TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) For Consultancy Service

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

TITLE OF PROJECT:

Strengthening Inclusive Education System and Services in Nepal

TITLE OF ACTION:

Development of a Learning Product on the implementation experience of Universal Design of Learning (UDL) in the project and understand its effectiveness in enhancing learning outcomes of children with disabilities.

ORGANIZATION INTRODUCTION

Handicap International Federation (HI), a non-for-profit association governed by the French Act of July 1st, 1901, domiciled at “138, Avenue des frères Lumière, 69008, Lyon, France”, represented by Virendra Singh Thagunna, in his capacity as Country Manager in Nepal office, located at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu-Nepal, contact no. +977-1-4378482 hereinafter referred to as “HI”.

HI Nepal STRATOP, 2024-2026 of HI Nepal has an objective (Inclusive Education) to increase equitable access of children with disabilities, children with functional limitation and other marginalized children to quality and inclusive education that contributes SDG Goal#4 and CRPD Article#24.

CONTEXT

Project Background

The Inclusive Education project under the Disability Inclusive Development (DID) programme, titled Strengthening Inclusive Education Systems and Services in Nepal, aims to improve access, participation, and learning outcomes for children with disabilities and other children with learning support needs. The project is led by Humanity & Inclusion (HI) in collaboration with consortium partner Sense International (SI) and implemented by Autism Care Chitwan Society (ACCS) and National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN). It spans 48 months, (January 2022 -Dec 2025) and is being implemented in Kalika Municipality and Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan District, Province 3, Nepal.

The project is being implemented in 147 community schools of both locations. The interventions targets children with functional limitations, disabilities and other learning needs of both in and out of school children. The intervention in school aims to emphasize implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in teaching learning practices, which emphasize tailored support strategies based on individual needs. The project has trained schoolteachers, including itinerant teachers, on UDL using a Training of Trainer (TOT) approach. This has equipped teachers with the skills needed for inclusive education which has been supporting improving learning outcomes and inclusiveness for all students including children with disabilities and those with learning needs.

This learning product aims to document the lessons (including challenges) learnt from implementing UDL in the project that can inform future policy and practice at the national level. The findings will be disseminated to influence the integration of UDL principles into national educational framework of Nepal.

Objectives of the Learning product

• To analyse and elaborate on how the project adapted Universal Design of Learning (UDL) to the context of Chitwan highlighting the implementation and adaptation of UDL approaches used.
• To showcase the project's successes and challenges in implementing UDL.
• To demonstrate the benefits of UDL implementation for inclusive education advocacy at the national level.
• To provide recommendations for integrating UDL principles into national educational policies and practices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUIRED SERVICE PROVISION

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive learning product that documents the role and impact of functionalizing principles of the UDL approach. The document is intended to showcase how the project adapted UDL to the local context, highlighting the implementation and adaptation of UDL approaches within this setting (which worked well and did not work due to contextual setting and other factors). The project targets children with disabilities including those with learning needs as primary beneficiaries and schoolteachers, headteachers, school management committee, local education unit as key actors in executing the principles highlighted in the UDL.

The consultant will be responsible for designing the data collection tools, executing, and delivering a high-quality, evidence-based learning document that evaluates the effectiveness of UDL implementation, explores the broader impact on school systems, families, and communities, and assesses the best practices.

CONSULTANT’S SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of work for the consultant includes the following:

i. Inception Report:

• A detailed report outlining the understanding of the task, methodology, timeline, and data collection tools and outline of deliverables. This report should be submitted after the kick-off meeting and before fieldwork begins to ensure alignment with project objectives and intended scope of the consultancy task.

ii. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect and analyze quantitative data on gathering evidence on understanding of UDL among schoolteachers, stakeholders in education unit of municipality and how does it promote inclusive education in ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for diverse learners including those with disabilities.
• Collect qualitative data through interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to get overview of the project's experiences with UDL implementation, including those with disabilities and understand the challenges in implementing UDL in diverse educational settings
• Engage with schoolteachers and stakeholders in local education units to collect success stories, best practices, challenges, and case studies.

iii. Document best practices, challenges, lessons Learned and recommendations

• To showcase the project's successes and challenges in implementing UDL.
• To demonstrate the benefits of UDL implementation for inclusive education advocacy at the national level.
• To provide recommendations for integrating UDL principles into national educational policies and practices.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception Report: Outline of the data collection method, timeline, team composition and details of proposed activities
• Comprehensive Report: A detailed report summarizing findings, analysis, case studies, and recommendations.
• Infographics: Visual representations of the key findings and recommendations. It should be in English and Nepali languages. Translation in Nepali to be done by consultant.
• Executive Summary: A concise version (2-4 pager) of the main report for high-level stakeholders highlighting key findings and recommendations. It should be in English and Nepali languages. Translation in Nepali to be done by consultant.
• PowerPoint Presentation: A presentation highlighting the key points, impact, and recommendations from the study, for stakeholder meetings and dissemination events.

DURATION OF WORK

The assignment is expected to be completed over a period of 25 working days, starting from the third week of 25 November 2024 and concluding with the submission of all the final deliverables by end of January 2025. The consultant will need to travel to the program area: Bharatpur Municipality and Kalika Municipality in Chitwan District.

CONSULTANTS PROFILE

The consultant should have demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive learning documents and conducting qualitative and quantitative research.

The expected qualifications and competencies required for the consultant:

1. Master’s degree in education, Social Sciences, Disability Studies, International Development, or related fields.
2. Specialization in inclusive education, disability rights, or educational project management is an asset.
3. Minimum of 5 years of experience working on inclusive education programs, particularly focusing on children with disabilities.
4. Proven experience in conducting research, evaluations, or assessments in the field of inclusive education or disability-related projects.
5. Prior experience in designing and developing high-quality learning documents for
6. educational or development projects.
7. Familiarity with the Nepali education system and policy frameworks related to inclusive education and disability rights is an advantage.
8. In-depth understanding of inclusive education principles, disability-inclusive development, and related international frameworks (e.g., UNCRPD, SDG Goal 4 on education).

BUDGET

The consultant is required to propose a detailed budget with separate headings for this consultancy, including consultancy fees, data collection costs, and any other relevant expenses. TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) will be applied as per the Government tax policy.

All transportation, food, and accommodation costs should be covered by the consultant and must be included in the proposed budget.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A consultant is requested to include the following in the application:

Firms:

• A cover letter expressing interest explaining potential for the study.
• CVs of the study team.
• Organogram of the team structure
• Technical Proposal including detailed methodology and work plan.
• Financial Proposal (cost effective and showing unit costs).
• Firm Registration & Renewal certificate.
• Copy of VAT Registration Certificate.
• Latest Tax clearance certificate.
• Bank account details
• Sample from previous work.

Individuals:

• A cover letter expressing interest explaining potential for the study.
• CVs of the study team.
• Organogram of the team structure
• Technical Proposal including detailed methodology and work plan.
• Financial Proposal (cost effective and showing unit costs).
• PAN Registration Certificate, compulsory.
• Bank account detail
• Sample from previous work

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Selection criteria for applications meeting administrative and technical minimum requirements are as follows:

• Price- 30 % Weight
• Technical proposal/experience/Qualification – 70% weight (includes objective, methodology, workplan, time frame)

PAYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The payment for the consultancy will be made in two installments:

• 30% upon submission of inception report
• 70% upon submission and approval of all final deliverables, including the comprehensive report, case studies, infographics, executive summary, and PowerPoint presentation.

CONTACT PERSON

The consultant will report to and work closely with the designated contact person throughout the consultancy period. The primary point of contact for this assignment will be defined by HI and share the contact details upon signing the contact.

Please submit your technical and financial proposal and required documents to e-mail procurement@nepal.hi.org. The last date for submitting the application is by 19th November 2024. Please indicate the consultancy title in cover letter while applying.