Call for Proposal: Assessment of the Contribution and Impact of CSOs in Responding to the Bhotekoshi Flood Disaster

Background and context

On August 26, 2026, catastrophic flash floods swept through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors originating from Rasuwa district, causing devastating impacts across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and downstream districts, claiming over 1,300 lives with thousands missing, and destroying more than 7,500 homes along with other infrastructure.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have played critical roles in emergency response, relief distribution and community mobilization. However, the precise contribution and impact of CSO interventions, particularly from a climate justice and human rights perspective, remain poorly documented.

The NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) is planning to systematically evaluate how CSO interventions in the Bhotekoshi flood response have addressed (or failed to address) the intersecting dimensions of climate justice and human rights, generating evidence to inform future disaster governance and civil society engagement in climate-vulnerable regions. NFN is seeking proposals from interested individuals and/or firms to assess the Contribution and Impact of CSOs in responding to the Bhotekoshi Flood Disaster.

Objectives

• Map and document CSO interventions in the Bhotekoshi flood response, including emergency relief, rehabilitation, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and advocacy activities.
• Assess the contribution of CSO interventions in addressing immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery, with particular attention to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups.
• Evaluate the impact of CSO responses through a climate justice lens, examining whether interventions addressed structural inequalities, historical responsibilities and the disproportionate burden borne by climate-vulnerable communities.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for strengthening rights-based, climate-just CSO interventions in future disaster responses in Nepal.

Key assessment questions

• How did CSOs (local, national and international) intervene in the response, and what were their respective roles, capacities and resources?
• How did CSO interventions uphold or undermine principles of participation, non-discrimination and accountability?
• Were the specific needs and rights of marginalized groups prioritized in CSO responses?
• What evidence exists regarding the outcomes and impact of CSO interventions on affected communities' recovery and resilience?
• What factors enabled or constrained CSO effectiveness, including coordination with government, access to resources and political space?
• What are the key lessons for future rights-based, climate-just disaster responses in Nepal?

Methodology

A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis:

• Desk review of CSO documents, government policies and plans, relevant literature and media.
• Key informant interviews with CSO staff, local government officials, district disaster management authorities, donors, community leaders, human rights defenders and climate justice advocates.
• Focus group discussions with affected community members, vulnerable groups and community-based disaster management committees.
• In-depth case studies of 2-3 exemplary CSO interventions.
• Participatory exercises, where feasible.

Key deliverables and timeline

• Week 1: Inception Report
• Week 2: Literature Review and Mapping Report
• Week 4: Draft Assessment Report
• Week 5: Validation Workshop
• Week 7: Final Assessment Report
• Week 8: Dissemination Materials

Budget

The budget for this assignment is negotiable, so provide a tentative budget with a breakdown.

Required qualifications and experience

• Interested firms must be legally constituted and registered under the law of Nepal, and registered in VAT/PAN.
• The firm must have sufficient technical expertise, human resources and infrastructure to complete the assignment.
• The Lead Researcher/Consultant should have an advanced University degree in disaster management, human rights, climate change/DRR, development studies or a related field.
• The firm must have a minimum of five years' experience in disaster research, human rights-based approaches and/or climate justice, with a strong understanding of Nepal's disaster governance landscape.
• The firm must submit documents of past association in conducting similar assignments.

Management and reporting

• The Lead Researcher/Consultant will report to the CSP Team Leader, or anyone assigned by the Team Leader, with fortnightly check-ins.
• The work is in close coordination with NFN District Chapters in Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Dhading, member organizations and community representatives.
• All deliverables will be reviewed by the NFN Central Office, with opportunity for revision based on feedback.

Submit a proposal package to NFN in sealed envelopes or through email at [email protected] no later than 6 November 2026, before 5:00 PM.

The package should include:

• A detailed proposal with assessment methodology/plan and timetable of all phases (not more than 5 pages).
• A proposed budget with breakdown.
• Brief bios (CVs) of the key personnel to be engaged in the assessment.
• Examples of previous work and affiliations with any organizations for similar work.
• Renewed organization registration certificate, tax clearance certificate and other related legal documents, along with the Organizational Profile.