Terms of Reference (ToR): Development of Training Manual and Capacity Building

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Develop training manual and Conduct Eco-System Based Adaptation (EbA) / Nature Based Solutions (NbS) training for floodplain management to Ward Level and Municipal level EbA Forums of Pilot Project Sites: Marin Rural Municipality of Sindhuli District 

and Gadhimai Municipality of Rautahat District

1. Background

Heifer International Nepal is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Since its establishment in 1998, Heifer has transformed the lives of over 400,000 families through agriculture and livestock programs. By fostering Self-Help Groups and Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperatives, Heifer helps build resilient communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Heifer believes in the power of locally led development to drive sustainable change. By empowering communities to take ownership of their progress, Heifer ensures that solutions are grounded in local knowledge, culture, and context. This approach strengthens the capacity of local leaders and organizations to identify challenges, leverage resources, and implement long-term strategies tailored to the unique needs of their communities.

Through a holistic approach, Heifer works closely with smallholder farmers, in collaboration with local governments, private sector organizations, and other partners, to enhance agricultural practices, support women-led cooperatives, and create lasting economic change. This ultimately helps lift communities out of poverty while advancing toward more inclusive and resilient agri-food systems.

Building Agroforestry-based Adaptation plans for Resilient floodplains (BAGAR) aims to reduce climate-induced flood risks and improve livelihoods in the floodplains of Marin Rural Municipality, Sindhuli and Gadhimai Municipality, Rautahat. The project prioritizes vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as Dalits and Indigenous populations, through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches. The project also aligns national and international commitments like the SDGs, NDCs and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The project will work with community-based organizations (CBOs), municipalities and other stakeholders to develop EbA master plans and document lessons for replication in other municipalities.

The training on Eco-System Based Adaptation (EbA) / Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for floodplain management will enhance understanding of ecosystem-based approaches to managing flood risks by integrating ecological, social and economic perspectives. It will equip stakeholders across various levels of governance with practical knowledge and tools to implement sustainable, community-driven and environmentally friendly floodplain management strategies. The manual will be tailored for application in diverse settings, including rural, urban and ecologically fragile areas ensuring its relevance and adaptability. It will support the design of EbA and NbS interventions that are inclusive, equitable, gender-sensitive and effective in promoting climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

2. Project Working Areas

The project has been working with vulnerable communities in the following municipalities of Bagmati and Madhesh Province:

1. Marin Rural Municipality of Sindhuli District

2. Gadhimai Municipality of Rautahat District

Both municipalities ranked ‘high’ in exposure and sensitivity to climate change and the climate risk forecast shows increasing risks in both municipalities (source: VRA 2021, MoFE)

3. Scope of Work:

The scope of work includes the development of a Training Manual on Eco-System Based Adaptation (EbA) / Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Floodplain Management and the implementation of capacity-building training events. The manual will encompass essential concepts such as climate change, flood vulnerability, nature-based solutions and floodplain management. Additionally, it will serve as a practical guide for stakeholders to design, implement and sustain EbA approaches for floodplain management.

The initiative also involves conducting two-day capacity-building training programs for members of ward and municipal-level EbA forums to enhance their technical and operational capacity in floodplain management. A total of 18 training events will be organized, with:

• 8 events in Marin Rural Municipality, Sindhuli (Ward Level- 7 events and Municipal Level- 1 event)
• 10 events in Gadhimai Municipality, Rautahat (Ward Level- 9 events and Municipal Level- 1 event) 

By integrating the development of the manual with training sessions, this initiative aims to foster sustainable and practical adoption of EbA practices at the local governance level.

Specifically, the work will:

• Develop a comprehensive training manual that includes region specific theoretical and practical components.
• Conduct 18 training sessions to build technical knowledge and practical skills in floodplain management using EbA and NbS approaches.
• Enhance the capacity of EbA forums at both the ward and municipal levels to identify, plan and implement sustainable flood management solutions.
• Provide participants with tools and strategies to integrate EbA principles into local development planning.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES OF CONSULTANTS/SCOPE OF WORK

4.1. Responsibilities:

• Develop a detailed and practical training manual covering EbA and NbS concepts, strategies, and applications.
• Organize and conduct 18 two-day capacity-building training events in Marin Rural Municipality,Sindhuli (8 events) and Gadhimai Municipality, Rautahat (10 events).
• Facilitate interactive sessions, group discussions and practical exercises during the training.
• Regularly update Heifer on progress and address emerging issues during the training program.
• Prepare training evaluation tools to assess participants understanding and learning outcomes.
• Compile feedback from participants and stakeholders to refine future training interventions.
• Submit a comprehensive training completion report summarizing the process, outcomes and recommendations.

4.2. Deliverables:

The consultant is liable for the following deliverables during the service period:

• An Inception Report detailing methodologies, schedules and a detailed work plan for manual development and training sessions.
• Draft Training Manual on EbA/NbS and shared with the Heifer for review and inputs.
• Final Training Manual in both English and the local language incorporating stakeholder feedback and presented 
• Successful delivery of 18 two-day training events, with participant lists, photographs, and session summaries. 
• A Detailed Training Completion Report highlighting training outcomes, feedback and recommendations for future interventions.

5. DURATION

Work is expected to start by June 15, 2025 and conclude by September 15, 2025 (with final reporting). However, the timeline includes a contingency period to account for potential delays due to monsoon conditions. The Consultant may be an individual or firm. The engagement of consultancy service is scheduled to last for 2.5 months, including fieldwork, report completion and adjustments for weather-related disruptions.

6. REPORTING LINE MANAGER

The consulting firm will work closely with the Program Manager from BAGAR/Heifer.

7. FEES

The budget for this assignment will be as per the procurement policy of organization and tax will be deducted as per the government policy of Nepal.

8. PAYMENT MODALITY

The payment will be made in four installments.

• 20 % at the time of agreement singing as mobilization advance after submission of inception report.
• 30% after submission of final training manual.
• 30% after submission of field movement plan for training conduction.
• 20% after submission of detailed training completion report.

9. FOR SUBMISSION

The potential and interested individual, firm/companies must submit technical and financial proposals showing their interest in Development of training manual on EbA/NbS. The following documents are expected to be received as technical and financial propositions within 7 days of the date of announcement:

• Letter of interest
• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal
• Copy of PAN/VAT 
• Latest tax clearance certificate (FY 080-81) & registration documents 
• Self-declaration
• CVs of proposed professionals (2 pages max for each)
• All proposed professionals must sign the CV and clearly mention their roles, responsibilities, and level of engagement in the proposed study

It is expected that the applicant has read well and understood the Objective, Scope of Work, and requirements for proposal submission.

The technical and financial proposal should be emailed with subject line: “Conduct Eco-System Based Adaptation (EbA) / Nature Based Solutions (NbS) for floodplain management”.

The Technical Proposal and the Financial Proposal files MUST BE COMPLETELY SEPARATE. The financial proposal shall be encrypted with different passwords and clearly labelled. The files must be sent to the dedicated email address specified. The password for opening the Financial Proposal should be provided only upon the request of Heifer. Heifer will request passwords only from bidders whose Technical Proposal has been found to be technically responsive. Failure to provide the correct password may result in the proposal being rejected.

Proposals must be submitted via email to procurement-np@heifer.org no later than 13 June, 2025, 5:00 PM.

10. Evaluation Criteria:

Firm/companies will be evaluated based on the following criteria: The weight for technical portion of the proposal will be 80% and financial 20%. The key factors stated below will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process

Note: VAT register firms are encouraged to apply.

Applications received with incomplete documents and after the due date will be disqualified. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation process. Heifer reserves all the rights to reject any or all applications without providing any reasons