REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: Integrated Sustainable Technology Study

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Integrated Sustainable Technology Study

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL: 7 October 2025

Background

BBC Media Action is the international development charity of the BBC. Established in 1999, the organisation seeks to reduce poverty and provide information to people around the world, through media programmes and campaigns that inspire and inform. 

BBC Media Action in Nepal is currently working with partners and stakeholders on a number of initiatives on strengthening communication on weather and climate information including early warning for all. The focus of this work is to support the urgent needs to improve communication, understanding and trust between all key stakeholders in the WCIS communication pathway from observation through forecasting (weather, hazard, and impact), to early warning systems and ultimately decision-making by end users about appropriate action to take. 

Target groups are those in the frontline of the highest risk areas in Nepal specifically in the natural hazard-prone areas. Target groups also include those responsible for producing and disseminating weather and climate information. Key objectives of our work in this sector include enhancing communication skills among stakeholders, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, and increasing accessibility, timeliness, and trust in weather and climate information services. 

In line with this above, BBC Media Action is seeking to commission an individual/s or an organisation with the capacity to provide consultancy services to carry out an Integrated Sustainable Technology Study. The consultant/s or organisation will carry out a detailed study to understand the current state of WCIS in Nepal, find gaps and areas for improvement and explore ways to create a sustainable technology system. They will assess the scope and share the findings with BBC Media Action.

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct an in-depth study of Nepal’s WCIS system to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for developing an integrated sustainable technology system/approach. The consultant will analyse the existing WCIS landscape, assess stakeholder roles, and provide strategic recommendations and frameworks, including a potential business model for implementation. Based on these findings, BBC Media Action will plan activities to develop the integrated system, ensuring a more effective, sustainable, and resilient WCIS.

It is against this background thatfreelance individual/s or service providers are invited to submit a brief proposal to conduct the integrated sustainable technology study in accordance with the guidelines outlined below. 

Expected methodology

• Conducting extensive research and analysis of the WCIS ecosystem.
• Identifying existing challenges, gaps and opportunities in the system.
• Assessing the need for an integrated technology system and its potential framework.
• Mapping key stakeholders and major players in the WCIS landscape.
• Providing strategic recommendations, including a business model for implementation.
• Coordinating closely, providing regular updates, and collaborating with the BBC Media Action team.
• Organising and conducting consultations with relevant stakeholders as needed.
• Linking between BBC Media Action and key stakeholders when necessary.
• Leading expert sessions on WCIS-related issues as required.

Additional requirements

• Service provider will follow the BBC standard procedures of interviewing, taking consents, safeguarding and data protection.
• Ensure that BBC editorial values and guidelines and all relevant legal, contractual and copyright requirements are met through proper sign-off. 

Key deliverables 

• Providing a comprehensive report outlining the findings and recommendations for developing an integrated sustainable technology system.
• Presenting the findings to the BBC Media Action team and addressing any feedback or comments provided.

Required capabilities from the consultant/organisation conducting the study

• Service provider/s involved in the study should preferably have a background in related areas such as Hydrology, Meteorology, Agriculture, Forestry, Crisis Management, Environmental Science or Disaster Risk Management.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in sectors related to weather, climate, disaster risk or environmental management.
• In-depth knowledge of key stakeholders within the WCIS and related sectors in Nepal.
• Strong communication skills in both English and Nepali with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of working with government agencies involved in weather, climate and disaster risk management.
• Familiar with key stakeholders and capable of organising and facilitating consultation meetings and expert sessions.
• Proven expertise in analysing and addressing complex environmental, climate, and disaster risk management challenges.

Tentative Timeline

Duration

15 October 2025 to 31 December 2025 with maximum of 40 working days

Submission

If interested, please email the following documents to application @np.bbcmediaaction.org with subject line as ‘RFP for Integrated Sustainable Technology Study’.

• A proposal (maximum 6 pages) expressing your interest in the assignment. The proposal should outline your approach to conducting the study and provide a brief overview of the WCIS landscape in Nepal.
• Details of your relevant experienceincluding past work with government agencies, the WCIS sector and similar assignments.
• A clear work plan and timeline along with your proposed methodology.
• An outline of your data collection process including the estimated time required.
• Identification of anticipated challenges and a corresponding mitigation plan.
• Curriculum Vitae of key personnel.
• A brief note on your organisational capacity and relevant technical expertise, if applying as an organisation.