Terms of Reference (ToR) for Mapping Green Fund Ecosystem and Partnership Development in Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR)

for

Mapping Green Fund Ecosystem and Partnership Development in Nepal

1. Background

Heifer International Nepal is committed to transforming rural communities by co-creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems, with smallholder farmers at the forefront of change. Since 1997, Heifer has partnered with nearly 500,000 families, supporting their journey from subsistence to prosperity through community-driven agriculture and livestock initiatives. Grounded in the principles of sustainable, locally led development, Heifer places women, youth, marginalized, and climate-vulnerable groups at the heart of its work, fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that every solution reflects local and indigenous knowledge, values, and context.

Heifer International Nepal seeks to strengthen its engagement with climate funds and green investment mechanisms, particularly within the Green Climate Fund (GCF) ecosystem and related climate funds (e.g., Adaptation Fund (AF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Climate Investment Funds (CIF), International Climate Initiative (IKI), Mitigation Action Facility (MAF), etc.).

Nepal has an evolving landscape of climate finance actors, including government institutions (e.g., National Designated Authority), accredited entities, delivery partners, and implementing organizations. However, a comprehensive mapping and strategic engagement plan is needed for Heifer to position itself within this ecosystem and build partnerships.

In this context, Heifer International Nepal is looking for a consultant/firm for their expert services for mapping the Green Fund ecosystem and facilitate partnership development in Nepal.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective is to:

• Map the Green Fund ecosystem in Nepal, including key actors, projects, and fund flows 
• Identify strategic entry points for Heifer International Nepal
• Facilitate initial relationship-building and partnerships with relevant stakeholders

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

3.1 Ecosystem Mapping

• Identify and map all relevant climate funding mechanisms operating in Nepal, including Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund (AF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Mitigation Action Facility (MAF), International Climate Initiative (IKI), Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and other relevant bilateral/multilateral climate funds 
• Map key stakeholders, including Government entities (e.g., National Designated Authority, relevant ministries), Accredited Entities (national, regional, international), Executing Entities, and delivery partners, NGOs, INGOs, and private sector actors. 
• Analyze roles, relationships, and influence among actors

3.2 Project Mapping and Analysis

• Develop an inventory of ongoing and pipeline projects funded by climate funds in Nepal 
• Analyze thematic focus areas (e.g., agriculture, resilience, livelihoods, mitigation), geographic coverage, funding volumes and modalities, and implementing partners 
• Identify gaps and opportunities aligned with Heifer’s programming (e.g., food system, climate-smart agriculture and livestock, livelihoods, resilience)

3.3 Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Opportunities

• Identify priority stakeholders for Heifer engagement 
• Assess partnership potential with: Accredited Entities, Government bodies, and Project implementers 
• Recommend strategic positioning for Heifer (e.g., executing partner, consortium member, technical partner)

3.4 Relationship-Building Support

• Facilitate introductions and initial engagement with key stakeholders 
• Support organization of stakeholder consultation meetings/roundtables, and bilateral meetings with priority actors 
• Guide engagement strategy and messaging

3.5 Strategic Recommendations

• Develop a clear roadmap for Heifer to engage in the green fund ecosystem, including short-, medium-, and long-term actions, priority partnerships, and potential project ideas or concepts

4. Deliverables

The consultant will deliver:

1. Inception Report (within 3 days) 
2. Ecosystem Mapping Report 
3. Project Inventory and Analysis 
4. Partnership & Engagement Strategy 
5. Facilitated Engagement Outputs 
6. Final Report and Presentation

5. Duration:

The total duration of the assignment is 3 months (level of effort: 60 days), divided into two phases:

• Phase I: Mapping, assessment, and positioning planning
• Phase II: Relationship and partnership building

6. Required Qualification

The consultant (or firm) should have:

• Advanced degree in climate finance, environmental policy, development studies, or related field 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Climate finance (especially GCF/GEF/AF), stakeholder mapping and institutional analysis, and partnership development 
• Strong understanding of Nepal’s climate policy landscape, Government systems, and key institutions 
• Demonstrated experience working with accredited entities, green funds, and Government stakeholders 
• Proven ability to facilitate high-level stakeholder engagement 
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills

7. Reporting and Coordination

• The consultant will report to: Ms. Sumnima Shrestha, Associate Director of Partnership and Business Development 
• Weekly check-ins 
• Coordination with the program and thematic leads of Heifer Nepal

8. Proposal Requirements

Interested individuals and organizations are invited to submit applications to Procurement-NP@heifer.org with the email title “Application for the mapping green fund management” by 17th May 2026, 5 : 00 PM:

• Cover letter
• Technical proposal (approach, methodology, timeline) 
• Financial proposal 
• Relevant experience and portfolio 
• CV(s) of key personnel 
• At least 2 references
• Company registration certificate
• VAT certificate
• Tax clearance FY 081-82

9. Evaluation Criteria

• Relevant experience (25%) 
• Technical approach and methodology (30%) 
• Understanding of Nepal’s green fund landscape (25%) 
• Cost-effectiveness (20%)

Note: VAT-registered vendors are encouraged to apply.

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