Terms of Reference for Research Consultant

Terms of Reference for Research Consultant

Baseline Study – Strengthening Health Systems for MHPSS Services (Sudurpaschim & Lumbini)

A. 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. 25676), KOSHISH is recognized as an Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) focused on psychosocial disability. It is a member organization of the National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (NFDN) since 2066/07/19 B.S.

Guided by the principle of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US,” KOSHISH advocates for the inclusive and meaningful participation of individuals with mental health problems and psychosocial disabilities. The organization works to mainstream mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, with a focus on marginalized communities, including persons with disabilities Dalits, women, and broader communities.

KOSHISH also has demonstrated experience in conducting baseline studies, assessments, and learning-oriented research to inform evidence-based MHPSS programming, monitoring, evaluation, and policy advocacy at local and national levels.

B. 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–March/April 2027), funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and implemented by KOSHISH in close coordination with local governments.

This baseline study will be conducted in alignment with GIZ’s results-based monitoring and evaluation principles, ensuring methodological rigor, transparency, and usability of findings for adaptive project management and accountability.

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 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services in the target municipalities of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Provinces.

Project Objective (Outcome Level): Improved accessibility and quality of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services for marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities (PwD), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities, Dalits, women, and other vulnerable populations, in alignment with the "Leave No One Behind" (LNOB) principle.

Project Outputs:

1. Output 1: The MHPSS system in all three selected municipalities in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Provinces is strengthened (including improved service delivery mechanisms, integration into local health systems, and enhanced capacity of frontline providers).
2. Output 2: Increased community awareness and reduced stigma towards mental health conditions, psychosocial disabilities, and MHPSS services among marginalized groups (persons with disabilities, Dalits, women) and the broader community, achieved through local government-led campaigns and participatory communication strategies.
3. Output 3: Established and strengthened capacity of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and local systems to sustainably support MHPSS service delivery, advocacy, and community-based support mechanisms.

Click on the link below for the detailed TOR:

TOR_consultant_Giz Baseline

Application Process

Interested qualified consultants/firms are invited to submit the following:

• A technical proposal including all the elements mentioned in methodology:
• A financial proposal outlining the cost structure including expected working days and cost of the team members
• Organizational Profile and CVs of key personnel highlighting relevant experience.
• Examples of similar work conducted in the past.
• Copy of legal registration (with latest renewal) and latest tax clearance certificates.

The proposal should reach the address below either by courier or hand delivery by 8th March 2026, before COB. Please enclose “Proposal for Baseline Study – Strengthening Health Systems for MHPSS Services (Sudurpaschim & Lumbini)” in a sealed envelope and drop it at the following address:

KOSHISH Central Office, Balkhu, Kathmandu (For location, please visit www.koshish.org.np)

May obtain additional information upon enquiry on +977 9768445166.

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 will 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 reason.

Project Document_GIZ\LogFrame_GIZ.xlsx