Terms of Reference (ToR): Developing and Facilitating Capacity-Building Initiatives aligning GESI Framework

Terms of Reference (ToR): Developing and Facilitating Capacity-Building Initiatives aligning GESI Framework

Background

iDE is a global organization advancing market-based approaches in agriculture, finance, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) to create income and livelihood opportunities for low-income rural households. Operating in Nepal since 1992, iDE has delivered innovative solutions, including irrigation systems, quality seeds, integrated pest management, and rural collection centers, helping rural communities escape poverty and adapt to climate change.

iDE believes that entrepreneurs in low-income countries thrive when participating in market ecosystems that are competitive, inclusive, and resilient. By engaging stakeholders—producers, suppliers, retailers, and customers—iDE identifies and overcomes critical bottlenecks, developing lasting solutions.

Two-thirds of the food consumed globally is produced by 500 million smallholder farmers. Despite their vital role, these farmers face low productivity, vulnerability to climate change, and limited access to advisory services. Gender inequality further exacerbates these challenges by restricting equal access to resources. Digital agricultural advisory services (DAS) offer a promising solution, but barriers such as low literacy, poor infrastructure, gender digital divides, and inadequate digital literacy limit their adoption, particularly among women.

AgriPath Project Overview

AgriPath is an action-research initiative designed to empower smallholder farmers, especially women, to transition to sustainable agriculture through effective digital pathways. Implemented in three target countries (Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal) and engaging partners in six neighboring countries, AgriPath focuses on co-developing the farmbetter app, an innovative tool that matches farmers’ needs with sustainable land management solutions.

The project’s goal is to enhance farmers’ productivity, income, and resilience by increasing their adoption of sustainable practices. Recognizing the gender divide in technology absorption, AgriPath integrates a dedicated Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) component, targeting root causes such as socio-economic and cultural barriers that hinder the adoption of digital tools.

Objectives of the Consultancy:

Our experiences highlight a significant gender divide in technology adoption, driven by various socio-economic factors. Gender and social inclusion (GESI) barriers related to social norms, gender roles, and power dynamics at all levels of the ecosystem—from the household to the state—play a critical role in limiting technology absorption and its application in practice. Addressing these root causes is essential for fostering the development of skilled entrepreneurs. This consultancy is part of an action-research initiative aimed at identifying effective solutions to these challenges through a dedicated GESI component.

The digital divide stems from multiple interconnected factors, including:

• Affordability
• Availability
• Ability
• Social Norms and Underlying Gender Inequality
• Relevance (Appetite)
• Safety, Security, and Harassment

To address these gaps, the consultancy (individual) will:

1. Develop a Capacity-Building Package:

• Design a comprehensive training package addressing barriers related to digital access, sustainable land management, and women’s empowerment through a GESI lens.

2. Draft an ICT Benefits Letter:

• Create a letter emphasizing the benefits of ICT for family prosperity. This letter will be distributed during training sessions and addressed to household heads or partners identified by field staff.

3. Engage Household Leaders:

• Engage men and other household decision-makers in digital initiatives through targeted discussions about digital tools and their economic benefits, subject to budget availability.

4. Pilot and Refine the Training Package:

• Facilitate the training at a selected site, gather feedback, and refine the materials based on insights from the session.

Specific Objectives

1. Develop a capacity-building package based on identified barriers and aligned with the GESI framework.
2. Draft a letter promoting the benefits of ICT for family prosperity, tailored for household engagement.
3. Facilitate the training package at three project sites (Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dhangadi) and refine it based on the learnings from the training.

Scope of Work

1. Conduct a Desk Review:

• Identify barriers to digital technology adoption, focusing on gender and social norms.

2. Develop Training Materials:

• Create a comprehensive capacity-building package.
• Draft an ICT-focused letter for household engagement.

3. Facilitate Training:

• Conduct training sessions at  selected sites.
• Gather insights to improve the package.

4. Finalize Outputs:

• Update and finalize training materials and tools based on feedback.

Deliverables

• Inception Report:
  • Methodology, tools, and work plan.
• Desk Review Summary:
  • A two-page document outlining identified barriers.
• Training Package:
  • Comprehensive materials addressing GESI-related challenges.
• ICT Benefits Letter:
  • Drafted letter for household-level engagement.
• Training Report:
  • Process report with recommendations for package improvement.
• Finalized Materials:
  • Revised training tools and finalized letter.

Consultant Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct desk reviews to identify gender digital divides.
• Develop training packages in coordination with the GESI Lead and Project Manager.
• Draft ICT engagement letters and training materials.
• Facilitate training sessions and document learnings.
• Revise and finalize materials based on pilot feedback

Payment Schedule

• 30% upon submission of the inception report, desk review summary and training package.
• 70% upon submission of the final package and training report.

Eligibility Criteria

The consultant(s) must meet the following criteria:

1. Education:

• Advanced degree in social sciences, gender studies, agriculture, or related fields.

2. Experience:

• Proven expertise in developing capacity-building packages, especially on GESI-focused topics.Experience on entrepreneurship/priavte sector and GESI will be an advantage
• At least 5 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research.
• Demonstrated ability to address digital divides in rural or low-income settings.

3. Skills:

• Strong understanding of digital tools, sustainable land management, and GESI integration.
• Proficiency in designing and delivering tailored training materials.

4. Knowledge:

• Familiarity with socio-economic dynamics in Nepal.

5. Communication:

• Excellent facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project teams.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

All intellectual property developed during this assignment will belong to iDE Nepal. Consultants must not use materials, data, or findings for purposes beyond this assignment without written permission from iDE Nepal.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to complete the form in the link provided below:

Link for the Form: https://forms.gle/SmLM47DYLJYnAMrDA

• A brief technical proposal including : 
  • Firm profile outlining the relevant experience along with the clientele reference.
  • An understanding of TOR, proposed methodology to accomplish the deliverable with tentative work and timeline, 
  • Updated CV of the team members highlighting the relevant competency and professional experience as deemed by the TOR.
• Detailed financial proposal for the assignment. The financial proposal must include service fees as well as all other associated costs required for the completion of the assignment.
• Legal Registration and renewal documents. (Tax clearance certificate of latest year)

Note: Technical and financial proposals must be provided separately. Failure to provide the above documents or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Work Schedule

• Start Date: First week of February
• Duration: 20 days wording days ( Two month time interval ) 
• Final Report Submission: End of March