Background

The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting sustainable development and reducing Nepal’s environmental footprint. Since its establishment in March 2001, SEN has worked to advance climate science and community engagement through research, evidence-based interventions, and science communication. SEN bridges academia, government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to foster collaboration in research, capacity building, awareness raising, and policy advocacy, translating scientific knowledge into practical actions that strengthen environmental resilience and sustainable development. 

Under the CLASSIK project (Promoting Climate Resilient and Socially Inclusive Water Management in the Lower Karnali Watershed Region), The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) along with Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC) Nepal and Tharu Women Upliftment Center (TWUC), conducted Nadi ra Nari (River and Women) and Nadi ra Ma (River and I) in the Geruwa Rural Municipality and the Madhuwan Municipality of Bardiya district. 

The initiative brought together more than 50 Tharu women, 40 students, and around 5 male allies to document lived experiences of water, floods, and survival through art narratives across the two municipalities, using artivism approach. Through paintings, clay sculptures, poetry, songs in the Tharu language, and traditional dance, participants expressed the dual reality of rivers as both lifelines and sources of recurring disaster. This initiative aimed to center women and children voices and experiences in local planning and policy dialogue, recognizing them as primary water managers and first responders during floods and need for the inclusion in formal decision-making process. 

The digital book will compile these creative outputs and narratives into a cohesive publication to amplify community voices and inform broader audiences, including policymakers and practitioners. 

Purpose of the Assignment 

To develop a high-quality, visually engaging digital publication (PDF/ePub) that curates and documents the artistic and narrative outputs of the artivism initiative. The publication will: 

1. Amplify the voices and lived experiences of women and flood-affected communities 
2. Showcase art as a medium for evidence, storytelling, and advocacy 
3. Contribute to inclusive water governance discourse 
4. Serve as a knowledge and communication product for dissemination at local, national, and international levels 

Scope of Work

Visual Documentation 

1. Process, edit, and organize high-resolution photographs and scanned artwork for publication 
2. Ensure visual materials are optimized for both digital viewing and potential future print use 
3. Maintain consistency in image quality, formatting, and presentation throughout the publication 

Design and Layout 

1. Design the full publication  
2. Ensure visual balance between text and artwork 
3. Prepare print-ready and web-optimized PDF versions 

Coordination 

1. Work closely with the project team for feedback and finalization as needed 
2. Incorporate revisions based on review

Deliverables 

1. Publication outline and concept note 
2. First draft of the publication (content and design) 
3. Revised draft incorporating feedback 
4. Final digital publication in print-ready PDF and ePub formats 
5. Editable source files (Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or equivalent), including all linked assets and fonts where applicable 

Target Audience 

1. Policymakers (local to national level) 
2. Development partners and donors 
3. Researchers and practitioners in the water and climate sectors 
4. Civil society organizations 
5. General public 

Required Expertise 

1. Proven experience in publication development (reports, storybooks, or visual documentation) 
2. Graphic design expertise 
3. Experience working on gender, climate change, or community-based projects preferred 

Eligibility Criteria 

1. Legally registered eligible firm/consultancy, individual consultant, or team authorized to provide consultancy services in Nepal 
2. Demonstrated experience in publication development, including reports, storybooks, or visual documentation 
3. Demonstrated graphic design expertise, including layout design, image processing, and print/digital production 
4. Experience working on gender, climate change, or community-based projects is preferred 
5. Ability to deliver high-quality design, editable source files, and finalized publications within the assignment timeline 

Proposal Submission Requirements and Deadline

Interested applicants should submit the following documents to procurement@smallearth.org.np with the subject line “Application for Preparation of Digital Book – [YOUR-COMPANY-NAME]” 

• Cover letter, technical proposal, financial proposal, firm or consultant profile, CVs of proposed team members, evidence of relevant assignments and legal registration, VAT/PAN and latest tax-clearance documents. 

• Applicants should provide at least one relevant sample or evidence of previous work. 

• Each document must be submitted as a separate file. The financial proposal must be password-protected, and all files should be clearly labeled. 

• All separate files must be compiled and submitted together in one zipped folder (.zip or .rar) to the email address below. 

• The financial proposal password will be requested only from applicants who pass the technical review. Failure to provide the correct password when requested will result in rejection of the application. 

• The evaluation process will include initial screening, verification of basic compliance requirements, technical review, and financial review in accordance with SEN procurement policy and applicable compliance requirements. 

Applications must be submitted by 29th July 2026, 5:00 PM (NPT). Applications received with incomplete documents or after the due date will be disqualified. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further evaluation. Telephone inquiries will not be entertained.