Terms of Reference (ToR) for Consultancy Service for Proposal Development

Terms of Reference (ToR)

for

Consultancy Service for Proposal Development

Background

Heifer Project Nepal (HPN), in collaboration with partner organizations, is developing a proposal on Financial Inclusion, which aims to strengthen inclusive rural financial ecosystems to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs).

To ensure the production of a high-quality, competitive proposal aligned with the donor’s expectations and Heifer’s programmatic standards, HPN intends to engage a Technical Writer/Proposal Development Expert to lead and support the process.

Objective of the Assignment

The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a full technical proposal, based on the concept note and in alignment with the guidelines and expectations of the donor. The consultant will lead stakeholder consultations, conduct analytical work, and coordinate with Heifer teams and partners to produce a high-quality, evidence-based proposal document and annexes, in line with the donor’s guidelines and templates.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for four interrelated workstreams (“buckets”):

1. Lead consultations with stakeholders

• Facilitate consultations at local and central levels, including:
  • Local actors (cooperatives, farmers, bank branches, and local governments).
  • Central-level institutions (both public and private sector financial institutions).
• Other partners identified in the concept note and as relevant 
• Collect qualitative and quantitative insights to validate design assumptions, confirm the feasibility of proposed outputs, and secure stakeholder buy-in.
• Summarize key findings and recommendations in short briefing notes to inform proposal design.

2. Design and facilitate a two-day technical workshop

• Plan and lead a 2-day co-creation workshop with project partners and technical teams.
• Facilitate discussions on project outcomes, outputs, activities, implementation plan, and budget.
• Consolidate workshop outcomes and recommendations to integrate them into the final proposal narrative and logical framework.

3. Contextual and policy research

• Conduct desk research on existing financial inclusion policies, initiatives, and relevant programs in Nepal, with special attention to:
  • Gender and youth inclusion in access to finance.
  • Climate-smart finance and digital inclusion.
  • Alignment with national strategies 
• Identify synergies and complementarity with ongoing national and donor-funded programs.

4. Technical writing and final proposal preparation

• Draft the full proposal document, aligned with the donor’s template and format.
• Integrate all partner contributions, workshop results, and updated data into a cohesive and compelling narrative.
• Ensure consistency between narrative, logical framework, and budget.
• Finalize the proposal and annexes (logframe, budget, work plan, organogram, letters of support, compliance forms).

Total duration: 20 working days between November 4 and December 5, 2025.

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Associate Director of Partnerships and Business Development in Nepal. A regular check-in call will be organized to see progress, discuss adjustments, and plan the next steps.

Note: HPN will provide logistical arrangements, coordinate field consultations, and offer technical input from the country program team.

Deliverables

1. Inception note (workplan, methodology, and consultation plan) – within 3 days of onboarding.
2. Consultation summary report (local and central stakeholder feedback).
3. Workshop facilitation package 
4. Draft and final full proposal (in donor's format) and annexes, incorporating feedback from Heifer and partners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in technical writing and proposal development for international development agencies or donors.
• Proven ability to lead participatory design processes and facilitate technical workshops.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with demonstrated experience in financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, or sustainable livelihoods.
• Experience working in Nepal or South Asia is an asset.
• Excellent command of English (Nepali an advantage).

Application Process

Interested individuals and organizations are invited to submit applications to Procurement-NP@heifer.org  with the title: “Application for proposal development” by no later than 30 October 2025, 5:00 PM along with following documents.

1. Cover letter
2. A technical and financial proposal (max. 3 pages), outlining methodology and daily rate.
3. A CV highlighting relevant experiences.
4. One sample of a recent proposal or report developed for an international donor.
5. Company registration
6. PAN/VAT number/certificate 
7. Tax clearance certificate (FY 081-82)

Note: VAT-registered vendors are encouraged to apply.

HPN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process and reject all Proposals at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to affected individuals.