Terms of Reference-Consultancy for Designing Heifer Nepal’s Strategic Framework on “Caring for the Earth”

Terms of Reference (ToR) 

(Consultancy for Designing Heifer Nepal’s Strategic Framework on “Caring for the Earth”)

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 1998, Heifer has partnered with more than 400,000 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. By strengthening self-help groups, women-led cooperatives, and producer organizations, Heifer builds social capital and collective agency, empowering communities to lead their own transformation.

In pursuit of its mission to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth, Heifer collaborates with governments, private sector actors, and civil society to support smallholder farmers in adopting regenerative practices, accessing inclusive markets, and shaping policies.

This holistic approach not only lifts communities out of poverty but also unlocks generational opportunity and drives systemic change across Nepal’s agri-food landscape.

Aligned with Heifer’s program model and forward-looking ambition, this consultancy service is required to develop the Heifer Nepal’s Caring for the Earth (C4E) strategic Framework, a strategic document that will guide efforts towards creating inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems with smallholder farmers at the center of change. The framework will ensure that all work is designed, implemented and sustained by principles that Care for the Earth by taking deliberate action to protect natural resources and ecosystems and influencing other actors to do the same. It will serve as a foundational guide for Heifer Nepal’s environmental interventions and as a key reference for accountability and reporting to stakeholders.

2.    SCOPE OF WORK

The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive “Caring for the Earth” Strategic Framework for Heifer Nepal that aligns with the organization’s global vision and mission, as well as with relevant national policies. The consultant/team will develop a measurable and locally led strategy that effectively addresses the unique climate-related risks faced by Nepali smallholder farmers.

The consultant/team will undertake the following tasks:

Literature Review and Contextual Analysis

Review Nepal’s national policies (e.g., National Adaptation Plan, Climate Change Policy), priorities, 16th periodic plan, ADS strategies, and programs, and SDGs. 

Analyze organizational program model, Global C4E strategy, study reports, and ongoing signature programs in Nepal in the context of resilient farmers, sustainable food system and healthy ecosystem

Assess smallholder farmers’ challenges, including climate related risks, water scarcity, and soil degradation, to inform C4E strategic framework.

Stakeholder Engagement

Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders – local government, cooperatives, local partners, farmers, program team, other organizations engaged in C4E initatiatives. Use workshops and surveys to gather insights on C4E opportunities, sustainable practices and implementation proof of concepts.

Vision and Strategic Objectives

Formulate a vision for thriving and resilient smallholder farmers in Nepal, focusing on resilient agriculture, regenerative practices and transformed food system. 

Define broad measurable objectives/ indicators tailored to Nepal’s program context.

Actionable Strategies and Principles

Develop strategies for Heifer programs in Nepal, emphasizing climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices, renewable energy adoption and climate resilience. 

Aligning with principles like sustainable locally led development and empowering local communities for equitable growth.

3.    Methodology

The study will follow mixed-methods approach:

• Desk review of existing literature, policy documents, and secondary data
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders in government, NGOs, private sector, and academia
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with farmers, stakeholders and relevant actors
• Case studies of promising practices or innovations
• GIS or spatial analysis, where appropriate

4.    Milestones

The consultant is expected to execute the following milestones, culminating in the specified deliverables within the indicative timeline provided: 

Detailed inception report outlining their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, detailed work plan, stakeholder engagement plan, preliminary review of provided background documents and a timeline. 

Situational Assessment and Gap Analysis report (includes Heifer Nepal's existing environmental activities against its global "Caring for the Earth" strategy and relevant national policies, identifying key gaps, strengths and opportunities for a unified framework.

Draft comprehensive "Caring for the Earth" Strategic Framework proposing the strategic pillars, objectives, theory of change (TOC), Log Frame and draft KPIs for review and discussion with the Heifer Nepal team.

Finalize and Submit "Caring for the Earth" Strategic Framework which includes the final Log Frame and a detailed MEL plan with specific, measurable and actionable KPIs and annex that maps the strategy to relevant SDGs and national policy objectives.

5.    DURATION

The assignment will require an estimated 15 working days, to be completed within one month from the date of contract signing

6.    REPORTING LINE MANAGER

The consultant will report directly to a designated Heifer Nepal focal point.

7.     ELIGIBILITY OF CONSULTANT(S)

The consultant (individual or firm) should have the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Agriculture, Rural Development, or related field.
• Proven expertise in designing strategies/frameworks related to climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, regenerative practices, or environmental management.
• Demonstrated understanding of Nepal’s climate change policies, adaptation strategies, and agri-food systems.
• At least 7–10 years of relevant professional experience (for lead consultant).
• Strong track record in conducting policy analysis, program design, or strategic planning for NGOs/INGOs, government, or development agencies.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, women, youth, and marginalized communities in Nepal or South Asia.
• Experience in mixed-methods research, participatory approaches, and facilitating stakeholder consultations/workshops.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information into concise, practical frameworks.
• Other Requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Nepali.
• Registered firm/individual with valid PAN/VAT and latest tax clearance certificate.
• Ability to deliver outputs within tight timelines.

8.    HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals/firms are requested to submit technical and financial proposals to                                                    Procurement-NP@heifer.org  with the title “Consultancy for Designing Heifer Nepal’s Strategic Framework on “Caring for the Earth”  by no later than 3rd  September 2025, 5:00 PM, along with the following documents.

• Letter of Interest
• Technical Proposal
• Financial Proposal (with details breakdown)
• Copy of legal documents (PAN/VAT)
• Tax clearance certificate (FY 080-81)
• Self-declaration
• Signed CVs of proposed professionals (maximum 2 pages each)

Note: VAT registered vendors are encouraged to apply.

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