Project:

Mainstream actions of the water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors articulated in the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) into existing national plans, policies, regulations, and budgeting processes; develop climate-smart guidelines and knowledge products; and enhance implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Purpose:

Rising temperatures, erratic monsoon patterns, and accelerated glacial retreat are intensifying Nepal’s climate vulnerabilities, with far-reaching impacts on its hydrometeorological systems and climate-sensitive sectors. Nepal’s rivers, glaciers, and groundwater—lifelines for the nation—are increasingly threatened, disrupting traditional water systems and exposing urgent policy, planning, and institutional gaps. The National Climate Change Survey 2022 reported that climate-induced disasters over the past five years have resulted in economic losses amounting to NPR 415.44 billion. Shifts in seasonal precipitation and declining water availability are already undermining irrigation reliability, with direct consequences for agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

In recognition of these growing risks, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal has prioritized transforming key sectors by embedding climate resilience into national systems for water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology. The proposed project, supported by the NDC Partnership Action Fund and implemented by ADPC, will support the review, modernization, and development of climate-smart sectoral policies and legal frameworks, guided by national strategies such as the NDC Implementation Plan (NDCIP), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS). The initiative will also strengthen institutional capacities, integrate resilience into planning and budgeting processes, and promote inclusive stakeholder engagement across government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. Gender and social equity will be central principles. At the same time, technical outputs such as climate-smart guidelines, operational manuals, and nature-based solution approaches will further support Nepal’s adaptation and low-carbon development ambitions.

To support this, a National Public Policy and Planning Specialist with suitable qualifications and experience will be hired. The specialist will provide technical leadership in policy review, formulation, coherence assessment, and strategic planning. This role will be crucial in ensuring that national and sectoral policies align with the country’s commitments to sustainable development and climate resilience, while promoting inclusive and evidence-based public decision-making.

Expected Outputs:
The Consultant will be expected to produce technical and research-based deliverables in line with the terms of reference of this assignment by performing the specific tasks outlined in the “Responsibilities and Tasks” section of the document.

The objectives of this consultancy service are the following:

1. Comprehensive review of existing policy and legislative frameworks.

2. SWOT and scenario-based analysis to support prioritization of policy reforms.

3. Technical inputs into drafting or revision of sectoral acts and policies.

4. Integration framework aligning LT-LEDS, NDCIP, and NAP into national planning systems.

5. Stakeholder engagement and policy validation documentation.

6. Capacity-building materials and sessions for policy actors and planners.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Conduct structured reviews of sectoral policies and legal frameworks to align with NDCIP, NAP, and LT-LEDS. Lead scenario, socio-economic, and environmental analyses to guide policy reform. Support legal drafting, develop coherence tools, and facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations to enhance coherence and effectiveness. Strengthen institutional coordination, advise on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, and prepare policy briefs for national platforms.

Deliverable 1: Policy and Legislative Landscape Review Report

Description of the Deliverable

A detailed report analyzing existing policy and regulatory frameworks relevant to water, energy, irrigation, hydrology, and meteorology sectors. The review will assess consistency with Nepal’s NDC, NAP, and LT-LEDS targets. The report will identify policy gaps, inconsistencies, outdated mandates, and opportunities for harmonization.

Timeline

1 month after the commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

20% of the contract value

Deliverable 2: SWOT and Scenario Analysis Report

Description of the Deliverable

A report presenting scenario-based assessments and SWOT analyses of proposed policy reforms. The deliverable will include assessment matrices, expert consultations, and validation of policy options through multi-stakeholder input, with recommendations based on socio-economic and environmental impacts.

Timeline

2 months after the commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

10% of the contract value

Deliverable 3: Drafts of Policy and Legal Instruments

Description of the Deliverable

Draft or revised versions of at least three key policy/legislative instruments (e.g., Hydropower Development Policy, Energy Policy, Irrigation Law) co-developed with national partners. Drafts will include policy rationale, goals, implementation structures, M&E indicators, and institutional mandates. Prioritization criteria and scoring frameworks will be applied to select the most viable reforms.

Timeline

8 months after the commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

30% of the contract value

Deliverable 4: Integration Framework for Climate Strategies into National Planning

Description of the Deliverable

A guidance document that outlines how activities under the NDCIP, NAP, and LT-LEDS can be embedded into Nepal’s planning and budgeting frameworks (e.g., sector plans, annual budgets, and LMBIS). It will include institutional arrangements, implementation timelines, and cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms.

Timeline

6 months after the commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

20% of the contract value

Deliverable 5: Stakeholder Engagement and Validation Report

Description of the Deliverable

Documentation of stakeholder engagement processes, including inception, consultation, and validation workshops for policy updates. The report will include stakeholder maps, a synthesis of feedback, and action points that informed the final policy documents.

Timeline

3 months after commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

10% of the contract value

Deliverable 6: Capacity Building Plan and Sessions

Description of the Deliverable

Development of a capacity-building plan for policy-makers, planners, and technical officers engaged in public policy reform. The plan will include tools, curriculum, and materials tailored to national and sub-national policy development processes. At least two capacity-building workshops will be conducted under this deliverable.

Timeline

10 months after the commencement of the contract

Percentage of Payment

10% of the contract value

Working Principles: The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Risk Governance and Financing Department, ensuring alignment with project objectives and providing weekly progress updates. While maintaining independence in executing assigned tasks, the consultant will collaborate constructively with team members to seek inputs or provide technical support as needed.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, political science, development planning, environmental law, or related fields.

2. Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in public policy analysis, legal drafting, policy evaluation, or institutional reform in the South Asian context.

3. Proven track record in drafting, revising, or advising on national or sectoral laws, regulations, or policies.

4. Demonstrated understanding of governance systems, decentralization, and inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms in Nepal.

5. Experience with strategic planning processes, results-based budgeting, and sector-wide approaches.

6. Strong facilitation, communication, and negotiation skills; capable of building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.

7. Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in Nepali is an asset.

Duty Station: Home-Based

Duration: The total time of the assignment and the period would be 14 months.

Itinerary: The travel and related cost for transport, seminars, air travel, accommodation etc. will be covered by the project.

Condition of payment: The payment will be based on deliverables and tasks as outlined in the “Responsibilities and the Task” section. Remuneration and Terms of Payment will be in consideration of services performed in connection with this Contract. Payment shall be made on an output-based basis, conditional upon the satisfactory delivery of services and subject to formal review and written approval by ADPC.

Selection Method:

The consultant will be selected in accordance with ADPC’s recruitment process.

How to apply

How to apply: Interested candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form, (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume, copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to: procurement@adpc.net

The email subject should clearly indicate the position being applied for, for example: [NDCNP - Climate Finance Specialist, Name of Candidate].

Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

ADPC encourages diversity in its workplace and supports an inclusive work environment.