Terms of Reference (ToR): Local Market Assessment for Identifying Trades for Young Girls and Young Women in Madhesh Province for SheLeads Project



Terms of Reference (ToR): Local Market Assessment for Identifying Trades for Young Girls and

Young Women in Madhesh Province for SheLeads Project

SheLeads project is designed to address systemic and legal challenges faced by young women and girls in Madhesh Province. It aims to support access to skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities, thereby addressing barriers to economic access and fostering transformative change. The project focuses on vocational skills (short-, medium-, and long-term dual VET), results-based financing, enterprise development, financial inclusion, and youth engagement in local governance projects and initiatives. This project is financially supported by a Swiss Foundation, Ursula Zindel Hiliti Foundation and will be implemented in three different municipalities of Madhesh province namely, Karjanha, Lahan and Ganeshmancharnath. Helvetas Nepal invites evaluators/consultants who are committed, experienced and dynamic for the following:

1. Term of Reference (ToR)

Location: The assessment will focus on Karjanha, Lahan, and Ganeshmancharnath municipalities, while also considering the broader context and market dynamics of Madhesh Province as a whole.

Duration: 27th May 2025 to 17th June 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to identify locally viable, market-relevant, and gender-responsive trades for young girls and women (ages 13–40) in Karjanha, Lahan, and Ganeshmancharnath Municipalities of Madhesh Province. By examining both traditional and non-traditional trades, with a focus on those offering higher income and sustainable employment, the assessment aims to align local market demands with the training interests and aspirations of young women—ensuring relevance, uptake, and long-term impact of skills development initiatives.

Required Education, Experience and Social Competence: The evaluators/consulting firm must have at least six years of experience in Market and Trade Assessments, Labour Market Surveys, or Value Chain Analyses in Nepal, with a focus on identifying non-traditional, gender-responsive trades for marginalized women and girls. Strong knowledge of Nepal’s TVET system, entrepreneurship, and economic development is required. Experience in Madhesh Province or similar socio-economic settings is a strong asset. The team should hold a Master’s degree or higher in fields such as Economics, Development Studies, Market Systems, or any relevant fields and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively using participatory approaches. Proven capacity in both qualitative and quantitative research, including engagement with local governments, education providers, financial institutions, private sector actors, and marginalized communities is essential. Proficiency in English and Nepali is required, and knowledge of local ethnic languages is an advantage.

Remuneration and Benefits: The total budget of the assignment is up to NPR 7,00,000 (In words: Seven Lakhs Only)

Application Procedures: Interested evaluators/consulting firms who meet the above requirements are requested to submit the proposal at npl.sheleads@helvetas.org. Detailed ToR with the description is available on the website http://notice.helvetasnepal.org

Telephone inquiries will not be entertained. Only short-listed evaluators/consultant firms will be contacted for the further negotiation process. Helvetas Nepal reserves the right to reject any or all applications without assigning any reasons.

Deadline for submission of application: 27th May 2025