignments. The proposed day rate should remain valid through the anticipated study period unless otherwise agreed in writing. Proposals will be assessed on technical merit–including the realism of the proposed level of effort–and financial offer, weighted 70/30.

Application deadline: Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 17:00

Send to: e.assini@asia-ngo.org (cc n.gurung@asia-ngo.org and n.acharya@asia-ngo.org)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a one-hour interview, including a short practical exercise on the study's first-wave design and data. Immediate availability will be verified.