Terms of Reference to Develop and Roll-out “Training on Agri-Advocacy and Policy Lobby”

Terms of Reference to Develop and Roll-out “Training on Agri-Advocacy and Policy Lobby”

1. Background

Heifer International Nepal is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since its inception in 1957, Heifer has impacted the lives of over 400,000 families through agriculture and livestock programs, focusing on empowering rural women. By creating Self-help Groups and Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperatives (SEWCs), Heifer helps build resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods. With a holistic approach, Heifer collaborates with local governments and partners, engages youth to improve agricultural practices, supports women-led cooperatives, and creates lasting economic change. Its mission is to ensure families achieve sustainable living incomes, with access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare, while driving progress toward more inclusive and resilient agri-food systems.

SEWCs have played a pivotal role in mobilizing women in rural Nepal by promoting sustainable, income-generating activities. These cooperatives are primarily engaged in livestock farming, dairy and vegetable production and agro-based entrepreneurship. Among these, goat farming and milk production are the most prevalent. Beyond individual economic empowerment, SEWCs foster broader local economic development and work closely with government agencies. In some of the districts and provinces these SEWCs are organized and have formed unions and federations. Further Heifer also works with other thematic federations to implement programs relating to dairy and supports them on business enabling environment. While working with these cooperatives it was identified that the cooperatives are facing several policy hurdles and barriers which are to be addressed for broader cooperative sector development. In this light, the assignment aims to strengthen capacity of SEWCs, and other cooperatives on lobby and advocacy.

2. Objectives

The overall objective of this workshop is to build capacity of SEWCs and other cooperatives on advocacy tools, member consultation, policy proposal preparation and lobby mapping. Below are the specific objectives of this workshop:

• Develop knowledge and skills of participants on business enabling environment, lobby and advocacy tools.
• Develop lobby and advocacy training package inclusive of content, sessions, and participant handbook.
• Facilitate 3-day training inclusive of tools and action plan.

3. Deliverables:

I. Develop training content, schedule, slide deck inclusive of sessions on member consultation, participatory research, policy proposal development, lobby mapping etc.

II. Conduct 3-day training to all the participating cooperatives and ensure all participants develop competencies in training content and implementation.

III. Finalize the training materials and kits required for the training.

IV. Submit all training documents, training report and assignment completion report to HPIN.

5. Duration

The assignment is expected to take 10 days inclusive of preparation, 3 days’ training and reporting.

6. Reporting & Supervision

The consultant/team will work under the direct supervision of Program Manager- Cooperative Development and coordinate closely with designated focal point in SEWA Nepal. Regular progress updates will be provided as agreed.

7. Required Qualification and Expertise

Firms or individuals meeting the following are encouraged to apply:

• Master’s degree in social science, policy studies or other relevant field.
• Proven experience (five years or more) and expertise in agriculture policy lobby, policy research, policy recommendations, or advocacy.
• Strong understanding of agri-development projects, farmers advocacy and agriculture policies.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agri-SMEs in Nepal or similar contexts.
• Demonstrated capacity on training package development and facilitation skills.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

8. Application Process

Qualified applicants are invited to submit the application to Procurement-NP@heifer.org with the title “Application for Policy Lobby” by no later than 20th November 2025, 5 : 00 PM along with the following documents.

1. A cover letter outlining interest in the assignment, availability within given timeframe.
2. A technical proposal outlining understanding of the ToR, methodology, work plan, and team composition.
3. Financial proposal (with budget breakdown)
4. CVs of key personnel (not exceeding 3 pages each).
5. Relevant work samples (two recent documents or reports), or references.
6. Company/Firm registration certificate
7. A copy of PAN/VAT certificate
8. Tax clearance certificate FY 081-82

Heifer reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process and reject all Proposals at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to affected individuals.