Terms of Reference (ToR) for Vulnerability Mapping, training and School level Emergency Prepared Plans (DRR plans)

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Vulnerability Mapping, training and School level Emergency Prepared Plans (DRR plans)

1. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Samagra Jan-Utthan Kendra (SAMAGRA) was established by an intellectual and conscious youth group of Lahan municipality to address human rights protection and promotion, conflict transformation and peace building in society. Similarly, injustice, imbalance, unethical concept and behavior, harmful social practices of society in Lahan on May 21st, 2002, AD.  SAMAGRA has been working actively in the field of social awareness, women empowerment, public awareness sector to minimize and eliminate harmful social practices like, dowry system, child marriage, domestic violence, gender discrimination, caste discrimination, religious discrimination by conducting various programs, training, skills development programs, meetings, events in collaboration with local government and different I/NGOs to transform the lives of children, youth, women, marginalized community and other target groups.

SAMAGRA has already collaborated with local government, municipalities of different districts of Madhesh Province, VDC, DCC, Save the Children (US), UNOPS, UNFPA, VSO, UK Aid, DFID, Safer World, US Institute of Peace (USIP) etc. in the past. SAMAGRA is now working in different districts of Madhesh Province in partnership with CARE Nepal, GIZ-CPS, UNDP, International Alert, LACC and NCE Nepal.

Now, Samagra Jan—Uttan Kendra working for girl’s education and empowerment with the partnership with CARE Nepal  announces the call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from the experienced and qualified experts to EOI call for Consultant Vulnerability Mapping, training and School level Emergency Prepared Plans (DRR plans) Interested and Eligible individual or organizations are invited to submit EOI in the following address mentioning “Samagra Jan-Uttan Kendra” in the subject line in the following Address;  procurement.samagralahan@gmail.com

2. Introduction

Nepal is among the most climate-vulnerable and disaster-prone countries in the world, regularly affected by multiple natural hazards that disproportionately impact vulnerable and marginalized communities. Its mountainous terrain and abrupt ecological and climatic transitions, combined with a low level of development, heavy dependence on natural resource-based livelihoods, and widespread multidimensional poverty, make the country highly exposed and sensitive to climate risks. Nepal ranks as the fourth most vulnerable country globally in terms of climate change impacts.

Siraha is recognized as one of Nepal's climate-vulnerable districts due to its terrain, geographic features, climatic conditions, and river systems. According to the VRA 2021 report, Siraha is classified as a highly sensitive district in terms of the overall impact of climate-induced hazards. Major climatic threats in the district include epidemics, fires, floods, hailstorms, Heat waves, cold waves and droughts, all of which cause significant annual damage to infrastructure, livelihoods, and the economy, while also disrupting the education system. Furthermore, changing trends in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events have triggered complex disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic, floodings and earthquakes that have severely affected key sectors, especially livelihoods and education across Nepal. If these issues are not addressed in a timely and strategic manner, their future impacts could become severe, particularly threatening the education sector and, ultimately, children’s learning and well-being.

Considering the risks posed by climate-induced hazards and emerging disasters that adversely impact the education sector, APEC has initiated support for 'mother schools' in developing school-level emergency preparedness plans in four schools in Siraha district, Madhesh Province with close coordination Care Nepal. These efforts include vulnerability mapping and the development of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans. It is anticipated that these plans will help manage and respond to disasters and climate-related risks, while also strengthening the local education delivery system, promoting the safe learning environment through the adoption of various adaptation and mitigation measures aligned with the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) cycle. This study will also support achieving comprehensive school safety on three main pillars i) safer infrastructure, ii) school disaster management and iii) resilient education.

3. Objective

The overall objective of the assignment is to support mother schools in developing school-level Emergency Preparedness Plans, including conducting vulnerability mapping exercises and formulating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans in four schools.

4. Terms of reference (TOR) for consultant

• Design and deliver a 3-day training course on Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change, aligned with the education sector - Comprehensive School Safety Minimum Package (CSSMP), for relevant stakeholders in each of the four schools.
• Conduct vulnerability and risk assessments and resource mapping using established Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) tools.
• Review primary and secondary data related to disasters and climate-induced hazards, including the 2021 VRA report and local government climate profiles.
• Map relevant institutions and stakeholders involved in EPP (Education Preparedness and Planning) and Disaster Management.
• Develop school-level emergency preparedness and response plans, ensuring they are practical, actionable, and grounded in local context rather than theoretical or overly ambitious. In addition, the evacuation plan of school should be prepared for establishing a safe route during any disasters.
• Establish School Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) management Committees to address and manage disaster risks at the school level.
• Coordinate and collaborate with local government DRR committees throughout the development of emergency preparedness and response plans.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary data from the Palika-level climate profiles relevant to disasters and climate hazards.
• Conduct emergency drills at school

Documentation and reporting:

• Prepare and submit a detailed report to the designated organization or focal person. These reports should include school-level emergency preparedness and response plans and evacuation plan.
• Support the validation process of the emergency preparedness plans with local government and schools, as needed and applicable.
• Engage and consult with multiple stakeholders throughout the development of the emergency preparedness plans to ensure inclusivity and relevance.
• Ensure integration of GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion), persons with disabilities (PWD), economic constraints, and resource availability in the planning process.

5. Methodology:

• The consultant should deliver the training using participatory and context-appropriate methods (e.g., Participatory Rural Appraisal – PRA).
• Training content must be practical and context-specific, ensuring high relevance to the local ground realities.
• Conduct a preliminary needs assessment, if necessary, to inform you about the design of training content (optional but recommended)

6. Expected Deliverables:

The selected resource person should deliver the following:

• Submit the training module, content, handouts, and training report to the designated organization.
• Develop and submit finalized school-based emergency preparedness plans to the respective organization and participating schools.
• Provide all collected field data and relevant information to the respective organization and schools for record and future reference.

7. Qualifications and experience:

a. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Planning:

• In-depth knowledge of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) principles, frameworks, and strategies.
• Good knowledge and familiar with Comprehensive school safety implementation guidelines and proven experiences on delivering training based on the above guidelines.
• Experience in developing school-level DRR plans that align with local contexts and are practical, actionable, and sustainable.
• Familiarity with the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) cycle, including risk assessment, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation strategies.
• Ability to integrate climate change adaptation measures into DRR plans, considering local risks and vulnerabilities.
• Experience in coordinating with local governments, education authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure the alignment of DRR plans with national and regional policies.
• Understanding of child protection and safeguarding considerations within DRR planning for schools.

b. Vulnerability Mapping:

• Expertise in conducting vulnerability and risk assessments, particularly in education settings.
• Familiarity with tools and methodologies for vulnerability mapping, such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) or Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) frameworks.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data related to climate risks, natural hazards, and socioeconomic factors impacting schools and their communities.
• Knowledge of local geographic, environmental, and social conditions to identify areas of high vulnerability in school communities.
• Skills in mapping out key resources, infrastructures, and stakeholders involved in disaster management at the school level.
• Capacity to work with school management teams, students, and communities to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities.

c. Stakeholder Engagement and Training:

• Strong communication skills to engage and consult with various stakeholders, including school staff, local authorities, parents, and community members.
• Experience in designing and delivering training on DRR and vulnerability mapping for educators, school management, and community members.
• The ability to foster collaboration among local government agencies, educational institutions, and other partners to build a cohesive approach to DRR.

d. Gender, Inclusion, and Social Equity (GEDSI):

• Knowledge of how gender, disability, and other social factors impact vulnerability to disasters and the ability to incorporate these considerations into DRR plans and vulnerability mapping efforts.
• Experience in designing inclusive DRR plans that address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups within the school community.

8. Duration: 29 May to 20 June 2025.

9. Management of the Work:

At the field level, APEC Nepal will serve as the primary focal point for collaboration, with equal coordination required with CARE’s staff. All field logistics will be managed by the APEC Nepal team in Siraha, while the technical components of the assignment will be led by the independent consultant.

10. Responsibilities of the Resource person:

The hired resource person will be responsible for carrying out all of the tasks outlined in this Terms of Reference (ToR) and ensure the delivery of outputs stated above within the agreed budget and timeline.

11. Termination of the Contract:

The contract may be terminated if the hired resource person breaches any terms or obligations outlined in this ToR. In such cases, the individual will be notified in advance, either by phone or in writing. However, in instances involving reported cases related to Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse (PSHEA) or safeguarding violations, the contract will be terminated immediately, and the matter will proceed through a formal investigation process.

12. Confidentiality:

During the performance of the assignment, and for any period after the expiration or termination of the agreement, the resource person shall not disclose or share any personal or confidential information of participants with third parties that will be taken as a serious issue.

13. Expressions of Interest

• Please submit the following to 25th May 2025 within office hour (5.00 PM).
• A CV detailing your or your firm’s relevant experience, the proposed number of days to complete all tasks and deliverables, daily rate(s), and total proposed budget.
• One relevant report/plan need to be submitted by shortlisted consultant/firms

For Contact:

Samagra Jan-Utthan Kendra (APEC), Lahan-6, Siraha

Email: procurement.samagralahan@gmail.com

Contact No. 033-563012