Terms of Reference (ToR): Hiring of Consultancy Services for Development of an Animated Video on Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Hiring of Consultancy Services for Development of an Animated Video on Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction

1. Organizational Background

KOSHISH is a national-level organization established in 2008 to promote mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in Nepal. Registered with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu (Reg. No. 086/065) and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council, Nepal (Reg. No. 25677), KOSHISH is recognized as an Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) focused on psychosocial disability. It has been a member organization of the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN) since 2066/07/19 B.S.

2. Project Information

The project “Strengthening Health Systems for the Provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Services in Municipalities of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Provinces” is an 18-month initiative (November 2025 – April 2027), funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and implemented by KOSHISH in close coordination with local governments.

Target Locations:

• Panchadewal Binayak Municipality, Achham (Sudurpaschim Province)
• Triveni Municipality, Bajura (Sudurpaschim Province)
• Bijaynagar Rural Municipality, Kapilbastu (Lumbini Province)

Project Goal (Impact Level): Strengthened health systems for sustainable provision of quality MHPSS services in the target municipalities of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Provinces.

Project Objective (Outcome Level): Improved accessibility and quality of MHPSS services for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, OPDs, persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities, Dalit’s, women, and other vulnerable populations, in alignment with the "Leave No One Behind" (LNOB) principle.

3. Objective of the Assignment

General Objective

To develop an engaging, culturally appropriate and evidence-based animated video in Nepali/local languages that promotes awareness of mental health, reduces stigma and discrimination and encourages utilization of MHPSS services.

Specific Objectives

• Increase public understanding of common mental health conditions.
• Address myths, misconceptions and stigma associated with mental health problems.
• Promote positive attitudes towards individuals living with mental health conditions.
• Encourage timely help-seeking behavior and utilization of available MHPSS services.
• Disseminate key messages in a culturally sensitive and locally understandable format.
• Support advocacy efforts of local governments, health facilities, and community stakeholders on mental health promotion.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant/consultancy firm shall undertake the following tasks:

A. Inception and Planning

• Conduct a consultation meeting with the project team.
• Review available project documents, mental health awareness materials and relevant national guidelines. 
• Develop a detailed work plan and production methodology.
• Submit an inception report outlining the approach, timeline and storyboard development process.

B. Script and Storyboard Development

• Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders, mental health professionals, service providers, and project representatives.
• Develop concept notes and creative approaches for the animated video.
• Develop character designs and visual concepts.
• Produce high-quality 2D and/or motion graphics animation.
• Prepare scripts in Nepali and/or local language.
• Develop detailed storyboards for approval.
• Ensure all visual representations are gender-sensitive, disability-inclusive, culturally appropriate, and non-stigmatizing.
• Incorporate project branding and donor visibility requirements.

The script should include:

• Basic understanding of mental health and wellbeing.
• Common mental health problems and their signs.
• Mental health myths and facts.
• Stigma and discrimination experienced by affected individuals.
• Importance of family and community support.
• Available MHPSS services and referral pathways.
• Call to action encouraging help-seeking behavior.
• Use simple and engaging visual storytelling;
• Be suitable for audiences with varying literacy levels.
• Employ positive, recovery-oriented messaging;
• Use accessible colors, typography, and graphics.

C. Video Production

The consultant shall:

• Produce animation sequences and visual illustrations.
• Arrange professional voice-over in local language if required.
• Ensure gender-sensitive, disability-inclusive and culturally appropriate representation.

D. Editing and Post-Production

• Video editing and motion graphics development.
• Audio enhancement and sound design.
• Subtitle preparation (Nepali and English where required).
• Integration of project branding and donor visibility requirements.
• Incorporation of feedback from the project team.

E. Finalization

• Produce final approved versions of the video.
• Deliver all source files and editable materials.
• Provide dissemination-ready formats for social media, community screenings and television broadcasting where applicable.

5. Deliverables

The consultant/firm shall submit the following deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Inception Report (methodology, tools and work plan).

Deliverable 2: Concept Note

Deliverable 3: Script in Nepali Language and local language if required

Deliverable 4: Storyboard

Deliverable 5: Character and visual design samples

Deliverable 6: First cut/draft video 

Deliverable 7: Revised video after feedback.

Deliverable 6: Final animated video with English subtitles and sign language.

Deliverable 7: Source files, subtitles and dissemination package

6. Technical Specifications

The final video shall meet the following minimum requirements:

Video Length

• One animated video of approximately 10–12-minutes with one minute teaser versions and short social media cuts (30-60 seconds).

Formats

• 2D digital animation
• Full HD (1920 × 1080)
• MP4 format
• Social media optimized versions:
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • TikTok/Reels
  • WhatsApp sharing version

Language

• Nepali and/or relevant local language.
• Nepali/English subtitles.

Quality Standards

• Professional audio recording.
• Clear narration and voice-over.
• High-quality animation and graphics.
• Inclusive and culturally sensitive content.
• Compliance with ethical communication standards.

7. Duration of Assignment

The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within 3 Months from the date of contract signing.

8. Required Qualifications

The consulting firm should have:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in animation production or social behavior change communication (SBCC)material development.
• Proven experience in health, mental health, psychosocial support or social development sectors.
• Experience producing awareness and advocacy videos for development partners, NGOs, INGOs, or government agencies.
• Strong portfolio of animation products.

9. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant shall work under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and coordinate closely with the designated project coordinator and the communication department of KOSHISH. All deliverables shall be reviewed and approved by the project team before final acceptance.

10. Ethical Considerations

The consultant must:

• Avoid content that may reinforce stigma or discrimination.
• Follow safeguarding and child protection principles where applicable.
• Ensure compliance with national communication and media regulations.

11. Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultancy firms are requested to submit the following documents:

• Technical Proposal (Maximum 5-8 Pages)
• Financial Proposal (submitted separately)
• Company registration documents
• PAN/VAT registration certificate
• Evidence of similar work experience

12. Ownership of Products

All materials produced under this assignment, including scripts, animations, graphics, photographs, audio recordings, source files and final videos, shall remain the exclusive property of the KOSHISH. The consultant shall not reproduce, distribute or use the materials for any purpose without prior written approval.

The proposal should reach the address below either by courier or hand delivery by 11th August 2026, before COB. Please enclose “Proposal for Development of Documentary/Animated Video on Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction” in a sealed envelope and drop it at the following address: KOSHISH Central Office, Balkhu, Kathmandu (For location, please visit www.koshish.org.np)

Note:

1. KOSHISH promotes equal opportunities and encourages applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities.
2. KOSHISH is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals and maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or any other form of harm. All shortlisted candidates should be required to comply with KOSHISH’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct and will undergo appropriate safeguarding checks.
3. KOSHISH reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any.