Expression of Interest (EOI): Assessment of Cooperatives for financial inclusion of persons with disability

Expression of Interest (EOI): Assessment of Cooperatives for financial inclusion of persons with disability.

DEC-Nepal is a non-governmental, non-profit making, non-political community-based organization running by and for the persons with disabilities. The motto of DEC-Nepal is to empower the person with disabilities by providing access and opportunities to uplift their social, cultural, economic, political and environmental status. DEC-Nepal has been duly registered with the District Administration Office (DAO) in Banke (Registration No. 888/064/065) and is affiliated with the Social Welfare Council (Affiliation NO. 23124).

DEC-N has been working for the empowerment of person with disability as well as to advocate and lobby with local government to promote, ensure the rights, inclusive development and meaningful participation of person with disability aligning with UNCRPD and disability rights act of Nepal.

The USAID Inclusive Livelihoods-West Activity is being  implemented jointly by CBM, Disable Empowerment and Communication  Nepal (DEC-Nepal), and KOSHISH – Self-help Groups of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities in four municipal areas of Banke (Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan, Khajura Rural Municipality) and Dang (Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan, Dangisharan Rural Municipality) Districts to support persons with disabilities for economic empowerment by the means of enterprise and employment through accessible and inclusive employers, financial institutions, and local market. The goal of the Activity is toward inclusive, sustainable, and resilient livelihoods of persons with disabilities in the aftermath of Covid-19 in the selected districts of Banke and Dang districts of Lumbini province of Nepal.

DEC Nepal is looking for trained, well experienced consultant to assess 23 cooperatives across four municipalities to identify barriers and recommend actionable measures that ensures accessibility for persons with disabilities to engage in savings and loan activities. The assessment will support on financial inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

A. Desired academic qualifications, skills and experiences of consultants

• At least a bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Social Science, Development Studies, Disability Studies, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in accessibility assessments, inclusive development, or financial inclusion projects.
• A Proven experience working with persons with disabilities and financial institute sectors. Strong analytical, report writing and communication skills.

B. Roles and Responsibilities of the Consultant

• The event will be conducted in 4 municipals areas of Banke (Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, Khajura Rural Municipality) and Dang (Tulshipur sub metropolitian city and Dangisharan Rural Municipality) Districts.
• A total number of 23 cooperatives will be evaluated from the perspective of financial inclusion of persons with disability.
• Review relevant project documents, cooperative guidelines, and national laws/policies related to accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
• Conduct on-site assessments of 23 cooperatives in four municipalities to identify accessibility barriers.
• Consult with persons with disabilities, Organizations of Persons with Disability (OPDs), and self-help groups to gather feedback on challenges and opportunities.
• Assess physical and communication accessibility (e.g., entrances, ramps, signage, seating, counters, easy to read, sign language interpreter).
• Analyze procedural barriers (e.g., requirements for membership, documentation, and loan application processes).
• Provide specific recommendations and plan for improvement to address identified barriers in physical infrastructure, communication, policies, and procedures.
• Submit a comprehensive report summarizing findings, recommendations, and the action plan for the cooperatives.
• Work closely with CBM, DEC Nepal and KOSHISH in preparation, training delivery and reporting phase.

C. Interested Consultancy firms and professional personnel are required to submit the following:

The consultant/firm shall submit an application with the following documents;

Technical proposal (Maximum 4 pages)

The technical report may have approach, methodology, timeline, outline of report and work plan of proposed event and details of how the training facilitators are qualified and suitable for the consultancy.

Financial proposal

The Proposed budget for total cost should be in Nepali rupees.

Detail of the consultant/organization/firm/individual

The organization/Firm should submit;

• CVs of proposed person
• Organization profile with relevant experiences
• A copy of company/firm registration
• A copy of Tax clearance certificate
• VAT/PAN registration
• Audit report (latest year)
• Any other relevant documents

The Individual consultant should submit;

• Technical and financial proposal
• CV of candidate,
• Relevant TOT/training and higher academic certificate,
• Citizenship card and  PAN Card of consultant,

The proposal should reach the address below via email or courier or hand delivery by January 8, 2025, 16:00 Hrs. (Nepal Local Time). Please, enclose the "Proposal for Assessment of Cooperatives” in an envelope (or subject of email) and drop it at following address:

DEC Nepal office

Kohalpur-10, Banke

Or send to:

Email to: decnepal7@gmail.com and CC: khushirt.decnepal@gmail.com

To find more information about TOR, please click on the following link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ULHAGFY5ycIA7mE5BeeAdXBk4kpDRpss/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101184549262937684269&rtpof=true&sd=true