Terms of Reference (ToR) - Provide Technical Support for the Development of GEDSI

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Provide Technical Support for the Development of GEDSI

Guideline 2026, Changunarayan Municipality

1. Organizational Context:

Established in 2001, ISET-Nepal is a catalytic Think Tank specializing in policy research and piloting initiatives at the ground level. It conducts interdisciplinary studies, pilots activities, implements programs, and facilitates policy dialogues addressing social and environmental challenges. It conducts multidisciplinary research and piloting and engages in interactions concerning various critical areas, including environmental issues, water resources, technology, politics, and societal dynamics. ISET-Nepal generates empirical evidence to inform policies across five key themes: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Changing Rural-Urban Continuum, Climate, Water, Ecosystem, Food and Livelihood Interdependence, Energy System and Management, and Public-Sector Governance. By enhancing knowledge and capacities, ISET-Nepal strives to foster a society capable of effectively managing these challenges.

2. Project Overview:

ISET Nepal, with support from DCA Nepal, is implementing an urban Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project called "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions–Making Cities Resilient (NEXUS-Plus)" in the Changunarayan Municipality. This initiative aims to promote resilient and sustainable urban growth in an area prone to multiple disasters due to rapid urbanization, hilly terrain, fragile geology, and climate change impacts. Changunarayan Municipality has been advancing in disaster preparedness and management, but requires external support in terms of knowledge and resources.

The project targets vulnerable populations, including low-and middle-income groups, women, marginalized communities, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Implemented between 2021 and 2022, the project "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions" aims to reduce vulnerability to recurrent disasters in Changunarayan Municipality. The initiative has garnered interest from the municipality and its residents due to the tangible benefits observed. It has supported green enterprises in enhancing resilience amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, promoting sustainable livelihood practices. Moreover, the project has influenced local policies to strengthen disaster resilience within the city.

3. Background of the Assignment

Changunarayan Municipality is committed to promoting inclusive governance and equitable development. In this context, the development of a GEDSI Guideline 2026 is a strategic step toward institutionalizing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles across all municipal systems.

The guideline will provide a comprehensive framework to guide planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring processes, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, disability, caste, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic background, can equally benefit from development interventions.

This assignment seeks to engage a qualified consultant to provide technical expertise in designing a practical, context-responsive, and actionable GEDSI Guideline for the municipality.

4. Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:

• Develop a comprehensive GEDSI Guideline 2026 for Changunarayan Municipality 
• Mainstream GEDSI principles across municipal policies, plans, and service delivery systems 
• Strengthen institutional capacity for inclusive governance and accountability 
• Promote meaningful participation of marginalized and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes 
• Ensure equitable access to resources, services, and livelihood opportunities 
• Align municipal policy with national frameworks and international commitments (e.g., SDGs) 

5. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for leading the development of the GEDSI Guideline through the following key tasks:

i. Situational Analysis

• Conduct a comprehensive review of existing guidelines, policies, plans, and practices 
• Assess gaps and opportunities related to GEDSI integration within municipal systems 
• Analyze the status of vulnerable and marginalized groups 

ii. Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate consultations with municipal officials, ward representatives, community groups, and relevant stakeholders 
• Ensure inclusive participation, particularly of women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities 

iii. Guideline Development

• Draft the GEDSI Guideline 2026, including vision, objectives, guiding principles, and strategic priorities 
• Integrate GEDSI considerations into key sectors such as DRR, livelihood, governance, and service delivery 
• Develop actionable strategies and implementation mechanisms 

iv. Institutionalization and Capacity Building

• Provide recommendations for institutional arrangements and GEDSI focal mechanisms 
• Support orientation/training sessions for municipal stakeholders 

v. Validation and Finalization

• Facilitate guideline validation workshops 
• Incorporate feedback and finalize the guideline document 

6. Methodology

The consultant will adopt a participatory, inclusive, and evidence-based methodology, including:

• Desk review of relevant guidelines, policies, and frameworks 
• Key informant interviews and focus group discussions 
• Multi-stakeholder consultations and workshops 
• Drafting, review, and validation processes 
• Continuous coordination with ISET-Nepal and municipal stakeholders 

7. Key Deliverables

• Inception report with detailed work plan and methodology 
• Situational analysis report 
• Draft GEDSI Guideline 2026 
• Consultation and validation workshop reports 
• Final GEDSI Guideline document (English and Nepali, if possible) 
• Final consultancy report with recommendations 

8. Duration and Participants

• Duration: As per the agreed timeline 
• Participants:
  • Municipal officials and ward representatives 
  • Community stakeholders and vulnerable groups 
  • An estimated 30–35 participants in consultation workshops 

9. Reporting and Coordination

• Work closely with the NEXUS+ Project team at ISET-Nepal 
• Provide regular progress updates 
• Submit all deliverables as per the agreed timeline 
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting of all activities 

10. Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, DRR, or related field (PhD preferred) 
• Minimum 2–5 years of relevant experience in GEDSI, guideline development, or inclusive governance 
• Proven experience in developing guidelines or strategic frameworks 
• Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills 
• Fluency in Nepali and English (written and spoken) 
• Strong analytical, report writing, and computer skills 

11. Budget and Payment Modality

The consultant will be remunerated based on agreed deliverables and milestones.

The contract amount shall be inclusive of all costs, including travel, accommodation, and other related expenses, unless otherwise agreed.

Links:

Proposal Submission Form