TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) for Consultancy Services for Conducting a Baseline Study

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)

Consultancy Services for Conducting a Baseline Study

Project: Integrated Strengthening of Public Schools and Child Protection Systems (INSPIRE) 

1. Introduction

Rastriya Rojgar Prawardhan Kendra (RRPK), in partnership with Childaid Network Foundation Nepal, is implementing the INSPIRE (Integrated Strengthening of Public Schools and Child Protection Systems) Project to improve equitable access to quality education and strengthen child protection systems for vulnerable children in Sarlahi District.

To support evidence-based implementation, monitoring, and learning, RRPK intends to engage a qualified consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive baseline study. The study will establish benchmark information against which project progress and outcomes will be measured throughout the implementation period. It will also provide evidence to validate implementation strategies, identify contextual opportunities and challenges, and inform adaptive project management.

The consultancy is expected to apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods to generate reliable, high-quality evidence aligned with the project's objectives and expected results.

2. Background

Nepal has made significant progress in expanding access to education; however, challenges persist in learning outcomes, inclusive education, school governance, and child protection, particularly for children from disadvantaged and marginalized communities. Learning poverty, irregular attendance, limited parental engagement, weak school leadership, and inadequate child protection systems continue to affect children's learning and wellbeing. These challenges are further exacerbated by socio-economic inequalities, gender disparities, disability-related barriers, and limited institutional capacity at school and local government levels.

To address these challenges, Rastriya Rojgar Prawardhan Kendra (RRPK), in partnership with Childaid Network Foundation Nepal, is implementing the INSPIRE (Integrated Strengthening of Public Schools and Child Protection Systems) Project. The project aims to improve the quality and inclusiveness of public education by strengthening school leadership, teaching practices, community engagement, and child protection systems through close collaboration with schools, families, communities, and local governments.

To support evidence-based implementation and results-based monitoring, RRPK intends to commission an independent baseline study. The study will establish benchmark values for project indicators, assess the existing status of education and child protection systems within the project area, identify key opportunities and challenges, and provide practical recommendations to inform project implementation and measure progress over the project period.

Project Overview

The INSPIRE Project is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen quality and inclusive public education in 29 public schools across Haripurwa Municipality and Brahmapuri Rural municipality of Sarlahi District.

The project seeks to improve learning outcomes by strengthening school leadership and governance, enhancing teachers' professional capacity, promoting child-centred and inclusive teaching practices, improving school learning environments, and increasing the meaningful engagement of parents, communities, and local governments in education.

The project will work closely with schools and local stakeholders to strengthen institutional capacity, promote equitable access to quality education, and contribute to sustainable improvements in children's learning and development.

Key interventions include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthening school leadership and governance. 
• Enhancing teachers' pedagogical competencies. 
• Supporting School Improvement Planning (SIP). 
• Promoting parental engagement and positive parenting practices. 
• Enhancing collaboration with local governments and education stakeholders. 
• Promoting gender equality, disability inclusion, safeguarding, and social inclusion across all project interventions. 

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consulting firms shall submit both a Technical Proposal and a Financial Proposal.

Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal shall include, at a minimum:

• Understanding of the assignment; 
• Proposed methodology; 
• Sampling approach; 
• Work plan and implementation schedule; 
• Quality assurance measures; 
• Risk management strategy; 
• Team composition and CVs of key personnel; 
• Relevant organizational experience; 
• At least two references for similar assignments completed within the last five years. 

Financial Proposal

The Financial Proposal shall include:

• Detailed cost breakdown; 
• Professional fees; 
• Field expenses; 
• Administrative and logistical costs; 
• Applicable taxes; 
• Any other relevant costs associated with completing the assignment.

Note: All costs associated with the assignment shall be included in the financial proposal.

For Detailed TOR, click on the link below:

Terms of Reference-Baseline-RRPK_Final.docx

Application Procedure:

Interested and qualified consulting firms are encouraged to submit technical and financial proposals via procurement.can@rrpk.org.np with subject line "Proposal for Baseline Study – INSPIRE Project". Applications may also be submitted in hard copy to the RRPK Office, Malangwa Municipality–10, Sarlahi.

The deadline for submission of applications is 5 August 2026, 5:00 PM (Nepal Standard Time). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

RRPK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and well-being of children and strictly adheres to its Safeguarding Policy. As an equal opportunity employer, RRPK practices merit-based and non-discriminatory recruitment. 

RRPK reserves the right to accept or reject any application, or to cancel, postpone, or modify the selection process at any stage without assigning any reason.

Note:

• Baseline Survey is contingent upon approval of the Subaward Agreement and successful completion of the selection process.

Rastriya Rojgar Prawardhan Kendra (RRPK)

Malangwa Municipality–10, Sarlahi

Phone: 046-521487