Terms of Reference (ToR) - Individual Consultant / Consultancy Firm for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Success Case Story Documentation

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Individual Consultant / Consultancy Firm for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Success Case Story Documentation

1. Background

The NEXUS Project: Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Action has been implemented in Changunarayan Municipality, Bhaktapur, since 2022. The project aims to strengthen urban resilience and promote sustainable development in alignment with the principles and priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. Through collaborative efforts among local government, communities, and development partners, the project has introduced several Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) interventions to enhance ecosystem resilience, disaster risk reduction, environmental conservation, and community livelihoods.

Key NBS initiatives have been implemented in Nagarkot and surrounding areas. These interventions have contributed to soil conservation, water recharge, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and community resilience. To capture lessons learned, achievements, challenges, and community impacts, the project seeks to engage an Individual Consultant or Consultancy Firm to document a comprehensive NBS Success Case Story.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The primary purpose of this assignment is to document the success stories, outcomes, lessons learned, and impacts of Nature-Based Solutions interventions implemented under the NEXUS Project in Changunarayan Municipality. The documentation will serve as evidence of project achievements and as a knowledge product for learning, advocacy, replication, and scaling of NBS approaches.

3. Objectives

The consultant/firm shall:

• Document the implementation process and achievements of NBS interventions undertaken under the NEXUS Project. 
• Capture community experiences, perceptions, and benefits resulting from NBS practices. 
• Document lessons learned, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for future replication and scaling. 
• Produce a high-quality success case story publication with compelling narratives, photographs, and stakeholder perspectives. 

4. Scope of Work

The consultant/firm shall undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

A. Desk Review

• Review project reports, progress reports, monitoring data, feasibility studies, and relevant project documents. 
• Review NBS-related project interventions implemented since 2022. 

B. Field Visit and Data Collection

• Conduct field visits to: 
  • Bakhari Gaun, Nagarkot 
  • Kusum Community Forest 
  • Nagarkot Community Homestay 
  • Mount Everest Football Ground 
  • Temple premises where bamboo plantation was undertaken 
• Observe and document NBS interventions. 
• Conduct interviews and consultations with: 
  • Beneficiary households
  • Community leaders
  • Forest user groups
  • Municipal representatives
  • Project stakeholders
  • Community Homestay representatives

C. Success Story Development

Develop detailed case stories highlighting: 

• Situation before intervention
• NBS interventions implemented
• Community participation and ownership
• Environmental and social impacts
• Contribution to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience
• Economic and livelihood benefits
• Sustainability and future potential

D. Photography and Documentation

• Capture high-quality photographs of intervention sites and beneficiaries.
• Collect testimonials and quotations from community members and stakeholders. 
• Document visible changes and impacts of interventions. 

E. Report Preparation

Prepare a comprehensive NBS Success Case Story Document incorporating:

• Executive Summary 
• Project Background 
• NBS Intervention Overview 
• Methodology 
• Individual Success Stories 
• Beneficiary Testimonials 
• Key Achievements and Impacts 
• Lessons Learned 
• Challenges and Opportunities 
• Recommendations 
• High-resolution photographs and captions

5. Methodology

The consultant/firm is expected to apply a participatory and qualitative documentation approach, including:

• Literature and document review 
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) 
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) 
• Field observation 
• Photography and visual documentation 
• Collection of beneficiary testimonials and quotations 
• Validation of findings with project stakeholders 

5. Expected Deliverables

7. Duration of Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 1st week of December, 2026 from the date of contract signing.

8. Required Qualifications

For Individual Consultant

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Climate Change, Development Studies, Journalism, or related field. 
• Minimum 3 years of experience in documentation, case study development, success story writing, or communication products. 
• Proven experience in Nature-Based Solutions, climate resilience, environmental conservation, or disaster risk reduction projects. 
• Excellent report writing and storytelling skills in English and Nepali. 

For Consultancy Firm

• Registered consultancy firm with demonstrated experience in documentation and publication assignments. 
• At least 3 similar assignments completed in the fields of climate change, DRR, environmental management, or community development. 
• Availability of qualified experts for documentation, photography, and report writing. 
• Excellent report writing and storytelling skills in English and Nepali. 

9. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant/firm will work closely with the NEXUS Project team and designated focal persons of Changunarayan Municipality. Regular updates shall be provided throughout the assignment period.

10. Ownership and Confidentiality

All reports, photographs, interviews, case stories, and other materials produced under this assignment shall remain the property of the project. The consultant/firm shall not publish or disseminate any information without prior written approval from the project management.

Note: 

This assignment will contribute to documenting and showcasing how Nature-Based Solutions implemented under the NEXUS Project have strengthened environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, and community well-being in Changunarayan Municipality, providing valuable lessons for future urban resilience initiatives.

Link:

RFP-NBS

Proposal Submission Form