Call for Request for Application (RFA) for Grant Program

USAID Urja Nepal Program

Call for Request for Application (RFA) for Grant Program

RFA-URJA-2024-005

The USAID Urja Nepal Program (Urja Nepal) is supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP. Urja Nepal aims to create a financially viable electricity sector that provides affordable, reliable, and secure power and enables the entry of private sector investment into the Nepal market through following four objectives: 

    Objective 1: Utility Performance and Relevant Sector Policies are Improved.

    Objective 2: Advanced Energy Systems Deployed

    Objective 3: Increased Private Sector Engagement

    Objective 4: Cross Border Electricity Trade between Nepal and its Neighbors Advanced

Project Description

Historically, access to education has been a challenge for women in Nepal, particularly in rural areas. While strides have been made to improve overall education access, disparities still exist in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education enrollment, with fewer girls pursuing STEM subjects at higher levels. However, research indicates that increased inclusion of women in STEM can lead to greater opportunities for innovation and inclusive development. Achieving this requires more meaningful representation of women in STEM roles. Providing equal opportunities for women to pursue STEM education, careers, and leadership positions can also contribute to narrowing the gender pay gap, enhancing women's economic security, and mitigating biases in these fields.

Similarly, the inclusion of individuals from Karnali and the Far-Western Province of Nepal in Government of Nepal (GoN) owned entities such as the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and other civil services remains underwhelming. The Civil Service Act of 1992 classifies nine districts of Nepal as so-called “underdeveloped” regions, with six located in the Karnali Province and the Far-Western Province. To address these challenges and promote inclusivity, the Civil Service Act of 1992 mandates the recruitment of at least 33% women and 4% from underdeveloped regions to fill vacant positions within civil services.

However, while these efforts establish minimum representation goals for females and candidates from underdeveloped regions in formal recruitment, initiatives such as internship programs still lack a formal structure in most government-owned institutions in Nepal.

Project Requirements

Urja Nepal successfully designed and executed the first phase of the Utility Internship Grants Program during its third year of operation in collaboration with NEA. This program offered internship opportunities to 20 recent engineering graduates, with 11 being female and the remaining from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. These grants enabled interns to acquire vital on-the-job technical and leadership skills essential for advancing their careers in the sector. Additionally, it assisted NEA in addressing its human resource shortage, albeit temporarily.

Drawing insights from the outcomes of the inaugural utility internship program and feedback from NEA and the interns, Urja Nepal is now collaborating with NEA to co-design the second phase of the internship program. This iteration will accommodate a cohort of 40 interns comprised of recent engineering graduates and Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) trainees. The primary focus of the second phase is to enhance inclusivity by prioritizing female candidates and individuals from the Karnali Province and other underdeveloped regions of the country. The program's objectives are outlined as follows:

• Provide hands-on experience to recent engineering and CTEVT graduates in the national utility sector, mainly focusing on the distribution aspects.
• Enhance the skillset and employability of interns, equipping them for future career opportunities in the power sector.
• Prepare and guide interns to take the Public Service Commission (PSC) examination for potential recruitment at institutions like NEA.
• Target marginalized, female and underrepresented people in STEM – a priority for Urja Nepal and aligned with the activity’s objectives.

For further information, please refer to the application instructions below, including the detailed RFA with full application requirements.

Because of the above background, the USAID’s Urja Nepal program invites applications from eligible partners to carry out the grant activity “Utility Internship Grant Program”. Urja Nepal requests technical and budget applications (using a provided template) from eligible applicants who are registered or have the legal authority to do business in Nepal with the following documents, by August 16, 2024. Requests should include the following:

• A completed technical application.
• A completed budget application
• Budget supporting documents, including the budget narrative, as applicable
• A copy of the applicant’s valid legal registration
• Oganizational profile and/or chart.
• Operation policies and procedures
• Statutory audit report of fiscal year 2079/080
• CVs for project personnel (if necessary)

To apply, applications must be submitted online through the Fluxx Grants Portal. To do so, interested applicants must:

1. Register on the portal at https://dgrants.fluxx.io/apply/Urja.
2. Receive the login credentials at their registered email.
3. Apply for the grant as per the instruction from the portal.

The detailed RFA document can be obtained by following this link or send a request to info@urja-nepal.com with RFA-URJA-2024-005 in subject line.

Issuance of this RFA does not obligate Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal to award a grant, nor will it pay any costs associated with the preparation or submission of application. Furthermore, Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal reserve the right to reject all applications, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of Deloitte and/or Urja Nepal.

The final award is contingent upon USAID approval.