ToR for Individual Consultancy

ToR

Individual Consultancy for Monitoring and Analysis of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Comprehensive Implementation Plans (GESI-CIPs) and Gender-Responsive Public Financial Management (PFM) in Selected Local Governments

1. Background and Rationale

LIFE Nepal is a non-profit organization registered at the District Administration Office of Dhanusha in 2012 and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council in Kathmandu. We are a women- and youth-led organization based in Madhesh Province. Our aim is to ensure that the basic needs of people such as education, health, social protection, and livelihood are fulfilled, with a special focus on Children, Girls, Dalits, Muslims, Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.

LIFE Nepal is looking for a consultant to Analysis of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Comprehensive Implementation Plans (GESI-CIPs) and Gender-Responsive Public Financial Management (PFM) in Selected Local Governments. The consultant will be responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising meal services, ensuring standards are met, and coordinating with project teams for smooth implementation of activities.

Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a core pillar of UNICEF Nepal’s commitment to equitable, child-centered, gender-responsive and inclusive programme and service delivery. In Nepal’s federal context, local governments are key actors responsible for translating GESI/GEDSI policies into action through local planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) systems at the local level is therefore essential to ensure that policy commitments are reflected in resource allocation, programme implementation and service delivery for women, children, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.

In this context, with the technical support of the Empowered Women, Prosperous Nepal (EWPN) Programme—a joint initiative of the European Union and the United Nations—32 local governments across Madhesh, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces have developed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Comprehensive Implementation Plans (GESI-CIPs) in 2024/2025 (Fy2081_2082). These plans were developed in accordance with the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, to support implementation of GESI strategies and to internalize, mainstream, localize and institutionalize gender-responsive and socially inclusive systems across local governments.

Public Financial Management (PFM) systems at the local government level are critical for translating commitments on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) into concrete development results. In Nepal’s federal context, local governments have significant authority over annual planning, budget allocation, budget execution and reporting. However, gaps often remain between GESI policy commitments and actual budget allocations, expenditure and implementation, which can limit the effectiveness of inclusive and gender-responsive service delivery.

Although local governments have started using Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) codes and budget tagging mechanisms, there has been limited systematic analysis of: trends in GESI budget allocations and expenditure over time; the alignment of allocations with local GESI-CIP priorities; the quality of budget formulation, execution and reporting from a GESI perspective; and the actual use and results of GESI-tagged budgets.

To address these gaps, this initiative will mobilize a qualified consultant to conduct a GESI-CIP monitoring and budget analysis within local government PFM systems, using secondary budget data, annual planning and budget documents, and consultations with relevant stakeholders. The analysis will generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen GESI-CIP implementation, improve the functionality of GESI committees including institutionalization, clarify the role of GESI focal persons, capacity development and support more informed, inclusive and gender-responsive decision-making at the local level.

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Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess:

• Advanced university degree in Public Finance, Economics, Governance, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Public Policy or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in public financial management, local governance, GRB, gender equality and social inclusion, or public policy analysis.
• Demonstrated experience conducting budget analysis and public expenditure reviews.
• Strong understanding of Nepal's federal governance and local government financial management systems.
• Experience in conducting analytical studies and producing high-quality reports for development partners, government agencies or UN organizations.
• Familiarity with equity, child rights and gender programming approaches is an asset.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, communication and report-writing skills.

Interested candidates are requested to send their CV and cover letter indicating estimated budget to hr.lifenepal@gmail.com before July 10, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for the selection process. Dalit, Madheshi, Janajati, Muslim, Person with Disability and minorities are highly encouraged to apply.

Telephone inquiries will not be entertained.