Terms of Reference (ToR) for Story Collection, Publication, and Story Book Development

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Story Collection, Publication, and Story Book Development

1. Introduction

Heifer Project Nepal is committed to transforming rural communities by co-creating inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems, with smallholder farmers at the forefront of change. Since 1998, Heifer has partnered with over 400,000 families, supporting their journey from subsistence to prosperity through community-driven agriculture and livestock initiatives. By strengthening food systems, Heifer aims to significantly enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and drive economic prosperity.

Grounded in the principles of sustainable, locally led development, Heifer places women, youth, marginalized and climate vulnerable groups at the heart of its work, fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that every solution reflects local and indigenous knowledge, values, and context. By strengthening self-help groups, women-led cooperatives, and producer organizations, Heifer builds social capital and collective agency, empowering communities to lead their own transformation.

In pursuit of its mission to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth, Heifer collaborates with governments, private sector actors, and civil society to support smallholder farmers in adopting regenerative practices, accessing inclusive markets, and shaping policies.

This holistic approach not only lifts communities out of poverty but also unlocks generational opportunity and drives systemic change across Nepal’s agri-food landscape.

To further amplify the voices and experiences of the communities it serves, Heifer International Nepal seeks to document impactful stories from its project sites. These stories will highlight transformation, resilience, innovation, and the lived experiences of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, across multiple districts.

Heifer Nepal invites proposals from qualified media houses or professional journalists to collect, publish, and compile human interest stories from Heifer’s working areas, capturing the essence of Heifer’s work and impact.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to:

• Collect compelling human interest stories from at least four (4) of Heifer Nepal’s working districts.
• Publish a minimum of 20 stories through credible media platforms (print, online, or both) in English language.
• Compile all collected stories into a professionally designed story book for final submission.

3. Scope of Work

The selected media house / journalist will be responsible for the following:

3.1 Story Collection

• Visit Heifer Nepal’s project sites in at least four working districts.
• Identify and interview project participants, community leaders, cooperatives, and other stakeholders.
• Capture high quality photographs and, where appropriate, short video clips to accompany stories.
• Ensure stories reflect diversity, including women, youth, marginalized groups, and climate vulnerable communities.

3.2 Story Writing & Publication

• Develop engaging, accurate, and ethically sourced human interest stories.
• Publish at least 20 stories through mainstream or reputable online media outlets.
• Ensure each story includes relevant visuals and adheres to journalistic standards.
• Share publication links and evidence with Heifer Nepal.

3.3 Story Book Development

• Compile all stories into a cohesive, well designed story book.
• Edit, proofread, and format the book for print and digital use.
• Incorporate photographs, captions, and thematic sections as required.
• Submit the final story book in both editable and print ready formats.

4. Expected Deliverables

The selected media house/journalist will deliver:

1. Field visit plan covering at least 4 districts
2. At least 20 published stories with publication links and screenshots
3. High resolution photographs and raw interview notes
4. Final story book (digital and print ready versions)
5. Completion report summarizing process, challenges, and achievements

5. Proposal Requirements

Technical Proposal

• Organization / journalist profile and relevant experience
• Proposed methodology and work plan
• List of proposed districts (in consultation with Heifer Nepal)
• Sample published stories or portfolio
• Team composition (if applicable)

Financial Proposal

• Detailed budget breakdown, including:
  • Field travel and logistics
  • Story writing and editing
  • Publication costs
  • Story book design and layout
• All prices must be quoted in NPR, inclusive of applicable taxes.

6. Eligibility Criteria

• Registered media house OR individual journalist with proven experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience in storytelling, journalism, or development communication
• Demonstrated ability to publish stories in mainstream or reputable media
• Strong photography and narrative documentation skills
• Ability to travel to rural project sites

7. Duration of Assignment

The assignment must be completed within 4 months from the date of contract signing.

8. Evaluation Criteria

9. Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals with below mentioned documents at Procurement-NP@heifer.org by 12 January 2026, 5 :00 PM with the subject line: “Proposal for Story Collection, Publication, and Story Book Development”

a. Financial Proposal/Quotation

b. VAT/PAN registration Document

c. Tax Clearance Certificate FY 081-82

d. Firm/Company Registration.

e. Past work experience

f. Company Profile/ Consultant Profile

Heifer reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals without assigning any reason.