FOUNDATION FOR

DEVELOPMENT

MANAGEMENT

The Government of Nepal (GON), and Department of Transport Management (DOTM) of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MOPIT) had taken an initiative to develop Transport Sector Reform Strategic Plan. The World Bank supported this initiative through Nepal Transport Sector Reform Strategy Study. In order to provide the input for the plan, it was decided to conduct a study to examine gender issues in public transport. For this purpose, FDM was selected as a national consultancy firm. During course of the study, FDM provided technical and logistics support to the researchers and worked closely with the international and national consultant to collect and analyze primary and secondary information. The main focus of the study was to conduct an action research with field researchers actually traveling in public transport vehicles in order to gather first hand experience as well as opinions and prompt response from the public traveling in public transportation. Both the quantitative and qualitative surveys were also conducted traveling on public transport. The information was then verified through a closed focused group discussion among women public transport users, as well as media personnel from electronic and print media such as television, radio, newspapers, who have been covering issues on transportation in Nepal. A documentary on this research is in progress.

FDM supported Enabling State Program’s (ESP) International Governance advisor (team leader) and ESP’s Monitoring and Evaluation advisor to develop a policy brief based on the lessons learnt and good practices of ESP's decade long operation in Nepal. The work included reviewing ESP design documents, gathering and compiling all ESP funded projects, research and publications, review and evaluation of ESP and its constituent funds (e.g. RDIF, SIAF), and review of evaluations of past and present significant ESP projects. These document were then distilled into relevant summaries to be fed into the overall lesson learning document.

As a part of the DFID funded project, FDM carried out a policy study in close coordination with Dalit NGO Federation (DNF) on Dalit related issues. The objectives of the research were to document the existing policies and provisions relating to local development, health and education for Dalit and assess the adequacy of the existing policies to cater to their needs. Furthermore, the research also examined the implementation mechanism (structures, staffing and process) status of the existing provisions for Dalits. A constructivist approach was adopted given the exploratory nature of the study. Based on the approach, a qualitative study emphasizing on exploratory research design was adopted. As a part of the research strategy, social artifacts including Periodic Plans and the Ten Year Strategic Plans were reviewed, interactive workshops were held in Inaruwa, Nepalgunj, Paanchathar and Gaur and consultation meetings were conducted with DNF members and other non-government organizations working on the issues of Dalits. All of the qualitative data collected were synthesized to prepare a qualitative report providing recommendations for policy changes as well as implementation modality.

In 2013, FDM was involved in conducting a mid-term evaluation of the Nepal Peace Support Project (NPSP) funded by USAID under the management of The Asia Foundation. The main purpose of the evaluation was to assess the overall functioning of NPSP and to inform the key stakeholders about initial results achieved, help to re-focus and strengthen the program and also to reduce the risks of unintended consequences. The evaluation was intended to assist the project in making modifications if necessary, and to help guide NPSP through program completion.

FDM was involved in the study on Assessing Private Sector Actor’s Attitude towards Women and Disadvantaged Producers as a viable market segment, and their consideration for investment, technologies and innovation; recognizing unique needs, capacities and skills of women and disadvantaged farmers. The study was funded by SAMARTH-NMDP who, through the research, were informed of the development of a coherent framework for deepening its engagement with private sector actors to leverage their capacity for innovation, investment and resources, which are responsive to the needs of women and disadvantaged farmers/producers.

FDM conducted an assessment for Save the Children (SC) to assess the effectiveness of training and development efforts, specifically in the HRD plan of SC. The study aimed to measure the extent to which various training and development efforts have positively contributed to achieve organizational goals and improve behavior and skills of staff at all levels based on nature of the job they perform. The assessment aimed to be useful for HR Department, Department Heads and Senior Management Team (SMT) to strengthen and systematize the HR Department activities and follow-up mechanism into its organizational culture. Thus, the research findings will enable the HR Department specifically, SMT and Department Heads in planning overall training and development plan, process and develop effective and efficient follow-up mechanism.

FDM was involved in evaluation of the impact and lessons learned from Rights, Democracy and Inclusion Fund (RDIF) Phase I and II in areas of human rights, democracy and inclusion in Nepal. The evaluation aimed to assess relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of the impact of RDIF interventions, and document lessons and good practices under the thematic areas of intervention. It also attempted to provide cross-cutting analysis in the areas of value for resources, gender equality and social inclusion, monitoring and evaluation, and analysis and learning by RDIF and its partner organizations.

A research on Custody Management in Nepal Police was conducted in close collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) and Enabling State Program (ESP). A team comprising of a security sector expert, human right activist and human resource management expert worked on the study and conducted several rounds of consultation meetings with police officers responsible for custody management, lawyers, human rights activists, and journalists. The research was done to assess the existing custody management policies and practices and the measures that have been taken to ensure human rights, juvenile justice and gender issues of those in custody.

In 2012, FDM also worked on gender research for Armed Police Force (APF). This research was forwarded by Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). Several rounds of consultation meetings with senior level police officers were conducted. Field visit and in-depth interviews with the relevant stakeholders were also done in order to access the gender situation in APF. The research findings report aimed to be a guiding document to further make APF gender-friendly.

Since FDM had already worked very closely with Nepal Police, ESP/DFID outsourced FDM to collect information for baseline study to support monitoring and evaluation of Nepal Police Modernization Project (NPMP). The purpose of the assignment was to collect information based on the existing log frame indicators of the NPMP. The information collected was presumed to strengthen the project cycle management of NPMP. However, since the log frame of NPMP was yet to be finalized, an attempt had been made to gather the relevant document related to core output areas and activities as per the Draft NPMP1 M&E Framework provided in the ToR. The other objective of the assignment was to map key documents/literature and develop a list of credible information sources and evidence both internal and external that could be factored in the corresponding outputs of NPMP log frame.

The scope of work was to conduct a rapid assessment of current status and needs of both Local Administration Division (LAD), and Police Administration Section (PAS), under the Law and Order Division of Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) in order to recommend measures for upgrading and improving a sound documentation management system. The detailed cost and plan with tentative estimates, was also generated during the process. The objective of the assignment was to conduct preparatory work for the effective documentation management (transition from paper based to paperless administration), which was supposed to be implemented during Nepal Police Modernization Program. Several rounds of interaction with the LAD and PAS senior management team was conducted to assess current status and future needs of their section. Relevant documents were also studied to assess the needs. Services from IT professionals and document management experts were taken to suggest areas for improvement within LAD and PAS.

In 2006-2007, FDM undertook a Policy Research on Household Energy and Indoor Air Pollution in South Asia. The study was funded by Practical Action and its objective was to assess the existing policies on household energy and health to reduce the exposure to indoor air pollution in South Asia. The study also tried to identify the gaps in the implementation of the policy interventions to reduce the exposure to indoor air pollution; and provided recommendations for enabling strategy in order to improve policy environment) for reduced exposure to indoor air pollution.The research was undertaken by specialist research institutions and individual consultants in their respective countries, of which FDM was selected as the local consulting firm for Nepal. Both primary and secondary sources were used during the data collection process. The major portion of analysis was done on the basis of secondary information. Several policies relating to indoor air pollution were reviewed. To provide feedback on research outputs and also to exchange experiences among researchers, a sharing workshop was also organized by Practical Action Nepal from 19-20 Feb 2007.

FDM’s evaluation team conducted the final evaluation of the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Project being implemented by HORIZONT3000 and Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN). The evaluation was mainly based on secondary information such as project documents, progress reports, and policy papers. In order to verify the existing information collected from secondary source, the team also conducted focus group discussions, consultations, in-depth interviews, field observation, and case study collection. The report was then formulated with specific section on analysis of projects result, project implementation framework, project’s direct and indirect impact, project efficiency, inclusive participation, sustainability, lessons learned and recommendations.

FDM conducted an output to purpose Review (OPR) of Women’s Network for Strengthening Participatory Democracy Project (WNSPD) which being implemented by SWEET Nepal. It was a project funded by Rights, Democracy and Inclusion Fund (RDIF) of DFID Nepal in 2006. The project’s aim was to build up women’s involvement in decision-making in social and political affairs by forming networks of women at different level. FDM used quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection. Based on the findings, FDM also generated few recommendations, which were used to enhance project management and program implementation.

The Research and Planning Directorate of Nepal Police identified the current research as one of the major activity in their interim support project. The research assessed the factors motivating Junior Commission Officers (JCOs) to provide effective and efficient service delivery and to provide key recommendations on ways to reduce their dissatisfaction and motivate them. Altogether, 327 JCOs were taken as sample through the process of random sampling from 19 different districts in all the five development regions of Nepal. The research team consisted of four research specialists from FDM and staff from R&P D. The study also focused on identifying the factors leading to low motivation resulting in decreased productivity of JCOs and assessed the impact that low motivation has on service delivery. The research provided a series of recommendations?to enhance the motivation level of JCOs.

The R&P D, responsible for conducting research and policy analysis of Nepal Police (NP), identified the current research as a major research area that had direct impact on human resource development of NP. Therefore, the research was conducted in order to provide key recommendations for the improvement of the course design and effectiveness. The Post Graduate Diploma in Police Science (PGDPS) course was initiated in January 2005 as a part of professional development of freshly recruited Inspectors, and in-service?Inspectors, of NP. The main objectives of the research was to identify the effectiveness of PGDPS by assessing the competency and commitment of the graduates, to assess the key gaps/ issues in design and implementation of PGDPS, and to recommend for further improvement in the program as seen appropriate. Altogether 40 PGDPS graduates from all over Nepal were randomly selected as the sample from the target group which included police inspectors who have received PGDPS since 2005.

FDM was involved in providing support to Research and Planning Directorate (R&P D) in publication of a research journal through the entire process of review, selection, and publication of research articles written by various Nepal Police officers and civil society members. The research articles focused on various management and service delivery related issues in Nepal Police and provided recommendations based on those issues. The publication aimed to inculcate the importance of research for effective decision-making and policy planning at all levels in Nepal Police.

The research was conducted by a team consisting of both police officers and external research specialists from FDM with advisory support from Research and Planning Directorate (R&P D). The study has attempted to outline the current situation of community policing in Nepal from the perspective of both civilian and police staff members from Community Police Service Centres (CPSCs) by briefly analyzing the origins of community policing in Nepal, along with the key lessons learnt and challenges. Altogether 75 CPSCs were covered, with total of 237 community members and police officers. Total of four lessons learning workshop were conducted in Hetauda, Pokhara, Biratnagar and Kathmandu. The objective of the workshop was to share best practices and lesson learnt from community policing with police personnel, community people and some government agencies. A separate research article was also developed based on the final report produced on community policing.

The research was a part of interim support activity to Research and Planning Directorate (R&P D) of Nepal Police (NP). It was conducted in order to assess the existing situation of career development in NP, identify the perception of employees regarding career development opportunities within NP; assess the linkage between job satisfaction, performance; and career management; along with conducting a preliminary assessment of training needs for effective performance. Altogether, a team of six members, which consisted of research Specialists and representatives from the R&P D, conducted the research. Career path assessment was conducted using both the analysis of current practices and staff’s perceptions.

The objective of Gender Assessment of Nepal Police (NP) was to assess the current situation of both male and female police officers. The research explored gender differences in policing, and identified few practical and strategic gender needs of both men and women serving in NP. The respondents included Police Constables, Police Head Constables, Assistant Sub Inspectors, Inspectors, and Deputy Superintendent?of Police. Besides, other respondents from outside the valley were also included as sample through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. This research was an additional effort put by Nepal Police in order to make the police organization a gender-friendly institution. The study is expected to act as a foundation for shifting the working culture, which is dependent upon traditional conceptions of male and female.

FDM was involved in the Assessment of District Planning Monitoring and Analysis System(DPMAS), which would support activities for a potential inclusion of the system (DPMAS) in the design of the Evidence for Development partnership between the UK Government and Government of Nepal. This system is a vital link between national planning and citizens, helping in resource allocation, monitoring the effectiveness of programme and accountability enhancement. The field assessment phase was carried out through an intensive interaction with different line agencies in three districts, Parsa, Pyuthan and Sankhuwasabha selected by MoFALD. The assessment also reviewed the indicators for DPMAS to assess the feasibility of collecting reliable data and the strength of the indicators in assessing development outcomes at the district level. Based on the assessment and the results of the consultations around recommendations, a detailed plan for implementation is being prepared.

FDM carried out an impact assessment study to evaluate the performance of Nepal Police (NP) in relation to the proximity of police station buildings in selected target districts. The research assessed the working conditions, service delivery, psychological issues of police, their families and of the public, along with public perception of police service delivery, the situation of security and rule of law in the community. Methodologies such as questionnaire survey and secondary data review, focus group discussions, in-depth interview, observation, media scan, photographic documentation of the selected areas, and case study documentation were used for the research. The key stakeholders of the research were police personnel, district administrative officers, local bodies, government officers, media, human rights group and so forth.

To study the saving behaviour of Nepali people in general,Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation (SBFIC) carried out a research on saving pattern, behaviour and attitude towards saving of people of Nepal. The study was conducted in eight districts- Morang, Taplejung, Rupandehi, Rolpa, Banke, Dhading, Baglung, Dolakha.With an objective of sharing two hundred years of experience to developing countries and boosting up status of their (developing countries) micro-finance sector, SBFIC was established as a development wing of Savings Bank. It is an institution that is established and run by 400 independent savings banks all over Germany. In Nepal, SBFIC has been working in partnership with First Micro-finance Development Bank Limited for capacity enhancement of its partner institutions (micro-finance institutions and cooperatives).

As a part of DFID’s Security and Justice for the Poor (SJ4P) programme, FDM conducted an RCA study in Accham, Dhanusa, Kapilvastu and Morang. The RCA will serve as a scoping study for all other component activities. It will be particularly useful in developing a baseline survey, as well as for developing an overall monitoring framework for SJ4P. The results of the RCA will also assist DFID in further decision making related to the justice and security sectors in Nepal. The RCA is intended to be longitudinal and to occur at baseline, midline and endline.

FDM conducted a study to assess the usage and audience perceptions of radio in Nepal in nine districts of all five development regions. The research was part of the Samarth–NMDP program funded by DFID. The focus of the study was to assess the audience perception towards agricultural programming in national and local stations. The research also looked into the impact of commercial and community owned radio stations. As part of the study, the team carried out field research in poverty concentrated areas of Banke, Chitwan, Kaski, Rautahat, Illam, Surkhet, Jhapa, Kailali, Rupandehi where farmers and SME owners were interviewed. FDM also used the Reality Check Approach (RCA) in selected districts for the research.

The project supported the planning of the School Sector Development Program by undertaking a Gender Gap analysis of the current School Sector Reform Plan (SSRP). A second generation gender gap analysis was undertaken covering both basic and secondary education. NORAD, along with other development partners have jointly supported the Government of Nepal in the implementation of the SSRP since 2009. Coming to its end in July 2016, a new SSRP will need to be developed, informed by all necessary analysis and evaluations of achievements and lessons learned made so far. In order to further promote access and participation for all and foster stronger learning outcomes across the education sector, a Gender Gap Analysis of the School Education Sector was needed. The Gender Gap Analysis was related to Nepal’s on-going SSRP, and meant to inform the new one. The purpose was to generate greater impact with the new plan, and to go beyond what had been achieved so far. The massive earthquake that took place on the 25th of April and 12th of May had a devastating effect on the country as a whole and education in particular affecting approximately 1.5 million children in the school system. Hence, the new plan needs to take into consideration strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience. The focus of this assignment was on Gender Gap, and the analysis will assess the long-term effects of the earthquake from the gender perspective in order to be comprehensive.

FDM supported the Dalit NGO Federation (DNF) in reviewing their project on Improved Access to Socio-economic Opportunities for Dalits. This was done by assessing the degree of overall progress of the project and judging that against the set targets, objectives and goals. It also examined the institutional set up at local, district and national level. In addition to this, FDM critically reviewed the views and cooperation provided by key stakeholders and Government line agencies at different levels. FDM also worked closely with DNF for developing a project addendum for the output purpose review and also provided recruitment services to DNF for hiring of project staff.

FDM was selected by British Council in partnership with US Embassy and Equal Access to be the monitoring and evaluation partner for the success and development of EDGE project in Kavrepalanchowk, Lalitpur, Makawanpur, Gulmi and Argakhachhi districts. The prime purpose of this study was to develop English, Digital and 21st century skills of young girls of rural Nepal through a non-formal education model, using peer-leaders to support learning. This in the long run will enable the girls to develop self-confidence, enhance their status in family and community, improve performance in formal school, delay date of marriage and be more aware on their choices and rights.

FDM was contracted by DFID Nepal for an assessment to provide inputs on whether flexible district health funding in the health sector of Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) is feasible, appropriate and effective to promote decentralized planning and execution of health programme as part of Nepal Health Sector Programme (NHSP-3). DFID Nepal is working with the MoHP and donors to develop a new 5-year health sector strategy and M&E framework. NHSP-3 will clearly articulate both Ministry’s and donors' priorities: how they will be monitored and the total resource envelope needed to implement the joint programme. DFID aims for two main reforms for NHSP-3; one around professionalize health procurement practices and to reduce corruption risks and the other to promote more flexibility in planning and financing at district levels, with the possibility of expanding the small amount of flexible funding that exists at districts to a more formal block grants arrangement. The team visited four districts i.e. Kavre, Dang, Rupandehi and Kaski to gather information from different stakeholders.

FDM was contracted by Mercy Corps to carry out a research on ‘Nepal Determinants of Disaster Resilience Study’ to test key assumptions about what factors affected household and community resilience to the 2015 earthquake(s) and generate actionable findings to inform Mercy Corps’ recovery strategies in the affected areas. The project also aimed at providing impactful relief and recovery assistance that contributes to reducing vulnerability in crisis and post-disaster settings. The sample size for the qualitative data collection was 1200 households of Sindhupalchowk district.

The Micro-Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP) is a joint initiative of the Government of Nepal and UNDP that aims to expand employment opportunities for the poor, youth, women and individuals from socially excluded groups in selected districts in Nepal. For this purpose, Business Development Service Providing Organizations (BDSPOs) have been subcontracted for micro-enterprise development program implementation in 2014, while District Micro-Entrepreneurs Group Associations (DMEGAs) facilitate the access for micro-entrepreneurs to marketing, technology and scale up related activities. FDM had been contracted by UNDP to conduct an external evaluation of BDSPOs and DMEGAs. The objective of the assignment was to evaluate the performance of these organizations on results of the projects being implemented in 10 districts and provide recommendations on areas of improvement. This study was conducted in Saptari, Siraha, Udaypur, Terathum, Sunsari, Parbat, Myagdi, Baglung, Nawalparasi and Kapilbastu.

The purpose of the assignment was to undertake an evaluation of Norway’s support to women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality in development cooperation during the period 2007-2013 and to assess the extent to which results have been in line with the Action Plan for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Development Cooperation and its four main thematic priorities – political empowerment, economic empowerment, sexual and reproductive health and violence against women.
The evaluation applied a structure-agency framework, using a gendered political economy approach to understand structural and institutional dynamics shaping Norway's relative efficacy in promoting women's rights and gender equality. This was complemented by an anthropological evaluation approach assessing gender dynamics 'from below' in order to understand effects on locally embedded institutions as well as on individual women, men, girls and boys that Norway supported gender policies and programmes are targeting.
Apart from a global analysis, the evaluation included case studies in Nepal, Ethiopia and Mozambique.

FDM was subcontracted by Save the Children Nepal, to conduct an assessment of its pilot project – My First Baby (MFB), which specifically targets Married Adolescent Girls (MAG). The project was carried out in coordination with Family Health Division and Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in selected VDCs of Kapilbastu and Pyuthan districts. The assessment looked into the possibility of scaling up, replication or embedding with any existing public health program of the Department of Health Services. The major focus was to assess and learn whether there is an increase in the level of knowledge and behavior changes in maternal and their newborn norms from individual and community level. The study used both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.\\r\\n

FDM had been contracted by Palladium to undertake fieldwork using Reality Check Approach (RCA) for the DFID funded Integrated Programme for Strengthening Security and Justice (IP-SSJ). For this, a series of RCAs will be conducted in Gorkha, Dhading and Kathmandu. The study intended to provide information to inform IP-SSJ programming in earthquake-affected areas. As a secondary benefit, it also intended to inform future DFID-Nepal programming in earthquake-affected areas, as well as related to the wider earthquake response and recovery. As part of the RCA, researchers spend several days living in local communities to take part in and observe people’s daily lives with the main idea of having a detailed conversation and intense interactions with the community. This gave the researcher the time to understand and contextualize their opinions, experiences and perspectives.

FDM was contracted by Enfants and Development to carry out a research for its VAWG project in 5 VDCs of Dhading district, Jogimara, Dhussa, Mahadevsthan, Pida and Gajuri. The objective of the assignment was to assess the current situation of gender based violence and explore the scope of the project, which aims to reduce the prevalence of all forms of VAWG amongst Chepang community. The field work was conducted in January 2016. To collect quantitative data, structured questionnaires were administered with the Chepang community, where 60% were conducted with female and 40% with male. In addition to this, any notable community stories were noted down as case stories to highlight the prevalence or success of violence in the community. KIIs and FGDs were conducted with health experts, ANMs, police, women/mother group members and VDC officers to further validate and strengthen the quantitative data.

FDM had undertaken a “Review of the 9 Minimum Characteristics of a Disaster Resilient Community” in collaboration with the UK based research group led by Durham University. The research was based on 2015 earthquakes and associated landslides affecting the mountain and hill districts of Central and Western Nepal, and recent flood events in the Terai, as a lens through which to review the effectiveness of the 9 Minimum Characteristics used by Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) projects. The aim was to gather in-depth knowledge of a small sample of communities and to capture community’s voice on the use of 9 MCs to achieve a disaster resilient community.

The project was conducted in two phases. The first phase field wok was conducted in five districts: Saptari, Mahottari, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur in March/April 2016 mainly focusing DRR in the rural context. Whereas, second phase of field work was conducted in the hill and mountain regions of Nepal looking into the aspects of urban DRR. After the completion of the project, the policy level recommendation was presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Local Development (MoFALD).

FDM iwas involved in a two year evaluation of the STEM Programme (2014 - 2016), which focused on in-school and out of school marginalized girls in 14 VDCs and one Municipality of Kailali District, mainly drawing out experiences of particular groups, including Tharu and Dalit girls. By the end of the program, Mercy Corps expeced that 5,231 marginalized Nepali girls would be able to complete a full cycle of education (or an appropriate equivalent) and demonstrate learning. In this context, FDM’s evaluation team had to design, plan, and conduct an evaluation for two years of the STEM program. The team provided an independent and rigorous evaluation and research function, designing and implementing a framework which assessed the process of delivery, effectiveness, Value for Money (VfM) and impact of the program and reported the findings and lessons learnt throughout the process.
Current Activity

VSOs “Sisters for Sisters Education in Nepal” was a project funded by UK Aid’s Girls Education Challenge Innovation Window (GEC) in collaboration with Ministry of Education (MoE). The project aims to enable marginalized girls to access education and along with those at the risk of dropping out, to complete the full cycle of education and to demonstrate improve learning outcomes. VSO with MoE has contributed to a more child friendly learning environment in schools and communities.

The projects endline evaluations has been conducted in 48 target schools and 40 non-target schools and their catchment area in four districts namely Dhading, Lamjung, Parsa and Surkhet. The target groups were parents, teachers, head teachers, grades 2, and 4 to 7 girls.

In this context, FDM assessed the process of delivery, effectiveness, Value for Money (VfM) and impact of the project and reported the findings and lessons learnt throughout the process.

The Luxembourg Cooperation is currently not represented in Nepal, neither at the level of the department or at the level of its implementation agency, LuxDev. It is active in Nepal through the organizations non-governmental development organizations (NGDOS) in Luxembourg, which receive including funding in the area of humanitarian assistance, emergency, rehabilitation, prevention, as well as development. In terms of intervention of development aid, three Luxembourg NGOs approved are currently active in Nepal, namely humanitarian cooperation Luxembourg, ECPAT Luxembourg and Nepali Med. These NGOS implement projects in the areas of rights to the person, the vocational training, medical services or social services. The participation of the department in their activities for the period covering the projects is 1.421.931 million euros. In this context, FDM is carrying out the evaluation of the policies in the fight against poverty implemented in Nepal. The evaluation will analyze the situation of poverty in Nepal and will determine the usefulness for Luxembourg to become a partner for cooperation of Nepal. The evaluation will also take into account the international context of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, including the objectives of the sustainable development, the partnership of Busan for effective cooperation in the service of development as well as the conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 12 May 2016 in the area of joint programming.

FDM will be conducting an endline monitoring and evaluation of Connecting Classrooms Project being implemented by the British Council. Connecting Classroom is the British Council’s flagship international education programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID). Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme for schools designed to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and values to live and work in a globalised economy, and make a positive contribution locally and globally. The project will be undertaken in Kavre, Kaski, Nawalparasi, Rupendehi, Jhapa, Surkhet and Kathmandu. The overall objective of this assignment is to provide independent monitoring and evaluation with special focus on endline evaluation of Curriculum Mapping and process monitoring of Core skills. More specifically, the assignment will be focusing on monitoring and evaluation of core skills and curriculum mapping. The main purpose of the in-country endline, monitoring and evaluation assignment therefore is to identify whether the programme addresses the identified problems mentioned in the theory of change (ToC). In addition, it will also identify the present situation of primary school teachers and situation after the baseline evaluation. The project is expected to start from August 2017.

FDM will conduct a study on role of media in democratization in Nepal post Constitution promulgation for Governance Facility (GF-Nepal). The study will focus on four core indicators of democratization – freedom, accountability, stability and corruption. As the part of the study, FDM will undertake a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) covering 100 samples each in Siraha, Dhanusha, Banke, Surkhet, Kathmandu and Lalitpur. The study will make a comparison of 4As (Availability, Accessibility, Affordability and Attainability) of media across diverse sociopolitical contexts of each study district and will also document general public perceptions about the credibility of media in terms of coverage on issues related to democratization. Apart from that, the study will also analyze role of media in opinion-making during major socio-political-economic events occurred after the promulgation of Constitution of Nepal in 2015.

FDM had applied for the baseline, monitoring and Evaluation of Connecting Classrooms Project being implemented by the British Council. Connecting Classroom is the British Council’s flagship international education programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for International Development (DFID). Connecting Classrooms is a global education programme for schools designed to help young people develop the knowledge, skills and values to live and work in a globalised economy, and make a positive contribution locally and globally. The project will be undertaken in Kavre, Kaski, Nawalparasi, Rupendehi, Jhapa, Surkhet and Kathmandu.

The overall objective of this assignment is to provide independent monitoring and evaluation with special focus on baseline and endline evaluation of the project. More specifically, the assignment will be focusing on monitoring and evaluation of core skills and curriculum mapping.The main purpose of the in-country baseline, monitoring and evaluation assignment therefore is to identify whether the programme addresses the identified problems mentioned in the theory of change (ToC). In addition, it will also identify the present situation of primary school teachers and situation after the piloting of the resource manual and collect the feedback from the teachers on areas of improvement. \r\nThe project is expected to start from June 2016.

SPRING is a pioneering accelerator working with growth-oriented stage businesses on innovations that can transform the lives of girls aged 10-19 living in poverty across East Africa and South Asia. SPRING works with world-class experts using Human-Centred Design (HCD) to support the businesses to create innovations with purpose and shared value. The 5 year programme is funded by DFID, the Nike Foundation, and USAID. SPRING businesses receive nine months of world-class HCD, research, investment readiness support and more for each diverse cohort of 20 enterprises from a specific region. In return, businesses commit to launch a market-oriented innovation that meets the needs of adolescent girls (and have it tested with them) and support the core operations of the businesses to enable sustainability, viability, and scalability. \r\nIn this regard, FDM contracted to support and collaborate with the selected businesses to undertake research to enable them to learn and implement Human Centred Design (HCD) methodologies into their everyday work processes and strategies to reach adolescent girls. Similarly, FDM visually and verbally documented adolescent girls’ environments and contexts to share with SPRING teams who did not attending research. Also, where appropriate, gathered specific feedback on product/service and informed iterations/revisions on that product/service. Further, where appropriate, FDM learned from adolescent girls’ experiences, needs, and desires in their contexts (homes, schools, community groups, etc.) and informed product/service. \r\n

FDM was contracted by ITAD Ltd to undertake fieldwork using Reality Check Approach (RCA) for Independent Monitoring and Evaluation of Nepal Rural Access Program III. For this, a series of RCAs was conducted in mid and far western regions of Nepal over the period of 2013-2017, with the objective of conducting poverty assessment in order to influence policy and practice around state and private sector service provision. A scoping study was completed in December 2013 for which FDM made all logistic arrangements and recruited researchers for the RCA in Dailekh and Kalikot. As part of the RCA, researchers spent several days living in local communities to take part in and observe people’s daily lives with the main idea of having a detailed conversation and intense interactions with the community. This gave researcher the time to understand and contextualize their opinions, experiences and perspectives.

Foundation for Development Management (FDM) is currently working with Overseas Development Institute (ODI) to assess the production, communication, and use of scientific information in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. In the aftermath of the earthquake 2015, natural scientists immediately set out to understand the hazard context, including the nature of the rupture, aftershock probabilities and the occurrence of secondary hazards (landslides). For instance, DFID funded Durham University (DU) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) to provide information on the evolving landslide risk in the earthquake-affected mountain and hill districts through a landslide mapping study. In addition, the Nepal Risk Reduction Consortium (NRRC) tasked with coordinating disaster risk reduction activities - convened (informally) representatives from key organizations engaged in scientific research and knowledge brokering within Nepal. In this regard, the study is primarily focused on tracking the production, communication, and interpretation of the landslide inventory maps produced by Durham/BGS and funded by DFID immediately after the April and May earthquakes.

The current Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for 2013-2017 was developed and approved by the national tripartite constituents (MOLE-Government of Nepal, FNCCI-Employers’ Organisation and JTUC-Joint Trade Union Committee.It is aligned with Nepal’s13th Development Plan and the UNDAF for the same period. The Country Programme Review (CPR) assessed the relevance and coherence of the DWCP design, the efficiency in implementation, effectiveness of its operations, sustainability of results. The review was also intended to provide a basis for improved insights within the country office as to how to better design, implement, monitor and assess country programmes in the future and also identify priorities by the constituents to inform the development of the next DWCP. The CPR covered all interventions planned and carried out during the period 2013-2017. The CPR was managed and coordinated by the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and the ILO Kathmandu Office in consultation with DWT-Delhi. The National Research Consultant of FDM supported the International Expert for the assignment to assess "the relevance and coherence of the DWCP design, the efficiency in implementation, effectiveness of its operations, sustainability of results." Specifically, the National Research Consultant conducted desk review of relevant documentations and contributed to the preparation for the CPR. The consultant provided relevant local knowledge and insights to the review team. The consultant along with the International Expert Interviewed ILO constituents and key stakeholders, took note and wrote brief reports. The consultant also participated and jointly facilitated the stakeholders’ workshop.

VSO Nepal's Teaching to Learn project focuses on improving literacy and numeracy for grades 1-3 children in 16 target schools spread across Jumla and Jajarkot through activities like in-service and pre-service teacher training, community mobilization, strengthening of education governance structures and national level networking and policy influencing. VSO aims to improve the life chances of vulnerable girls and other disadvantaged children in Nepal with an objective of 2,483 children in grades 1-3; 64 teachers; 16 Head Teachers; 16 groups of SMCs and PTAs; 64 classroom assistants; 4 teacher trainers and 300 teacher trainees; and 8 DEO staff; 8 focal staff of the Curriculum Development Centre, NCED, DoE and MoE; and 800 households will have impacted and learnt through this process. FDM has undertaken the assignment for designing, planning and conducting a final evaluation of the project to particularly assess relevance, effectiveness, impact, sustainability, Value for Money (VfM), unintended consequences and innovation of the project and report the findings and lessons learnt throughout the process. The evaluation is quasi experimental and has used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative tools.

UMN’s Cluster Approach Review’s is a qualitative assessment which focus is at a “strategic” level, looking for impact, added value, trade-offs, trends, learning and direction for the future. For this, the sample that will be selected will include all the UMN clusters, all UMN Partners in the clusters, including those no longer in Partnership with UMN, all the communities and target groups that UMN has worked within the clusters and other stakeholders in the clusters, in UMN Thapathali and those supporting the cluster work of UMN. The overall objective of the review is to assess the impact, effectiveness, efficiency, opportunities and challenges, learnings, and relevance of the cluster approach for effective realisation of the strategic goals and objectives as stated in the strategic plan 2015 – 20 of UMN. The study will also explore the alternatives of the current model of cluster approach, their potential advantages and disadvantages particularly from the perspective of effectiveness and efficiency, and make recommendation for change as appropriate. The methodology adopted for the study will be carrying out desk research, stakeholder’s identification, consultation with ILO and relevant stakeholders, assessment visit to the clusters and conducting Key Informant Interviews with stakeholder representatives, Focus Group Discussions with UMN Partners including ex – UMN partners and communities in the clusters, and Direct observation of UMN work in clusters, completed projects and current programmes with case stories from the field.

FDM is conducting an assessment of the enabling environment for sustainable enterprises in Nepal for International Labour Organization (ILO). The study uses mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to compare existing business environment in Nepal against the 17 pillars of sustainable enterprises identified by ILO. Among several business sectors, the study focuses on three major areas, namely – Agro-based businesses, Manufacturing industries and Tourism enterprises ICT in service sector. Chitwan and Banke have been selected for the study of agro-based businesses, Rupandehi and Morang for manufacturing industries, and Kathmandu and Kaski for Tourism and ICT in service sector both.

Foundation for Development Management (FDM) recently completed a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) evaluation assignment for DFID-funded Community Development Project (CDP) in Achham and Kalikot districts in hilly region and Saptari and Sarlahi in terai region. CDP is being implemented in Nepal jointly by Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN), World Food Programme (WFP) and Oxford Policy Management (OPM). One of the CDP's interventions is infrastructural support to enhance livelihood of communities. FDM was mandated to see the GESI-coverage of these infrastructures, in terms of exploring participation and decision-making of different GESI groups including women, Dalits, among other traditionally marginalized groups, in both construction phase as well as in benefit-sharing in post-construction phase. The study relates the current situation pertaining to GESI's coverage in CDP's infrastructure support programme with existing social norms specific to the districts' culture and tradition.

Foundation for Development Management (FDM) conducted an assignment of data analysis and report writing of urban assessment of eight urban municipalities for British Red Cross. The study was conducted in Bajrabarahi, Karyabinayak, Kathmandu, Budhanilkantha, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi, Dhangadhi and Pokhara municipalities. The main objective of the study was to explore and assess status of disaster preparedness among the given municipalities. FDM developed eight individual reports for each of the eight municipalities, including major analyses — Vulnerability mapping, 24-hour clock analyses, among others. FDM was involved in the study from January to March 2017.

Foundation for Development Management (FDM) conducted an assignment of data analysis and report writing or SURE (Strengthening Urban Resilience and Engagement) conducted in eight urban municipalities, namely — Bajrabarahi, Karyabinayak, Kathmandu, Budhanilkantha, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi, Dhangadhi and Pokhara. The baseline study included community perception, preparedness and resilience against most vulnerable disasters in their respective municipalities. FDM was involved in the study in March 2017.

As a part of the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) component of Integrated Programme for Strengthening Security and Justice (IP-SSJ), FDM worked in partnership with Palladium to conduct a qualitative research to identify and improve understanding related to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and justice seeking. This included an assessment of key assumptions made in IP-SSJ and other programmes working on similar issues. Applying a social norms framework in this way can help IP-SSJ reduce the likelihood of failed interventions by differentiating norms, customs and beliefs, as well as understanding the most effective points of entry. This is intended to provide a basis from which DFID and IP-SSJ implementers and develop and target interventions to address social norms. The study was carried out in Achham and Kapilvastu districts.

Foundation for Development Management will conduct a qualitative study on the “Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Health and Education in Nepal” for the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The study will explore the current situation of SWAp and the challenges faced while implementing SWApin these sectors. The study will identify the existing investment and financing modality of SWAp and its implementation structure.Furthermore, the assessment will also review current financial rules and regulations, and policies of Government to understand if it facilitates or hinders the implementation of SWAp. The study will be conducted at central level (Ministry of and department of Health and Education) and district level (DEO, DHO, and HPO). The study will identify the existing gaps and challenges faced by both sectors in implementing SWAp. FDM will provide recommendations to mitigate the explored gaps and challenges. FDM will take the overall responsibility for the design of the study, the collection of data and information, information analysis, and reporting.