Call for Expression of Interest (EOI)

A. Introduction:

The National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN), established in 1995, serves as a national-level umbrella organization for deaf citizens in the country. NDFN is dedicated to promoting the rights of people with hearing impairments, including the Deaf, Deafblind, and others with complex disabilities. Currently, NDFN, in collaboration with Sense International, is spearheading the "All Together in Education: Breaking Barriers for Children with Deafblindness (Phase II)". project in Kathmandu, Kaski, Rupandehi, and Morang. As part of our commitment to advancing educational opportunities, NDFN is pleased to announce a call for expressions of interest from external consultants/companies to develop a position paper focusing on deafblind education in Nepal.

Eligible and Interested individuals are invited to submit expressions of interest to the following address:

Sanu Khimbaja

Project Manager

National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN)

Ranibari, Samakhushi-Kathmandu

email: sanu@deafnepal.org.np

Deadline for the application submission – 5 pm, 25^th May 2024

B. Submission Guidelines:

• Interested individuals or companies with a minimum of three years of experience in developing policies, position papers, and research are invited to submit expressions of interest.
• Consultants must provide comprehensive details of their qualifications and experience.
• This call for expressions of interest is open to both consulting firms and individual consultants.
• Individual consultants are required to provide details of at least one similar assignment within the past three years.
• Selection criteria include the consultant's experience and proposed budget for the task.

Expression of Interest should include:

• A covering letter on the official letterhead, signed by an authorized signatory.
• Letter of Application outlining the plan of action, expected services, required budget and availability within the specified timeframe. The task is expected to be completed by the end of August 2024.
• Applicant's Information Details.

Work Experience Details, with a particular emphasis on policy development, position papers, and research over the last three years.

C. Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Consultant:

Background:

Deafblindness remains a relatively growing issue within Nepal's disability landscape, especially concerning education. Limited organizational engagement and governmental programs underscore the urgent need to address educational gaps for children with deafblindness. Under the "All Together in Education: Breaking Barriers for Children with Deafblindness (Phase II)" project, NDFN, in partnership with Sense International, endeavors to ensure equitable access to education for children with deafblindness.

Job Description/Task:

NDFN seeks a consultant to develop a position paper on deafblind education in Nepal, aimed at assessing the current status and proposing recommendations for governmental action.

Key Responsibilities of Consultant:

• Consultation with key stakeholders, including organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and project team members.
• Review of national and international policies regarding disabilities and deafblindness in education.
• Drafting a position paper in Nepali.
• Presenting the draft paper at a workshop organized by NDFN.
• Finalizing the paper based on feedback and submitting it to NDFN in both Nepali and English.

Duration of Agreement:

The consultant will begin work upon signing the agreement and complete it upon NDFN's approval of the final report. The timeline for the project is as follows:

• Gathering of documents and concept meeting by the end of May 2024.
• Draft development and stakeholder consultation by the end of July 2024.
• Submission of the final position paper by the end of August 2024.

Data Protection:

All data generated during the consultancy will be the property of NDFN and shall not be used without prior consent.

Payment:

NDFN will release the consultancy fee, including applicable taxes, as per the proposed amount. Fifty percent of the fee will be disbursed at the commencement of the agreement, with the remaining amount upon submission of the final report.

Termination of Contract:

The contract will automatically terminate upon completion of the agreed-upon timeframe. Any unresolved matters will be addressed through mutual discussion and consensus.