Governance Consultant

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Governance Consultant

Position: Governance Consultant

Duration: 8 days (The consultant is required to be available at the beginning of February 2025).

Partner Organizations: Governance Lab (GovLab) at Daayitwa Abhiyaan, CASA Program

Location: Lumbini Province, Nepal

1. Background

Governance Lab Pvt. Ltd. (GovLab) at Daayitwa Abhiyaan brings together policy-making researchers, leaders and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and advocate for evidence-based policymaking to achieve sustainable development in Nepal. 

GovLab has conducted policy research that aligns with government priorities in areas of youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, access to investment, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and governance reform. Some of our highlighted research work include ‘Insights from Nepal on UN High-Level Panel’s 7 Drivers of Change for Women’s Economic Empowerment’ (in partnership with Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens) and ‘Evaluation of Microenterprise Graduation in Lumbini and Madhesh Provinces’ (in partnership with Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies).

In partnership with CASA, GovLab is working to enhance the capacity of provincial government officials in Lumbini Province. This initiative focuses on improving the business environment for MSMEs in Lumbini Province by strengthening provincial governance systems, with a particular emphasis on agribusiness policy reforms. It  equips public officials with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve the business environment for SMEs in agricultural value chains. By offering capacity-building initiatives on industrial policies, economic management, and SME development—leveraging expertise from academic institutions and international organizations—GovLab aims to support provincial ministries, including the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transportation (MoITT), the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management, and Cooperatives (MoALC), and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (MoEWRI), in making more informed policy decisions that foster agribusiness growth and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

2. Job description

The Governance Consultant will play a key role in facilitating the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) module and leading critical policy reform activities as part of a capacity-building initiative for government officials in Lumbini Province. This role involves conducting a rapid policy assessment, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, and driving policy recommendations to enhance the business enabling environment for the agri-MSME sector. The consultant will work closely with stakeholders across provincial, district, and municipal levels, as well as engage with SMEs, business membership organizations (BMOs), and relevant government ministries.

Responsibilities

The Governance Consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables: 

Major Responsibilities:

1. Policy Landscape Assessment: 

• Conduct secondary research to analyze existing policies, programs, and studies related to the agri-SME sector.
• Participate in field visits to Lumbini Province to understand on-ground challenges faced by agri-SMEs and relevant stakeholders
• Identify key policy challenges and opportunities for agri-SME growth.
• Summarize findings from the policy landscape assessment and stakeholder consultations and present outcomes.

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Organize and conduct multiple stakeholder consultations at the provincial, district, and municipal levels.
• Engage stakeholders, including SMEs, business membership organizations (BMOs), and line ministries such as MoITT, MoEAP, MoSD, PPPC, MoALC, and MoEWRI.
• Facilitate discussions to identify policy bottlenecks and sectoral needs.

3. Government Employee Mapping:

• Conduct a detailed mapping of employees in MoITT and other relevant line ministries to assess their roles, working levels, and capacity needs.
• Identify gaps in provincial government capacity for effective policy-making and implementation.

4. Support Policy Area Prioritization:

• Collaborate with the project team and provincial government to identify and prioritize impactful policy areas, ensuring alignment with provincial strategic priorities and business community needs.

Major Deliverables:

1. Policy Landscape Assessment Report: A comprehensive report including Government Employee Mapping Report summarizing the current state of agri-MSME policies, challenges, and opportunities, including data from secondary research and stakeholder consultations.
2. Stakeholder Consultation Documentation: Meeting minutes, participant lists, and key insights from multiple stakeholder consultations.
3. Field Visit Report: Detailed observations and recommendations from on-ground visits in Lumbini Province.
4. Policy Assessment Presentation: A presentation tailored for senior provincial officials, summarizing assessment findings and providing actionable recommendations.
5. Policy Area Prioritization Plan: A strategic document identifying and justifying prioritized policy areas for agri-SME sector reform, with suggested interventions such as productivity-linked subsidies.

Requirement

• Advanced degree in public policy, governance, economics, development studies, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in governance, policy analysis, and facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement.
• Strong knowledge of the agri-MSME sector, particularly in Nepal’s provincial context.
• Proficiency in designing and facilitating capacity-building workshops and iterative policy reform initiatives.
• Proven ability to conduct research, policy assessments, and stakeholder mapping.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with RRI and PDIA methodologies is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Nepal’s governance systems and provincial policy environment is a strong advantage.

3. Application Procedure and Additional Information

Compensation: GovLab will provide compensation on a daily rate basis. The rate will be mutually agreed upon, commensurate with the level of the required deliverables, the qualifications and experience of the candidate. 

If you're keen on this position, kindly complete the form below by 26th January 2025. To access the page, please click on the provided link and right-click to go to the link.

https://forms.gle/9JKBZ4L3HaYX3BJk9

In the subject line, please include the “Job Title followed by your first and last name (e.g., “XXX – Sabina Nepali)”. Attach the following documents in a single PDF file, maintaining the specified order:

• Cover letter (one page max)
• CV 
• Academic transcripts/certificate for most recent qualification

Deadline: 26th January 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

Governance Lab is committed to promoting workforce diversity and actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized and discriminated groups, including women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai, and other minority communities. The organization values inclusive representation and strives to create a diverse and equitable working environment.