Terms of Reference- “Developing Guidelines/ criteria for Disability ID Card for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities”

Terms of Reference 

“Developing Guidelines/ criteria for Disability ID Card for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities”

1. Background

KOSHISH is an organization established in 2008 and a pioneer organization of persons with psychosocial disability which has a vision of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing for all in Nepal. In the spirit of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US”, KOSHISH advocates towards bringing psychosocial disability into the mainstream of disability, by breaking the silence surrounding these issues. We seek to ensure a dignified life for persons with psychosocial disabilities through harmonization and implementation of laws and policies in line with international human rights standards including UNCRPD. KOSHISH has also been advocating for addressing various barriers and challenges faced by persons with psychosocial disability with respect to their inherent rights and dignity. The actions have been aimed at breaking down the existing legal, attitudinal, social, and cultural barriers with a particular focus on inclusion, empowerment, meaningful participation, and enjoyment of rights of persons with mental health condition/ psychosocial disability on an equal basis with others.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

This consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive guideline for access to Disability ID cards for persons with psychosocial disability as the existing Disability ID guideline does not provide clear guidance to facilitate access to ID card for them. Discussions with the Local Coordination Committee of various municipalities have also highlighted the challenges for their members to provide Disability ID cards for persons with psychosocial disability based on the existing guideline. Therefore, the guideline to be developed will support identifying persons with psychosocial disability and facilitate them to access to social services and facilities as mentioned in the Act Related to Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as maintain classified records of people with different types of disabilities from the local level.

3. Objectives

The main objectives of this consultancy are:

1. To review the current Disability ID card guideline from the perspective of psychosocial disability to identify areas of improvement in the document. 
2. To review the reports/ documents that have already been developed from the workshops/ consultations carried out with various stakeholders by KOSHISH
3. To engage stakeholders, including persons with psychosocial disabilities and cross disability groups, governmental authorities and like-minded organizations to gather input and insights on its development.
4. To develop an alternate/shadow Disability ID card guideline with clear information on identification and categorization of psychosocial disability for issuance and management of disability ID card.

5. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Conducting a literature review of guidelines on Disability ID card in Nepal and best practices from across the globe for facilitating access to ID card for persons with psychosocial disabilities from the rights based perspective in line with national and international documents including the Constitution of Nepal, UNCRPD, concluding observation, Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disability etc.
• Facilitating consultations and workshops with key stakeholders.
• Collect information from persons with psychosocial disability through FGDs, KIIs and in-depth interviews for their perspective on what should be incorporated in the guideline
• Drafting guidelines that address key components, such as eligibility criteria, application processes, distribution process and responsibilities of the coordination committee responsible for distribution of ID cards.

6. Deliverables

The expected deliverables include:

1. A comprehensive report summarizing the findings from the literature review and stakeholder consultations (initial, validation and final workshop)
2. Draft guidelines for the Disability ID card from the perspective of psychosocial disability.
3. A final version of the guidelines, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
4. A presentation of the guidelines to relevant authorities and stakeholders.

7. Timeline

The task is expected to be completed by February 2025, with the following key milestones: 

• Literature review and stakeholder consultations: 31st December 2024
• Draft guidelines: 20th January 2025
• Validation workshop: 30th January 2025
• Final guidelines and presentation: 15th February 2025
• Final comprehensive report: 28th February 2025

8. Qualifications and experience required

The minimum qualifications and experience required are:

• Proven experience in disability rights, cross disability/ psychosocial disabilities, or related fields. (Previous experience in policy/ guideline development will be an advantage)
• Good attitude to learning and development
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of policy development processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication (including active listening) skills in both English and Nepali

9. Reporting

The consultant will work in close collaboration with KOSHISH and provide updates on progress and challenges on a regular basis. The consultant will submit the deliverables within the stipulated timeline.

10. Application Process

Interested candidates are requested to submit their proposals to procurement@koshish.org.np by COB 26- Nov-2024 & include

• A brief outline of their approach to the task
• Relevant documents and CVs that highlight experience and qualifications to carry out the ask
• A financial proposal