Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultant

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Consultant to conduct a Need Assessment of the

child protection and safeguarding situation in Solududhkunda Municipality

1. Background

Action for Nepal (AF Nepal), registered as a Non-Profit Distributing Company (RNO: 147077/072/073) in Nepal, is dedicated to advancing the development of remote communities by enhancing health, education, and empowering locals to achieve sustainability. As a community-centric organization, AF Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering healthy and educated communities throughout Nepal.

Child protection is also the motto of the organization, along with enhancing health and education in rural communities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation and abuse, with strong policies aimed at creating a safe environment for children. AF Nepal is actively engaged in building a child-safe organization and promoting safety measures to prevent child abuse and foster proper child development in accordance with national and international child rights. This commitment includes implementing effective child rights and development interventions with proper reporting procedures in the communities where it operates.

With funding support from the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF), AF Nepal is initiating a child protection and safeguarding project in Solududhkunda Municipality. This municipality encompasses 11 wards and is located in Solukhumbu district, Nepal. The project aims to implement comprehensive policies, proper mechanisms, and community-level programs to enhance child protection and safeguarding within the municipality and to work towards a sustainable model.

2. Objective

The primary objective of this consultancy is to conduct a Need Assessment to evaluate the current child protection and safeguarding situation in Solududhkunda Municipality. This assessment will identify areas requiring intervention and improvement under the existing local government system and mechanisms. Specifically, the assessment will focus on:

2.1. Assessing the current status of child protection mechanisms and polices in place within the municipality.

2.2. Identifying key challenges and gaps related to child protection and safeguarding practices.

2.3. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing child-friendly local governance initiatives at the ward level.

2.4. Providing actionable recommendations to enhance child protection measures and promote a child-friendly environment within the municipality.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1. Reviewing relevant documents, policies, and reports related to child protection and safeguarding in Nepal and specifically in Solududhkunda Municipality.

3.2. Designing a methodology for the Need Assessment, including sampling strategy for selecting wards through random sampling.

3.3. Conducting field visits to municipality and selected wards to gather primary data through interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations.

3.4. Assessing the awareness and implementation of child-friendly local governance principles and practices at the ward level.

3.5. Analyzing data collected and preparing a comprehensive report that includes findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.

3.6. Presenting the findings and recommendations to Action for Nepal team.

4. Deliverables

The consultant shall deliver the following:

4.1. An inception report outlining the proposed methodology and work plan within 7 days of contract signing.

4.2. A draft Need Assessment report for review and feedback by Action for Nepal/Solududhkunda Municipality within 10 days of completing data collection.

4.3. A final Need Assessment report incorporating feedback received, including recommendations for improving child protection and promoting child-friendly local governance.

5. Duration

The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 30 days, the consultancy is expected to commence on (18 July, 2024) and be completed within (17 August, 2024).

6. Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

6.1. Masters degree in social sciences, child protection, development studies, or a related field.

6.2. Proven experience in conducting assessments related to child protection, safeguarding, or child rights.

6.3. Familiarity with child-friendly local governance frameworks and methodologies.

6.4. Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.

6.5. Experience working in Solukhumbu or similar contexts will be an advantage.

7. Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Program Coordinator, collaborate closely with the program team of Action for Nepal, and coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders of Solududhkunda Municipality.

8. Budget

The consultancy fee and budget for field visits, data collection, and report preparation will be negotiated and agreed upon between the consultant and Action for Nepal prior to contract signing.

9. Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit their applications, which should include a detailed resume, a cover letter, and a concept note outlining their approach and methodology. The deadline for submissions is July 11, 2024.

10. Confidentiality

The consultant shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information and data obtained during the course of the consultancy.

Contact Information: For inquiries and submissions, please contact at actionfnepal@gmail.com or at + 977 01 4915979/ 9801864454.

Note: This TOR may be subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the project and discussions with the selected consultant.