Terms of Reference (TOR): Consultant in Capacity Development for Annual Health Planning & Budgeting (AHPB) at the local level

Terms of Reference (TOR) for a Consultant in Capacity Development

for Annual Health Planning & Budgeting (AHPB) at the local level.

Background: Action for Nepal (AF Nepal), registered as a Non-Profit Distributing Company (RNO: 147077/072/073) in Nepal, is dedicated to advancing the development of remote communities by enhancing health, education, and empowering locals to achieve sustainability. As a community-centric organization, AF Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering healthy and educated communities throughout Nepal. 

With the funding support of Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF), AF Nepal is running Solukhumbu Women’s Health Project in Mapya Dudhkoshi RM and Mahakulung RM and Solududhkunda municipality of Solukhumbu district. The project focuses on the following key areas – strengthening local governance, improving the availability, quality and the access of reproductive and sexual health services. In addition to, the project targets improved governance and management capacity of local government and health facilities in selected rural/municipalities and wards of Solukhumbu district. The projects also aims to enhance the capacity of local government and their key stakeholders involved to provide the equitable and quality service to the Women’s of Solukhumbu. Through this, the project aims to contribute in creating an enabling environment for improved women’s, and particularly mothers’ health outcomes.

Objective: The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct capacity building training program to equip RM representatives, Ward Chairs, and Health Post In charges in Mapya Dudhkoshi RM and Mahakulung RM and Solududhkunda municipality of Solukhumbu district with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively participate in the health planning and budgeting processes at the local level.

Scope of Work: The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering a comprehensive training program covering the following key areas:

• Understanding the seven-step planning process mandated for local levels.
• Familiarization with the legal and policy frameworks governing planning and budgeting at the local level, including guidelines from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA), National Planning Commission (NPC), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), and other relevant authorities.
• Overview of constitutional provisions related to local level health sector management and the rights and responsibilities of local governments.
• Detailed review of policies, laws, and plans at federal, provincial, and local levels, including master plans, periodic plans, and strategic plans.
• Understanding the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and its relevance to sectoral expenses and revenue forecasting.
• Familiarization with the framework of fiscal transfers, including conditional grants, equalization grants, special grants, and complementary grants.
• Overview of the formulation of the Programme/Project Bank and its role in addressing local development priorities.
• Analysis of governance structures for planning at the local level, including the roles and responsibilities of various committees and stakeholders.
• Examination of budgeting practices, including prioritization of programmes and activities based on predefined criteria.
• Utilization of available evidence in the planning process, including the development of master plans and periodic plans.

Deliverables:

• A detailed training curriculum covering all relevant topics outlined in the scope of work.
• Training materials, including presentations, handouts, and case studies.
• Conducting the capacity building training program for RM representatives, Ward Chairs, and Health Post In charges in Mapya Dudhkoshi RM and Mahakulung RM and Solududhkunda municipality of Solukhumbu district.
• Preparing post-training evaluation reports to assess the effectiveness of the training program.
• Develop and provide a comprehensive monitoring checklist to track the progress on AHPB done by local government after their capacity building. 
• Prepare a comprehensive report that integrates progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. This report should provide a holistic overview of the training impact and serve as a valuable tool for ongoing project evaluation and refinement.

Duration: The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 15 days, considering the training schedule and follow-up activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Masters degree in Public Health or related field
• Minimum 5 years experience working in health system of Nepal and proven experience in designing and delivering capacity building training programs for government officials or stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the healthcare landscape in rural Nepal, particularly in the Solukhumbu district.
• In-depth knowledge of local governance structures and planning processes in Nepal.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with the legal and policy frameworks governing local level planning and budgeting in Nepal.

Reporting: The Trainer will report directly to the Program Director at Action for Nepal and collaborate closely with AF Nepal field staff.

Budget: AF Nepal will provide a budget for the consultancy, covering fees, travel, accommodation, and any other relevant expenses. 

Application Process: Interested individuals are invited to submit their applications, including a detailed resume, a cover letter outlining their approach to the training, and references. The deadline for submissions is April 18, 2024.

Contact Information: For inquiries and submissions, please contact at actionfnepal@gmail.com or at + 977 01 4915979/ 9801864454.

Note: This TOR may be subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the project and discussions with the selected consultant.