Bangkok, Thailand | February 19–21, 2025

The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025, held at Prince Palace Hotel, Bangkok, brought together high-level delegates, ambassadors, and participants from over 30 countries, along with virtual attendees, to discuss and advance sustainable development goals.

During the three-day event, Jaldeep Sapkota and Rijan Thapa represented the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) at a dedicated panel and exhibition booth showcasing our initiative, "Empowering Young People with Disabilities through Accessible IEC Materials." This innovative approach ensures that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is inclusive and accessible for youth with disabilities, addressing critical gaps in information and education.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, civil society leaders, and youth advocates, actively engaged with our representatives, discussing best practices, challenges, and future strategies for making CSE more inclusive. The booth also provided an opportunity to demonstrate accessible IEC materials, emphasizing the importance of universal design in education and advocacy efforts. In addition to the exhibition, BYAN actively contributed to the Call to Action preparation, advocating for inclusive policies and youth-led initiatives at national and regional levels.

This engagement not only strengthened our advocacy efforts but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Several organizations and stakeholders expressed interest in collaborating with BYAN to expand and adapt our project in their respective countries and institutions. These connections pave the way for cross-border partnerships, ensuring that inclusive SRHR education reaches more young people with disabilities across the region.

BYAN remains committed to advocating for inclusive SRHR education and accessibility for all. Our participation at APFSD 2025 marks another milestone in our journey toward building an equitable future for youth with disabilities.

Stay connected for more updates on our advocacy and innovation efforts!

CBM UK’s partner-led programme, Actions for Change, is testing new ways of shifting resources and decision-making power to our partners. To facilitate shared learning between Actions for Change partners, an exchange visit recently took place between our partners in Nepal and Kenya.

A team from the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), our local partner in Nepal, recently participated in a transformative exchange learning visit to Kenya. Hosted by our Kenyan Actions for Change partner, the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), the visit aimed to draw valuable insights from Kenya’s Action for Change project, — a project closely aligned with BYAN’s initiatives in Nepal.

Representing BYAN were Nilu Maharjan (Project Coordinator), Ramchandra Gaihre (President) and Arjun Bahadur Rawal (General Secretary). Supported by CBM UK, and facilitated by colleagues from CBM Global Nepal and Kenya, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for cross-learning, fostering collaboration and shared strategies to advance inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities in both countries.

The following reflection was written by BYAN’s Nilu Maharjan.

Cultural and historical immersion

The visit commenced with an enriching cultural exchange. The team explored the Giraffe Centre and the iconic Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, delving into Kenya’s history and culture. These initial interactions laid the foundation for building meaningful connections during the visit.

Organisational learning and courtesy visits

On the second day, the team visited the NONDO office, where they reviewed the week’s schedule and engaged in strategic discussions. Courtesy calls were made to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the CBM Global Kenya office, fostering collaborative dialogues on disability-inclusive development.

“Learning from the inclusive approaches of NONDO and CBM Global Kenya was an eye-opener. The way they empower persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making inspired us to strengthen similar practices within BYAN.” – Nilu Maharjan, Project Coordinator, BYAN

Field visits: learning from the ground up

The third day took the team to Kajiado County, where they visited key stakeholders and learned about NONDO’s grassroots efforts. Courtesy calls to the County Office’s Social Service and Disability Mainstreaming Departments highlighted Kenya’s governmental commitment to disability inclusion.

The team visited two local Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), Loodokilani and Ewauso. These organisations, supported by NONDO, demonstrated inspiring practices in capacity building. Members, including people with disabilities, caregivers, and parents, receive training in bee-keeping, table banking, animal rearing, and bead ornament making. Beyond training, NONDO provides financial support to empower these OPDs for self-sustainability.

The hands-on experiences offered an insightful glimpse into how NONDO uplifts communities by enabling OPDs to thrive independently, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.

Peter, the Secretary of the OPD group in Ewaso, shared a powerful insight during the exchange visit, stating, “The success is in the unity rather than the money we get.” This profound statement highlights how the OPD group values the strength of their collective unity above the financial gains from their hard work. It reflects their belief that true sovereignty and success come from the collaboration and connection among members, with unity forming the foundation of their achievements.

“Interacting with OPD members in Kenya was truly inspiring. Their resilience and determination to address community challenges showed us the power of grassroots-level change led by persons with disabilities.” – Ramchandra Gaihre, President BYAN

Exchange with DREAM Achievers Youth Organisation (DAYO) in Mombasa

The team’s journey continued to Mombasa, where they engaged with DAYO, a partner of the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) initiative. The visit showcased the impactful work of youth champions who deliver Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions to individuals with disabilities.

A collaborative meeting between BYAN, CBM Global, DAYO, and RHRN further strengthened partnerships, emphasising the shared mission of advancing SRHR for people with disabilities. As a highlight, BYAN’s president participated in a radio programme organised by DAYO, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in accessing SRHR services.

Critical reflections

During our visit to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, we learned about their integrated approach to disability inclusion, where each of Kenya’s 47 counties has a council dedicated to people with disabilities. This structure is quite different from Nepal, where no such centralised council exists. It was eye-opening to understand how Kenya’s Disability Act of 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the National Council have shaped their disability policies and support systems. We were particularly inspired by the council’s web-based disability statistics database, the allocation of protection allowances, and the 30% procurement opportunities reserved for women, youth, and marginalised groups, including people with disabilities.

BYAN also visited the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), where we saw firsthand their impactful work in producing wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, and crutches, in addition to providing physiotherapy services. These visits underscored the innovative accessibility and rehabilitation programmes in Kenya and provided us with insights that we could potentially adapt for BYAN’s ongoing efforts in Nepal.

One of the key highlights during the Kenya learning visit was BYAN’s presentation of inclusive Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) materials. These materials, developed in Braille, large print, easy-to-read formats, and pictures, underscored the importance of ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.

For the NONDO, DAYO, and Kenya teams, this was a significant learning opportunity. They acknowledged the gaps in their own efforts to incorporate inclusive actions in accessibility. The absence of such tailored materials in their initiatives highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure that no individual is left behind.

BYAN’s approach to inclusivity served as an eye-opener, inspiring the teams to consider how similar practices could be adopted in their contexts. The reflective discussions reinforced the idea that inclusion is not just about practical, accessible solutions that empower all individuals, particularly persons with disabilities, to access information equitably.

“The exchange visit was truly insightful as we learned about the nomadic communities in Kenya and how OPDs are successfully engaging them in their initiatives. Compared to Nepal, where such engagement can be very challenging, this experience provided valuable exposure to the unique ways OPDs can adapt their approaches to include nomadic lifestyles.” – Samjhana Shah, Program Officer, CBM Nepal

Best practice and initiatives for replication

One of the standout initiatives we observed during the visit was NONDO’s work with self-help groups formed by parents of persons with disabilities. These groups are mobilised to develop income-generating skills and work together in a supportive, unified environment. The members not only help each other but also engage in various community development activities, such as training in vocational skills like bee-keeping and bead ornament making. The group solidarity and empowerment is something we coulld replicate in Nepal.

The champions of NONDO were deeply involved in these groups, facilitating the registration of people with disabilities and supporting self-help groups in remote areas like Kajiado. Despite the challenges posed by their location, the members of these groups were remarkably progressive and enthusiastic about their work. Their resilience and sense of community left a lasting impact on us, and we believe there are key elements of this model that we can integrate into our own initiatives in Nepal to further empower persons with disabilities and their families.

“When I introduced myself to participants from self-help groups of OPDs, they admired my journey as a visually impaired individual who became a successful government teacher. The conversations we had during the visit inspired them to strive for greater achievements in their own lives.” – Arjun Rawal, General Secretary, BYAN

Key takeaways

The exchange visit underscored the importance of global learning and collaboration in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Kenya’s Action for Change project inspired the BYAN team with practical strategies for capacity building, empowerment, and sustainability. The team returned to Nepal with renewed vigour and innovative ideas to enhance their ongoing efforts.

Conclusion

This exchange learning visit was more than just an opportunity to observe practices and strategies – it was a journey of shared growth and understanding. It reinforced the importance of global collaboration in advancing disability inclusion while providing a platform to exchange innovative ideas and best practices. Beyond the technical learning, the visit allowed the BYAN team to deeply understand the cultural and contextual nuances of disability inclusion in Kenya. This immersive experience highlighted the value of contextualising solutions to fit the unique needs of communities while embracing shared goals. Such exchange visits are vital not only for identifying challenges and replicating successful practices but also for fostering mutual respect and collaboration across borders. They provide a holistic perspective, encompassing technical knowledge, cultural appreciation, and innovative thinking. BYAN remains committed to integrating these valuable insights into its efforts in Nepal, building a more inclusive society that empowers people with disabilities to thrive.

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On December 3, 2024, the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) hosted a significant meeting at its central office, attended by UK Members of Parliament, representatives from CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nepal, the Coalition for Global Prosperity, and BYAN's staff, board members, and beneficiaries. The meeting highlighted BYAN's impactful work in disability inclusion and empowerment under the "Action for Change" project. The session featured inspiring stories from BYAN's peer educators and champions, emphasizing resilience and unique disability perspectives, as well as an exhibition of IEC materials that garnered appreciation for their inclusivity. The MPs commended BYAN’s accessible practices, including simultaneous translation and sign language interpretation, praising the organization’s commitment to meaningful inclusion and fostering collaboration for disability-inclusive development.

#BYAN#CBM#CBMuk#cbmglobal#ActionForChange#cbmglobalnepal

1. Background

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is an organization founded by blind and partially sighted youth in Nepal. It envisions a dignified life for children and young people with disabilities in an inclusive society. BYAN actively engages in policy advocacy, education, employment, disaster risk reduction, political participation, and the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for persons with disabilities, particularly young people.

Since 2023, BYAN has been implementing a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) project under the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) program in the Kathmandu Valley. The project focuses on four key areas:

• Information and Education
• Public Support
• Advocacy
• Strengthening Civil Society

A core objective of this project is to empower young people with disabilities including those with physical, hearing, visual, and intellectual/autism-related disabilities to make informed decisions about their sexuality, voice their needs, and claim their rights. BYAN has provided training to these young individuals and supported them in conducting awareness sessions in their schools and communities. Additionally, the organization actively advocates for integrating CSE into local curricula, securing budget allocations, and developing accessible IEC materials.

As a result of these interventions, various achievements, best practices, and impact stories have emerged, including:

• Hundreds of children and young people with disabilities have gained knowledge, skills, and confidence on CSE/SRHR matters.
• Development of innovative accessible IEC materials, including an easy-to-read CSE flipchart for young people with intellectual disabilities and Picture Exchange Communication (PEC) materials for young people with autism.
• Positive initiatives by government agencies to promote disability inclusion, particularly in information accessibility, inclusive service delivery, and capacity-building for service providers.
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in CSE/SRHR have taken steps to promote disability-inclusive CSE and SRHR.
• The disability movement has recognized SRHR and CSE as core priority issues.

As RHRN2 nears its conclusion in September 2025, BYAN aims to document its best practices, achievements, impact stories, and lessons learned through a booklet and documentary video, highlighting the project's influence at individual, community, and stakeholder levels.

2. Objective

The objective of this assignment is to develop a booklet and a video documentary that:

• Showcases BYAN’s best practices and success stories.
• Documents positive impacts on beneficiaries, communities, and stakeholders.
• Identifies challenges and gaps encountered during project implementation.
• Provides insights to guide future advocacy efforts for inclusive CSE.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant/team will be responsible for:

Booklet Development

• Review and Analysis: Examine project reports (event, monthly, and annual) to identify key interventions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct meetings with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and partner organizations to gather insights on project effectiveness.
• Internal Consultations: Conduct meetings with BYAN board members and project staff to collect in-depth information on project implementation and impact.
• FGDs/KIIs: Conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) with project beneficiaries, champions, and stakeholders to gather their stories, voices, and reflections.
• Develop a 40–50-page booklet based on evidence-based information from reports, meetings, and beneficiary testimonials.
• Ensure that the content is accessible, inclusive, and linguistically appropriate, with versions available in Nepali and English.
• Feature impact stories, direct beneficiary statements, and action photographs that reflect real-life experiences and transformations.

Video Production

• Produce one high-quality video (4–5 minutes) aligned with the developed booklet.
• Ensure accessibility features, including sign language interpretation, captions, and audio descriptions, to make the content inclusive for all.
• Use clear and simple language to ensure comprehension among diverse groups of young people.
• Engage with BYAN and relevant stakeholders to ensure the impact stories effectively reflect project outcomes and address key advocacy messages.

4. Final Deliverables

The consultant/team will deliver:

• A comprehensive impact stories booklet (40–50 pages) in both Nepali and English.
• One short documentary-style video (4–5 minutes) showcasing the project’s impact, with full accessibility features (captioning, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions).

5. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 2 months from the start date, covering consultation, booklet development, video production, and final submission.

6. Qualifications and Experience

The consultant/team should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in developing impact stories, case studies, and accessible materials (booklets and videos).
• Experience in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), SRHR, or working with young people and persons with disabilities.
• Strong understanding of accessibility standards, including captioning, sign language interpretation, and audio descriptions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, particularly in disability-inclusive and youth-centered projects.

7. Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants are required to submit:

1. Technical Proposal – A detailed proposal outlining:
   • Approach to impact story development
   • Methodology for booklet and video production
   • Timeline and key deliverables
2. Financial Proposal – A clear budget breakdown covering all costs.
3. Work Samples – Examples of previous work, preferably impact story booklets or videos involving disability-inclusive content.
4. CV/Team Profile –
   • For individuals: An updated CV highlighting relevant experience.
   • For teams: Profiles of all members involved in the project.
5. Legal Documents – Including company registration, PAN number, tax clearance certificate, etc.

Submission Deadline:

All submissions should be sent via email to [email protected] no later than March 4, 2025, with the subject line:
📩 "Submission for Development of Impact Stories"

Late submissions will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation.

For inquiries, please contact:- [email protected].

प्रकाशित मिति- वि.सं. २०८१ माघ २२ गते

यस नेत्रहिन युवा सङ्घ नेपालले चार पाङ्ग्रे सवारी साधन बिक्रीका लागि सार्वजनिक सुचना आह्वान गरेकोले इच्छुक व्यक्तिले यस सुचना प्रकाशित भएको मितिले एक हप्ताभित्र आवश्यक कोटेसन र कागजातसहित [email protected] मा दर्खास्त पठाउन आह्वान गरिन्छ-

सवारी साधनको विवरण निम्नानुसार छ:

1. कम्पनीको नाम: Ford

2. मोडल: EcoSport

3. बनेको वर्ष: 2014

4. इन्जिन क्षमता: 1499 CC

5. सवारीको रङ्ग: Grey

6. चालकसहित तौल क्षमता: 350 किलोग्राम

7. ईन्धन प्रकार: पेट्रोल

(नोट- सवारी साधन खरीद गर्नेले कानुनी प्रक्रिया पूरा गर्दा लाग्ने शुल्क तथा आवश्यक कानुनी दस्तुर स्वयंले बेहोर्नुपर्नेछ।)

समय सीमा: सूचना प्रकाशित भएको मितिले ७ (सात) दिनभित्र।

थप जानकारिका लागि “Inquiry About Vehicle” Subject-line सहित [email protected] मा इमेल गर्न सकिने छ।

We successfully concluded a two-day residential workshop in Nepalgunj, bringing together youth-led organizations from Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini provinces. It was inspiring to learn about their impactful works in their communities and their dedication to empowering youth.

Through leadership sessions and discussions, we explored the challenges of youth political participation and discussed the potential solutions to overcome these barriers.

The in-depth discussions in youth civic engagement, the role of evidence-based advocacy and RTI in active civic participation, advocacy for inclusive and accessible election, and youth intervention in the policy-making process paved the way for generating future action plans and advocacy priorities.

We are deeply inspired by the energy and commitment of these young changemakers, and we look forward to seeing their continued efforts to strengthen youth political engagement.

The Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) conducted its annual Social Audit on 29th December, facilitated by auditor Mr. Prasidhda Neupane. The event brought together over 45 participants from diverse organizations, including Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN agencies, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. This platform promoted transparency, accountability, and community engagement, allowing stakeholders to review BYAN's achievements, challenges, and overall performance throughout the year. Key accomplishments and financial updates were presented, followed by discussions and feedback from members, partners, and beneficiaries. This initiative underscores BYAN's commitment to fostering trust, inclusivity, and effective program implementation.

Background:

Blind Youth Association is an organization established by the Blind and Partially Sighted Youth of Nepal. The major working area of the organization is the promotion of inclusive education, Employment, and self-employment promotion, political participation and civic engagement, promotion of the right to health and comprehensive sexuality education, mental health, and disaster risk mitigation measures, including rehabilitation works.  BYAN is also working with advocacy work to provide, promote, and utilize the rights of children and youths with disabilities, raising awareness the issues and abilities to create positive attitudes towards children and youths with disabilities.

BYAN is currently carrying out a Project named “Action for Change: An initiative for the promotion of inclusive SRH and FP services for persons with disabilities and strengthened movement” in partnership with CBM global disability inclusion.  As part of our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, we are seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to develop a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Framework for our overall office operations.

Objective of the assignment:

The primary objective of this assignment is to design a comprehensive MEAL framework that will enable Blind Youth Association Nepal to systematically monitor and evaluate, ensure accountability, and foster learning to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of its programs and activities.

Scope of Work:

The selected firm or individual will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Conduct a needs assessment to understand the current M&E practices, challenges, and gaps.

2. Review our 5 years strategic plan including organizational goals, objectives, and programmatic activities to understand the scope and focus of MEAL efforts.

3. Review the Theory of change/ logical frameworks of the projects and provide guidance for the data generation and desired outcomes. 

4. Design a user-friendly MEAL framework tailored to BYAN’s needs, including:

• Monitoring tools and indicators aligned with organizational goals.
• Evaluation methodologies for project and program assessments.
• Accountability mechanisms for stakeholders.
• Learning systems to capture, analyze, and disseminate insights.

5. Develop guidelines, templates, and operational manuals for MEAL implementation.

6. Provide training and capacity-building sessions for relevant staff to ensure the effective application of the framework.

7. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methodologies for monitoring progress and measuring outcomes and impacts as per the Logical framework.

8. Design data collection tools, templates, and protocols for capturing relevant data at various stages of program implementation and guide data management, storage, and analysis processes to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility.

9. Develop a reporting framework that outlines the frequency, format, and content of monitoring and evaluation reports to be shared with internal and external stakeholders along with the orientation of the MEAL framework.

Deliverables:

The deliverables for this assignment include:

1. A detailed MEAL framework document, including methodologies, tools, and processes.
2. MEAL operational manual and guidelines.
3. Training delivery.
4. Reporting framework detailing the structure and content of monitoring and evaluation reports.

Qualifications:

Interested firms or individuals should possess the following qualifications:

• Masters in any discipline, preferred in Statistics, Social Sciences, Public health, demography, social sciences or related fields with more than 5 years of experience in MEAL field.
• Extensive experience in sexual and reproductive health, comprehensive sexuality education, and disability.
• Demonstrated experience in developing MEAL frameworks for non-profit organizations, preferably in the field of social development, youth empowerment and disability inclusion.
• Strong understanding of MEAL concepts, methodologies, and tools.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in working with disabilities will be considered as a significant asset.

Required Documents for Submitting Proposal:

• Cover Letter
• Financial proposal
• A brief concept note highlighting the methodological design including work plan, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• The document should have annexed bio-data of the assignment team member/s.
• Firm Registration & Renewal certificate
• Copy of VAT/PAN Registration Certificate
• Latest Tax clearance certificate (for firms)
• Copy of past relevant work assignments

Date of call for EOI: 21st November, 2024

Deadline of submission for EOI: 2nd December, 2024

Submission Instructions:

Interested and eligible individuals or organizations are invited to submit EOI in the following address, mentioning “Expression of Interest for M&E framework” in the subject line in following address: [email protected] Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further discussions or presentations.

BYAN Promotes inclusion across gender, caste, ethnicity, Dalits, and disability where persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ are highly encouraged to apply.

BYAN reserves the right to select or not to select any of the applications. BYAN keeps safeguarding as a top priority so, any data or information collected during the task shall be kept confidential and shall not be disseminated without BYAN’s prior consent.

Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a non-political, non-religious, not for profit Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) established by the Blind and Partially Sighted (BPS) youth of Nepal. It is a national association for youth aged between 18-40 years. Founded in 2011 and registered with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu in 2012, taking affiliation from the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. It is the only organization established by the Blind and Partially Sighted (BPS) youth of Nepal with a broader vision with People with disabilities of Nepal enjoying a dignified life in an inclusive society.  It is a national youth with disabilities led organization having its 10 chapters across the country with more than 815+ General members. As a rights-based organization, BYAN intends to play a proactive role in the formulation, amendment and implementation of BPS related legal provisions, and in organizing and capacity-building of BPS youth across the country.  The major working area of the organization is promotion of inclusive education, Employment and self- employment promotion, political participation and civic engagement, promotion of right to health and comprehensive sexuality education, disaster risk mitigation measures, including rehabilitation works.  BYAN is also working with advocacy work for the provision, promotion and utilization of rights of blind and partially sighted people, raising awareness of BPS  and persons with disabilities issues and abilities so as to create positive attitudes.

BYAN is currently undertaking a project called “Our Voice Our Decision”, in support of International Foundation on Electoral System, with the major aim of formation of a Youth Public Policy Network dedicated to empowering Nepal's youth in the area of electoral reform and policy development.

The project intends to address mainly two major issues of the Nepalese youths. 

• Low participation and engagement of the young people in policy development, low awareness in political rights including electoral rights and,
• Lack of inclusivity in the participation in terms of gender, caste, ethnicity, geography and disability.

In this context, the project aims to contribute primarily to highlight the diverse issues of youth to be considered seriously in public policies and electoral reforms and enhance their engagement in advocacy to influence the relevant decision makers. The project serves range of activities to organize youth for collective action through Youth Policy Network (YPN), capacity building, and engaging youth in advocacy initiatives to bring required changes in the behavior and action of decision makers. BYAN is leading this project in the close collaboration with other youth led organizations by formation of a Youth Public Policy Network consisting of young leaders from various CSOs and youth advocacy networks in Nepal. The Policy Network established under this project  will help to harness the energy, creativity, and aspirations of Nepali youth to actively engage in the democratic process. This initiative seeks to consolidate youth voices, enhance their capacity for leadership and advocacy, and facilitate dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Election Commission Nepal and other decision makers, to drive meaningful policy changes that reflect the needs and aspirations of the nation's youth.  The network will provide a platform for young leaders from diverse backgrounds to come together, access essential training in leadership and advocacy, and collaboratively develop action plans that promote inclusive policy development and electoral and political reform. 

The policy network YPN shall be inclusive of diverse youth led organizations including youth with disabilities, youth women with disabilities and such other marginalized youth groups to build the capacity of members of YPN and other associated organization for advocacy and lobby to influence for youth responsive and inclusive policy development and electoral reforms. 

Before launching the network, BYAN wants to prepare a network operation guideline (NOG) to facilitate the establishment and functioning of the network.  The Guideline will help to develop membership provisions, define member selection process and criteria, working approach and strategies, roles and responsibilities of YPN and coordination between the network members.

In this context, BYAN announces the call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from experienced and qualified experts for the Development of network operation guideline (NOG) for the youth policy network. Interested and eligible individuals or organizations are invited to submit EOI in the following address, mentioning "Expression of Interest for the Development of network operation guideline (NOG)” in the subject line in the following Address: [email protected] 

Final deadline is 20 June 2024.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the Assignment  is to prepare a network operation guideline (NOG) to facilitate the establishment and functioning of the network.  

• Ensure seamless communication, data sharing, Joint initiatives and capacity building. 
• Leverage collective expertise , resources and networks to achieve greater impact  and scale in political participation and civic engagement of youths. 
• Ensure sound working approach and strategies, roles and responsibilities of YPN and coordination between the network members adhering the basic standards of a guideline/manual. 
• Drive innovation and promote best practices through collaborative programs, initiatives and research endeavours.

Scope of Work:

The scope of works includes following tasks but not limited to: 

• Prepare a detailed action plan and outline of the network operation guideline
• Make a comparative study of guidelines prepared for the operation of networks and various organizations in national and international context.
• Conduct Interviews , consultation meetings/workshop, and field visits to gather necessary inputs and ideas for the document.
• Hold regular meetings with BYAN to create common understanding on the contents and the processes, 
• Consult with the youth organizations/groups referred by BYAN and deemed reasonable by the consultant
• Conduct validation workshops with the youth organizations, and incorporate feedback and inputs received.
• Prepare a draft of the guideline and share it with BYAN and the youth organizations/groups as referred by BYAN for the required feedback
• Provide the final document with language editing and proofreading

Deliverables 

• Detailed outline of the network operation guideline
• Preliminary draft of the guideline
• Final document with proper language-editing and proof-reading

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelors degree in Public Policy, law,  Public Administration, Political science, or such other related social science or field. Master degree in the stated disciplines will be preferred and will be an added advantage.
• At least 3+ years of professional experience in preparing and managing network operation guidelines/manuals, preferably for youth-focused organizations or networks.
• Proven track record of successfully collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including youth groups, policymakers, and civil society organizations.
• Strong understanding of network management principles and best practices.
• Experience working with young people and youth organizations.
• Understanding of the importance of youth-led and youth-inclusive network operations.
• Excellent research and analytical, written and verbal communication skills.

Service Duration and Location

The consultant will be working in close coordination with BYAN team. The consultant shall be engaged on a daily basis for a maximum of 10 working days. The assignment will immediately be started and completed by the end of June 20, 2024.  

Required Documents for Submitting Proposal Firms:

• Cover Letter
• Financial proposal
• A brief concept notes highlighting the methodological design
• The document should have annexed bio-data of the assignment team member/s.
• Firm Registration & Renewal certificate
• Copy of VAT Registration Certificate
• Latest Tax clearance certificate
• Copy of past relevant work assignments 

Individuals:

• Cover Letter
• Financial proposal
• A brief concept note highlighting the methodological design including work plan, and quality assurance mechanisms.
• The proposal should have annexed bio-data of the assignment team member/s.
• Copy of past relevant work assignments 

BYAN will select the consultant based on their experience and amount proposed for the task. 

BYAN reserves the right to select any of the application. BYAN keeps safeguarding as a top priority so, any data or information collected during the task shall be kept confidential and shall not be disseminated without BYAN’s prior consent.