Terms of Reference (ToR) Capacity Development Training to CDMCs/TLOs for Disaster Preparedness and DRR planning, linking with local planning

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Capacity Development Training to CDMCs/TLOs for Disaster Preparedness and DRR planning, linking with local planning

Organizational Context:

Established in 2001, ISET-Nepal is a catalytic Think Tank specializing in policy research and piloting initiatives at the ground level. It conducts interdisciplinary studies, pilots activities, implements programs, and facilitates policy dialogues addressing social and environmental challenges. It conducts multidisciplinary research and piloting and engages in interactions concerning various critical areas, including environmental issues, water resources, technology, politics, and societal dynamics. ISET-Nepal generates empirical evidence to inform policies across five key themes: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Changing Rural-Urban Continuum, Climate, Water, Ecosystem, Food and Livelihood Interdependence, Energy System and Management, and Public-Sector Governance. By enhancing knowledge and capacities, ISET-Nepal strives to foster a society capable of effectively managing these challenges.

Organizational Context:

Established in 2001, ISET-Nepal is a catalytic Think Tank specializing in policy research and piloting initiatives at the ground level. It conducts interdisciplinary studies, pilots activities, implements programs, and facilitates policy dialogues addressing social and environmental challenges. It conducts multidisciplinary research and piloting and engages in interactions concerning various critical areas, including environmental issues, water resources, technology, politics, and societal dynamics. ISET-Nepal generates empirical evidence to inform policies across five key themes: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Changing Rural-Urban Continuum, Climate, Water, Ecosystem, Food and Livelihood Interdependence, Energy System and Management, and Public-Sector Governance. By enhancing knowledge and capacities, ISET-Nepal strives to foster a society capable of effectively managing these challenges.

Project Overview:

ISET Nepal, with support from DCA Nepal, is implementing an urban Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project called "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions–Making Cities Resilient (NEXUS-Plus)" in the Changunarayan Municipality. This initiative aims to promote resilient and sustainable urban growth in an area prone to multiple disasters due to rapid urbanization, hilly terrain, fragile geology, and climate change impacts. Changunarayan Municipality has been advancing in disaster preparedness and management, but requires external support in terms of knowledge and resources.

The project targets vulnerable populations, including low-and middle-income groups, women, marginalized communities, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Implemented between 2021 and 2022, the project "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions" aims to reduce vulnerability to recurrent disasters in Changunarayan Municipality. The initiative has garnered interest from the municipality and its residents due to the tangible benefits observed. It has supported green enterprises in enhancing resilience amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, promoting sustainable livelihood practices. Moreover, the project has influenced local policies to strengthen disaster resilience within the city.

1.     Background

This activity involves organizing targeted training programs for Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) and Tole Lane Organizations (TLOs), which are key local-level institutions responsible for disaster response and preparedness. These trainings will focus on:

• Understanding disaster risk in the local context (hazard mapping, vulnerability, and capacity assessments).
• Emergency preparedness and response protocols, including early warning systems, evacuation planning, and first aid.
• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) planning techniques, using participatory tools and inclusive approaches.
• Integration of DRR into local development planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with the Local Government Operation Act, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, and other relevant frameworks.

2.     Activity Objective

• To improve the preparedness and response capacity of communities, the private sector, and local authorities to effectively cope with disaster risks in Nepal.
• This objective focuses on building institutional and community-level resilience by empowering key stakeholders—including grassroots organizations, local government bodies, and the private sector—through knowledge, skills, and integrated planning approaches. The aim is to foster a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable disaster risk management framework that aligns with national policies and local development priorities.

Specific Objectives:

The specific objectives are as follows: 

• Building awareness and knowledge on local disaster risks and vulnerabilities.
• Strengthening community-level planning skills aligned with the 7-step planning process of the municipality.
• Facilitating the mainstreaming of DRR into local development plans.
• Promoting participatory risk assessment and planning approaches at the ward and tole levels.
• Ensuring inclusive representation and participation of vulnerable groups in DRR planning

3.     Scope of the Activity

1.    Risk and Vulnerability Awareness

• Conduct orientation sessions on common hazards (earthquakes, landslides, floods, fires, etc.) specific to Changunarayan Municipality.
• Analyze historical disaster data and local risk profiles to identify high-risk zones and vulnerable communities (e.g., elderly, children, marginalized groups).
• Facilitate participatory disaster risk mapping and hazard identification at the ward and tole levels.

2.    Understanding the 7-Step Planning Process

• Introduce participants to Nepal’s 7-step local planning process, with emphasis on the entry points for DRR integration.
• Clarify the roles of CDMCs and TLOs in each step, especially in need identification, prioritization, and planning at the community and ward levels.
• Provide examples of DRR-related projects successfully integrated into past municipal planning cycles.

3.    Capacity Strengthening for Community Planning

• Train participants in needs assessment, proposal writing, and evidence-based prioritization of DRR actions.
• Develop skills for mobilizing local resources and leveraging municipal funding (e.g., Local Disaster Risk Management Fund, Ward-level budgets).
• Promote inclusive planning by engaging women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

4.    Linking Community DRR Plans with Municipal Planning

• Support the preparation or refinement of community-level DRR and preparedness plans.
• Align these plans with ward priorities to ensure their reflection in the annual municipal planning documents (Ward Profiles, Annual Programs).
• Encourage coordination with Ward Committees and Municipal Planning Units to institutionalize DRR actions.

5.    Knowledge Sharing and Coordination Mechanisms

• Establish channels for regular dialogue and coordination between CDMCs, TLOs, and local government units.
• Document and disseminate good practices and success stories from the training to inspire replication in other wards

4.     Methodology

• This methodology emphasizes participation, practical planning, and institutional linkage, ensuring the training has a direct impact on DRR integration into the local 7-step planning process.

1.     Participatory Learning Approach

• Use interactive and adult learning methods (e.g., storytelling, role plays, group discussions) to engage CDMC and TLO members with varying literacy levels.

2.     Localized Risk Profiling

• Collect and review existing disaster risk assessments, ward profiles, and past incident reports from Changunarayan Municipality.
• Facilitate participatory vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA) at the tole and ward levels.

3.     Training Workshops (Modular Format)

Conduct structured training in modules, with each module aligned to a segment of the scope:

• Module 1: Introduction to DRR, local hazards, and vulnerabilities
• Module 2: Roles and responsibilities of CDMCs/TLOs in disaster preparedness
• Module 3: Nepal’s 7-step local planning process and DRR entry points
• Module 4: Linking community DRR plans with municipal planning mechanisms
• Module 5: Proposal writing and planning tools (e.g., problem tree, objective tree, prioritization matrix)
• Module 6: Simulation and action planning

5.     Possible Participants:

• All members of 4 Tole Level Organizations 
• Maximum of 150 participants

6.     Duration: 5 days – 5 Events (May 2025)

7.     Deliverables

#Understanding the 7-Step Planning Process

Orientation Summary Report on the 7-Step Process

Session notes, visual aids, and handouts are used to explain the local planning process, roles, and responsibilities of communities.

DRR Entry Points Mapping Tool

A simple, localized reference sheet showing how and where DRR activities can be integrated across the 7 steps, with examples

Draft Community DRR Action Plans

Plans developed by CDMCs/TLOs in line with municipal formats, linked to Steps 2 (Need Identification) and 3 (Prioritization) of the planning process.

Capacity Assessment Summary

Pre and post-training assessment results showed improved understanding of DRR concepts and the 7-step process among participants.

List of Proposed DRR Projects for Ward/Municipal Planning

Community-identified DRR interventions are ready to be proposed at the ward planning forums.

8. Reporting

• Establish clear communication channels for training with stakeholders
• Support the reporting documents on DRR linking with the 7-step planning process at the local level.
• Reports should be submitted in the Nepali version. 

9. Qualifications

The expected qualifications and competencies required for the Consultant include: 

• At least M.A degree 
• Having experience of 10 years in the field of DRR and the local planning process
• Strong Group facilitation skills and community organizing skills.
• Ability to communicate fluently in Nepali and English, both verbally and in writing
• Skill in information management
• Computer Skills and experience

10.     Consultancy Budgeting

The consultant will be paid based on the agreed per project/activities, without additional coverage for travel, accommodation, and other relevant expenses.

https://Request for Proposal/Iset-Nepal

https://Submission Form-IsetNepal

Submission date: 06 May 2025

Submission Email: procurement@isetnepal.org.np