TERMS OF REFERENCE TO FORMULATE SECTORAL PERIODIC PLANS IN LOCAL UNITS OF KARNALI PROVINCE

TERMS OF REFERENCE TO FORMULATE SECTORAL PERIODIC  PLANS IN LOCAL UNITS OF KARNALI PROVINCE

PROJECT: - Enhancing Citizen’s Participation in Sub-National Good Governance (Local and Provincial Level) in the Context of the New Federal System in Nepal

PROGRAM: - Good Governance

TERRE DES HOMMES

Terre des hommes Foundation (www.tdh.ch) with its headquarters in Lausanne is a leading Swiss child relief agency. Founded in 1960 and active in Nepal since 1985, Terre des hommes (Tdh) has been working to bring change to the lives of the most vulnerable children. Our child protection, health and emergency programmes continue to benefit thousands of children, their families and communities across the country.

BACKGROUND

The consortium of Sahakarmi Samaj, Dalit Development Society, Center for Dalit Women Nepal, Tdh and IM – Swedish Development Partner has been carrying out this project in 12 local units of Salyan, Kalikot and Jajarkot districts of Karnali province. The project is in its fourth year of operation. It has been empowering citizens and civil society at large to independently play their role in the governance and development processes for an inclusive and participatory democracy conducive to inclusive and sustainable growth. On the other hand, the project has been strengthening capacities of local governments through establishing mechanisms in place for formulating inclusive and transparent policy, plans, strategies and budget implementation

The constitution of Nepal 2015 has established local, provincial and federal governments with an increased authority vested upon elected local and provincial governments. Schedule 8 of the constitution has explicitly spelled out the absolute powers whereas Schedule 9 refers to the concurrent powers for effective service delivery and accountability towards citizens. Besides, local governments have duties to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals through developing and implementing plans and programmes in alignment with the federal and provincial laws and policies.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) is developed for the consulting firm/ individual to formulate sectoral periodic plan  in the thematic area of education and agriculture. So, the service providers are required to submit their proposals separately specifying the thematic area. 

About the project: 

The current constitution emphasizes civic freedom and liberty providing space for CSO engagement in governance, but efforts made are not adequate to promote civic space in Nepal. The grassroots organizations and CSOs also lack sufficient management capacities and have weak internal governance, capacities and knowledge to deal with local governments. They lack sufficient information on thematic sectors in order to improve their civic engagement and access to services/resources.

Considering the above-mentioned elements, the overall objective of this project is to contribute to enhance citizens’ participation in sub-national (local and provincial) good governance in the new federal system in Nepal.

The specific objectives of the project are 

• to enhance participatory and cooperative relationship between citizens and local governments by strengthening public governance, accountability and transparency
• to establish cooperation and dialogue among local governments, between local and provincial governments to improve overall local service delivery and ensure reflection of local needs in programs and policies. 

Expected results

• 3,150 citizens from about 600 grassroots organization including women, youth, Dalit & marginalized people are represented, empowered & mobilized to ensure inclusive, participatory & accountable local governance.
• Local Governments (LGs) in 12 municipalities are equipped to design and develop inclusive plans, policies and ensure their implementation, with the active participation of Community Groups (CGs) and CSOs.
• Provincial government and local governments work constructively and collaboratively in promoting local good governance.

Target groups

In 12 local units, there are a total of 374 Health Mother Groups (HMGs), 42 Health Facility Operation and Management Committees (HFOMCs), 25 WASH related CG, 815 farmers group, 180 other CSOs, 67 youth’s clubs, 58 child clubs, and 362 Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The project has targeted these CSOs with 8475 target group members. The target group of this project includes –

1. 3150 direct rights holders from grass root organizations living in 12 local units of Jajarkot, Salyan & Kalikot districts with a focus on women, youth and children, marginalized groups and minorities including Mother’s group and Listening Discussion and Awareness (LDAG) members.
2. CSOs: 557 members of Citizen Awareness Centre (CAC), CBNOs, NGO Federation of Nepal, district chapter, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) focused CSOs/NGOs, Human Rights Alliance (HRA), District network of Child Clubs, Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal (FEDWASUN), Youth Forums etc.
3. Government institutions and (government-established) committees: 3873 elected representatives of local governments, District Coordination Committee (DCC), ward offices, Social Development units of local units, National Youth Council, FCHVs, DWASH-CC, M/RMWASHCC, HFOMCs.

Project districts and local units

1. Jajarkot district: Bheri, Shivalaya, Junichande and Chhedagad
2. Kalikot district: Khandachakra, Naraharinath, and Sanni Triveni
3. Salyan district: Siddha Kumakh, Kapurkot, Triveni, Kalimati, and Darma

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective of the assignment is to formulate a five year’s sectoral periodic plan in the thematic area- Agriculture at Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality of Kalikot district and that of Education at Junichande Rural Municipality and Bheri Municipality of Jajarkot district.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The scope of the assignment additional to the objective is as follows. 

• Conduct ward level as well as municipal level workshops with stakeholders including but not limited to elected representatives and CSOs to gather information and their opinions.
• Orient and mobilize enumerators to collect all necessary data and information from the field.
• Organize planning workshops at municipal level as needed.
• Document entire process and approach involved in the development of sectoral plans in all three local units and hand it over to local governments and Tdh.
• Conduct necessary consultations with Tdh, consortium partners, respective local authorities and other relevant stakeholders before and during the implementation.
• Conduct a workshop in the respective local unit to validate the final version of the document produced.

METHODOLOGY

• Hold initial orientation meetings with staffs of Tdh Foundation and consortium partners to gain an understanding of the project including list of sites and people to be interviewed
• Desk study of key documents such as – project proposal, the 15th periodic plan of Nepal, existing plan and policies of province government and municipal profile of the palika
• Develop tools to be used in the field and share with Tdh and consortium partners
• Organize meetings and workshops with the municipality to collect their expectations and suggestion 
• Collect data ensuring inclusiveness from gender and diversity perspective

KEY DELIVERABLES

• Project inception report outlining detailed scope of work and data collection tools by the 31st of August 2022
• Draft version of the periodic plan by the 31st of October 2022
• Final version of the sectoral periodic plan by the 15th of November 2022
• Final report with process documentation/photos (in annex) by the 30th of November 2022

PROPOSAL OUTLINE

The proposal should be written in the provided outlines below.

A.  Project Introduction (Max. 1 page): This section needs to demonstrate understanding of the project and the ToR, how proposed activities and methodologies are linked with the project objective/results. 

B.  Proposed Activities (Max. 3 Page): The proposed activities, process/methods of implementation need to link with the objective/results.

C.  Gender and Diversity (Max. 1 Page): How this assignment includes citizens of various groups in the community, include participation of women and marginalized groups, youth, people with disability etc. 

D.  Coordination and Collaboration (Max. 1 page): Explain how you coordinate and collaborate with the government authorities (at different level) and other stakeholders to achieve the results.

PROFILE OF PROPOSED SERVICE PROVIDER/FIRM

• The consulting firm/service provider must have an expert in periodic and sectoral plan development to work as a lead consultant to design and document the process, draft and develop sectoral plan and report (Lead sectoral expert must have more than 5 years of experience in the respective sector)
• Composition of the consulting firm should be inclusive and familiar with the geography and needs of Karnali province.
• Proven track record of developing local periodic plan or sectoral plans and policies
• Working experience with governments esp. local governments in sectoral or periodic plan related assignments
• Understanding of the context of local governance in the federal structure will be an added value
• Consultant/firm must be registered in VAT

LOGISTICS 

The consulting firm/individual shall bear the expenses of logistic arrangement incl. travel and transportation. No other costs are paid by Tdh except contractual amount.

SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES

Observing ethical standards is important for all information gathering that involves community groups, local bodies, Tdh staff and other stakeholders.

• Tdh has its own safeguarding guidelines which the consultant needs to adhere to.
• Tdh requires a ‘do no harm to children’ and ‘no harm to communities’ as a central theme.
• A responsible authority from the consulting firm must sign the Tdh Child Safeguarding Policy and Global Code of Conduct and be willing to adhere to its principles and expected practices. If a breach of the policy or code of conduct takes place the consultancy will be terminated immediately without any financial burden on Tdh.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested qualified service providers/individuals are requested to submit their applications along with the following documents by 12 August 2022 via email: npl.contact@tdh.ch.

• Cover letter (1-page) justifying relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications. 
• Updated CVs (3-pages max) of proposed consultants highlighting the relevant experience, expertise and qualifications.
• A detailed technical and financial proposal with methodologies and results, and action plan allotting the number of days needed
• Reference of previous or current assignment (contact details)
• All legal documents and renewals are required along with proposals
• Tdh reserves the right to seek further details and documents from shortlisted service providers/individuals during the course of proposal evaluation and negotiation process.
• Tdh reserves the right to reject/dismiss this procurement process without furnishing any reasons to applicants/potential service provider.