Terms of Reference (TOR)
Executive Policy Leadership Course 

Gender Responsive Inclusive Governance (GRIG) through Leadership, Fellowship and Institutional Reform

 Modules 1&2

No. of Position: 3

Location: Bhaluwang  (Lumbini Province) 

Partner Organizations: Governance Lab (GovLab) at Daayitwa Abhiyan with UN Women
Location: Bhaluwang, Lumbini Province, Nepal
Training Dates: 27 and 28 April, 2026

1. Background

Company Description 

Governance Lab Pvt. Ltd. (Govlab) at Daayitwa Abhiyaan brings together policy-making researchers, leaders and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and advocate for evidence-based policymaking to achieve sustainable development in Nepal. 

Govlab has conducted policy research that aligns with government priorities in areas of youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, access to investment, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and governance reform. Some of our highlighted research work include ‘Insights from Nepal on UN High-Level Panel’s 7 Drivers of Change for Women’s Economic Empowerment’ (in partnership with Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens) and ‘Evaluation of Microenterprise Graduation in Lumbini and Madhesh Provinces’ (in partnership with Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies).

Programme Description

Govlab, in partnership with UN Women, is implementing a programme to strengthen gender-responsive and inclusive governance through Leadership, Fellowship and Institutional Reform at the local level in Nepal. The programme works with Local Government Units (LGUs), Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs), and youth fellows to improve participatory planning and budgeting, strengthen accountability, and support women’s leadership in decision-making spaces. Implemented across selected municipalities in Lumbini, Madhesh, and Karnali Provinces, the programme combines governance research, leadership training, fellowships, and multi-stakeholder dialogues to promote more inclusive and accountable local governance systems.

Executive Policy Leadership (EPL I) Training Programme 

The Executive Policy Leadership (EPL) Training Programme is a UN Women-supported capacity development initiative designed to strengthen the policy leadership of women elected representatives and officials in Nepal’s local governments (Palikas) which is being implemented by Governance Lab.

Despite significant progress in women’s representation (over 41% in local governments), there remains a wide gap between formal representation and actual influence in decision-making, planning, budgeting, and service delivery. The GRIG mapping exercise (2025) clearly highlighted persistent challenges: inconsistent application of Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting (GRPB), weak institutional accountability, limited meaningful engagement with Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs), socio-cultural barriers, and low translation of policies into practical inclusion for Dalit, low-income, and marginalized women.

This training directly responds to these gaps by focusing on practical application rather than theory. It aims to lower the distance between duty bearers (local governments) and WROs/CSOs, enabling regular consultation and active involvement of WROs in planning, budgeting, monitoring, and GEDSI-related processes. 

The two day EPL training I is based on foundations and practical integration into planning and budgeting processes. The focus is to build foundational understanding and integrating inclusion into planning systems. The participants will be around 40 women elected representatives and officials (primarily Deputy Mayors, Chief Administrative Officers,  women section officers and planning officers from selected 10 municipalities of Lumbini Province. 

The training will be highly participatory and practice-oriented, combining reflection, real-case exercises, role-plays, and action planning to ensure immediate application in participants’ Palikas.

Overall Objective

To build leadership mindset and strengthen practical integration of inclusion into planning and budgeting processes.

2. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

The facilitator will be responsible for:

• Designing the keynote structure and content aligned with objectives
• Preparing inspirational materials, examples, exercises and power point presentations
• Engaging participants in interactive reflection and discussion
• Encouraging participants to link mindset, innovation, and leadership to program outcomes
• Documenting key insights and reflections from the session

Deliverables

• Facilitation materials including power point presentations

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum Masters degree in related field
• Expertise in leadership, personal development, or transformational coaching
• Experience in delivering keynote speeches or interactive sessions for professional audiences
• Familiarity with challenges faced by rural enterprises and development programs
• Strong facilitation and motivational skills
• Ability to inspire and engage participants in mindset transformation

 Duration and Payment Terms

• Payment will be made upon completion of deliverables to the satisfaction of the program team
• Taxes are deducted as per Government of Nepal regulations
• Payment timeline will follow organizational procedures upon submission of deliverables

3. Application Procedure and Additional Information

Compensation: GovLab will provide compensation on a daily rate basis. The rate will be mutually agreed upon, commensurate with the level of the required deliverables, the qualifications and experience of the candidate. 

If you're keen on this position, kindly complete the form below by 24th April 2026 (12 noon). To access the page, please click on the provided link and right-click to go to the link.

 https://forms.gle/7HiZLY5ea18ykYmk8

In the subject line, please include the “Job Title followed by your first and last name (e.g., “XXX – Sabina Nepali)”. Attach the following documents in a single PDF file, maintaining the specified order:

• Cover letter (one page max)
• CV 

Deadline: 24th April 2026 (12 noon). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

Governance Lab is committed to promoting workforce diversity and actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized and discriminated groups, including women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai, and other minority communities. The organization values inclusive representation and strives to create a diverse and equitable working environment.