Terms of Reference (TOR): Promoting Co-operative Business through Podcast

Terms of Reference 

Promoting Co-operative Business through Podcast 

Heifer International Nepal is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Since its establishment in 1998, Heifer has transformed the lives of over 400,000 families through agriculture and livestock programs. By fostering Self-Help Groups and Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperatives, Heifer helps build resilient communities and promote sustainable livelihoods.

Heifer believes in the power of locally led development to drive sustainable change. By empowering communities to take ownership of their progress, Heifer ensures that solutions are grounded in local knowledge, culture, and context. This approach strengthens the capacity of local leaders and organizations to identify challenges, leverage resources, and implement long-term strategies tailored to the unique needs of their communities.

Through a holistic approach, Heifer works closely with smallholder farmers, in collaboration with local governments, private sector organizations, and other partners, to enhance agricultural practices, support women-led cooperatives, and create lasting economic change. This ultimately helps lift communities out of poverty while advancing toward more inclusive and resilient agri-food systems.

Heifer has been implementing the Innovations in Agro-Livestock Value Chain (IALVC) project to increase the sustainable income of smallholder farmers. The agriculture value chain component of this project primarily focuses on improving supply chain efficiency, establishing market linkages, and enhancing the value addition of target value chains. This is achieved by supporting producer cooperatives in establishing and upgrading vegetable, spice, and jaggery processing centers in partnership with governments, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. As part of the marketing and branding efforts for these processing centers, Heifer Nepal is seeking expert services to develop a podcast.

Objective:

Podcasts represent an innovative and impactful medium to share Heifer Nepal's inspiring stories, amplify its initiatives, and engage diverse audiences across Nepal. The primary objective of this project is to develop and execute a podcast strategy that promotes Heifer supported Co-operative business. 

Scope of Work:

1. Podcast Concept Development

• Design a creative concept for one episode podcast which promotes the Heifer supported co-operative business of Turmeric, Jaggery, Ginger and vegetables.

2. Content Creation

• Develop compelling content and scripts for one podcast episodes, ensuring focus on women rural entrepreneurship. 
• Conduct interviews with co-operative, and Heifer Nepal representatives.

3. Production

• Record and produce high-quality podcast episodes, using engaging audio techniques to create professional and accessible experience.

4. Distribution Strategy

• Select appropriate platforms to reach the target audience.
• Develop a promotion plan to increase visibility, including partnerships, social media campaigns, and cross-channel marketing.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Define metrics to measure podcast success, such as reach, engagement, listener feedback, and increased support for Heifer Nepal’s initiatives.
• Analyze data and incorporate lessons learned for continuous improvement.

Deliverables: 

• A podcast episodes showcasing/promoting Heifer supported co-operative business of Turmeric, Jaggery, Ginger and vegetables
• A distribution and promotion plan.
• Progress reports and evaluation findings.

Timeline:

The project is expected to run for 20 days. 

Expertise Required:

The consultant or team must have:

• Proven experience in podcast development and production.
• Knowledge of women entrepreneurship, particularly in rural contexts.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills.
• Familiarity with Nepali culture and target audiences.

Proposal Submission:

Interested individuals or organizations are invited to submit proposals to Procurement-NP@heifer.org by 2nd June 2025, 5:00 PM with email subject line “Proposal of podcast development” containing the following:

• Technical approach and methodology.
• Experience and credentials.
• Budget breakdown.
• Timeline and deliverables.
• Company/firm registration certificate
• PAN certificates
• Tax clearance certificates (FY080-81)

Copyrights:

All information and outputs pertaining to this assignment shall remain the property of the Heifer International Nepal who shall have exclusive rights over their use. Except for purposes of this assignment, the information shall not be disclosed to the public nor used in whatever without written permission of the organization in line with the National and International Copyright Laws applicable.

All rights to accept or reject partially/wholly a proposal, with or without giving any reasons, shall reserve with Heifer International Nepal. If deemed necessary, the company/firms/suppliers shall be asked for modifications.