Hiring of Social Development Specialist

Government of Nepal Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) Kathmandu Valley Water Security Improvement Project (KV WaSIP) – Sisneri Water Supply Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL)

First Date of Publication: 27th August 2026

Social Development Specialist - Ref No. KVWaSIP-IC-05-083/84 1.0 Background The Government of Nepal (GoN) has received financing from the World Bank toward the preparation and implementation of the Kathmandu Valley Water Security Improvement Project (KV WaSIP) – Sisneri Water Supply Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The consulting services include providing technical, procurement, financial management, environmental and social, contract management, and other professional support required for effective implementation of the Project through the Project Management Unit (PMU) The Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above consulting services. Interested Consultants shall provide a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) demonstrating that they possess the required educational qualifications, professional experience, and technical competence to perform the services. The shortlisting criteria for each assignment are specified in the respective Terms of Reference (TOR), which may be obtained from the address or website indicated below The Kathmandu Valley Water Supply Management Board (KVWSMB) intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring Social Development Specialist and requests applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates to fill the position.

2. The Objectives of the Assignment

The objectives of this assignment are to: Support the PMU in the preparation of relevant Environmental and Social Assessments commensurable with the Environmental and Social risk category in order to ensure project readiness for Appraisal. Ensure full compliance with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). Ensure compliance with Government of Nepal’s laws, regulations, and policies related to social development, land acquisition, resettlement and Indigenous people. Build the institutional capacity of the PMU and other relevant counterparts on social risk management. Lead and coordinate stakeholder mapping and stakeholder engagement as relevant for project preparation.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the Specialist is mentioned in the Terms of Reference in detail.

4. Qualifications and Experience

All applications will be evaluated against the assignment’s required qualifications below. Candidates who comply with the minimum qualifications will be scored according to predefined criteria. A minimum of three candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed. The candidate with the highest score will be invited to negotiate a contract. Referees of the selected candidate may be contacted to verify prior experience, performance, and interpersonal skills. Qualifications and Relevant Experience Education: A Master's degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Social Development, Social Work, Development Studies, or a closely related field is required. A post-graduate degree or additional specialization in resettlement, gender or indigenous peoples' studies will be an advantage.

Work Experience: At least 10 years of professional post-qualification experience in social development, of which at least 3 years should be in social risk management under IFI-financed project. Demonstrated experience of preparing at least 5 ESIAs, 3 RAPs and 2 IPPs. Demonstrated strong knowledge of the World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), safeguards or Environmental and Social Principles of other IFIs. Experience working with indigenous communities and other vulnerable groups in Nepal is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Government of Nepal's legal framework on land acquisition, environmental management, and labor. Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting community consultations, GRM operations, and gender-sensitive programming. Previous experience preparing and delivering training on social safeguards/risk management is an advantage.

Interpersonal Skills Strong analytical and report writing skills in both English and Nepali. Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills. Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Proficiency in community engagement methodologies. Willingness to undertake regular field visits, including to project areas that may be remote.

5. Evaluation and Selection Method

The Specialist will be hired by the PMU using the Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants method following “ World Bank Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services ” (July 2016) Seventh Edition 2025. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations”.

6. Duration of the Assignment

The Social Development Specialist will be engaged on a full-time basis throughout the grant implementation period (approx. 17 months). Based on the performance and if the project is approved, the Social Development Specialist may continue in this role for the project implementation.

7. Remuneration

A market-based salary package commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications will be offered.

8. Reporting

The Social Development Specialist will report directly to the Project Manager, PMU. He/she will maintain close coordination with the World Bank's Social Development Specialist and other relevant Bank team members throughout the assignment.

9. Location

The consultant will be based at the PMU office and may be required to travel outside the valley as needed for project-related procurement activities. The Pr