Terms of Reference (ToR): Baseline Study on Promoting Inclusive Education in Karnali Province, Nepal

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Baseline Study on Promoting Inclusive Education in Karnali Province, Nepal

1. Organizational Background

KOSHISH - National Mental Health Self-Help Organization is a non-governmental organization established in 2008 to promote mental health, psychosocial well-being, and the rights and social inclusion of persons with psychosocial disabilities in Nepal. KOSHISH works with government agencies, development partners, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and communities to strengthen inclusive systems and promote the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.

2. Project Information

With financial support from Felm, KOSHISH is implementing the project “Promoting Inclusive Education” in Darma, Kumakh, and Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipalities of Salyan District, Karnali Province.

To establish baseline information for programme implementation and monitoring, KOSHISH intends to conduct a baseline study across the project areas and 24 schools. The study will assess the current situation of inclusive education, identify barriers faced by children with disabilities and other marginalized groups, and establish baseline values for relevant indicators in the project results matrix.

The findings will inform programme planning, implementation, and monitoring, helping strengthen access to, participation in, and the quality of inclusive education.

3. Objectives of the Study

The baseline study aims to:

• Establish baseline values for indicators in the project results matrix.
• Assess access, enrolment, attendance, participation, retention, and dropout among children, particularly children with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
• Identify barriers to inclusive education, including physical, social, economic, communication, and attitudinal barriers.
• Assess school infrastructure, accessibility, teaching practices, teachers’ capacity, and availability of inclusive learning materials and support services.
• Examine students’ psychosocial well-being, safety, participation, and sense of belonging in school.
• Assess the capacity and engagement of teachers, parents, school management committees, parent–teacher associations, OPDs, and local governments.
• Provide practical recommendations to improve inclusive education and strengthen project implementation and monitoring.

4. Scope of Work

The selected consultant or firm will:

1. Review the project proposal, results matrix, relevant policies, and available education data.
2. Develop the study methodology, sampling plan, data collection tools, and analysis framework.
3. Conduct field data collection across Darma, Kumakh, and Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipalities, covering all 24 project schools.
4. Assess school accessibility, facilities, learning environments, teaching practices, and support mechanisms.
5. Collect information from relevant students, parents/caregivers, teachers, school leaders, SMC/PTA representatives, OPDs, and local government stakeholders.
6. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and establish baseline values for relevant project indicators.
7. Present preliminary findings for stakeholder validation and incorporate feedback into the final report.

5. Methodology

The study will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The consultant will propose an appropriate sampling strategy, ensuring representation of children with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

Methods may include:

• Desk review of project documents, policies, and existing education data.
• Structured questionnaires with students, parents/caregivers, and teachers, as appropriate.
• Key informant interviews with school leaders, local government representatives, OPDs, and other stakeholders.
• Focus group discussions with relevant groups.
• School observation and accessibility assessments.
• Data analysis disaggregated, where feasible, by sex, disability, age, school, and relevant social or geographic characteristics.

The methodology must be inclusive, gender-responsive, child-sensitive, and accessible. Data collection involving children must follow informed consent and age-appropriate assent procedures, confidentiality requirements, safeguarding standards, and relevant ethical protocols.

6. Key Areas and Indicators

The study will establish baseline information on relevant indicators in the project results matrix, including:

• Enrolment, attendance, participation, retention, and dropout.
• Access to education and barriers experienced by children with disabilities and marginalized groups.
• Physical accessibility and availability of inclusive school facilities.
• Teachers’ knowledge, skills, training, and use of inclusive teaching practices.
• Availability of accessible learning materials and individual support.
• Students’ psychosocial well-being, safety, and participation.
• Parent and community engagement in inclusive education.
• Capacity and coordination of schools, OPDs, and local governments.
• Availability and use of referral and support services.

The final indicators and measurement methods will be aligned with the approved project results matrix.

7. Expected Deliverables

The consultant or firm will submit:

1. Inception report: Study design, methodology, sampling plan, tools, work plan, and ethical safeguards.
2. Data collection tools: Final questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists, and related tools.
3. Clean datasets: Anonymized quantitative data, qualitative notes or transcripts as agreed, and supporting documentation.
4. Draft baseline report: Preliminary findings, indicator values, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
5. Validation presentation: Summary of findings for KOSHISH and relevant stakeholders.
6. Final baseline report: Revised report incorporating feedback, with an executive summary, methodology, findings, indicator baseline table, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.

8. Duration and Coverage

The assignment is expected to be completed within approximately 45 calendar days from contract commencement. The consultant should propose a realistic work plan covering inception, fieldwork, analysis, validation, and final reporting.

The study will cover Darma, Kumakh, and Siddha Kumakh Rural Municipalities in Salyan District, Karnali Province, and all 24 project schools.

9. Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant or firm should demonstrate:

• A Masters degree in education, social sciences, disability studies, development studies, public health, or a related field.
• Proven experience conducting baseline studies, evaluations, or education-related research.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive education, disability inclusion, gender equality, and child safeguarding.
• Experience using mixed-methods research, data analysis, and indicator measurement.
• Experience working with schools, local governments, OPDs, and marginalized communities.
• Strong report-writing, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Karnali Province and local languages will be an advantage.

10. Coordination and Reporting

The consultant or firm will work under the overall guidance of KOSHISH and coordinate with the designated project team. KOSHISH will provide available project documents and facilitate relevant coordination with schools and stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible for the quality, accuracy, ethical conduct, and timely completion of the study.

11. Ethical Considerations and Data Ownership

The consultant must uphold the highest ethical standards throughout the study, ensuring informed consent, child safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, accessibility, and respectful participation. Particular attention must be given to disability-inclusive consultation, ensuring that persons with disabilities, including persons with psychosocial disabilities, can participate meaningfully through accessible communication, appropriate accommodations, and inclusive data collection methods.

Participation must be voluntary and based on informed consent, using accessible information and consent procedures appropriate to participants’ age, communication needs, and decision-making requirements. The consultant must ensure privacy, dignity, confidentiality, and safety during interviews, consultations, and data collection, taking appropriate measures to prevent discrimination, stigma, distress, exploitation, or harm. Sensitive information must be securely collected, stored, accessed, and shared, and identifying information must not be disclosed in public reports.

All datasets, tools, and reports produced under this assignment will be the property of KOSHISH, subject to agreed data protection, confidentiality, and ethical requirements.

12. Application Requirements

Interested consultants or firms should submit:

• A technical proposal outlining understanding of the assignment, methodology, sampling strategy, and work plan.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget.
• CVs of the proposed team members.
• Examples of relevant previous assignments or reports.
• Contact details of at least two professional referees.
• Copies of relevant academic certificates and work experience documents
• Copy of citizenship certificate
• Copy of PAN/VAT registration certificate

13. Submission Procedure

Applications shall be submitted by email to procurement@koshish.org.np The email subject line or envelope should clearly state: “Application for Consultant –Baseline Study on Promoting Inclusive Education in Karnali Province, Nepal”.

The application must reach KOSHISH by 27th October 2026, before COB. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.