TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)
Consultancy for Conducting a Qualitative Study on Survivors’ Perspectives on Justice, Collective Empowerment and Transformation
Study Title: Exploring Justice from Survivors’ Perspectives: From Individual Justice to Collective Empowerment and Transformation
Organization: Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) Nepal
Assignment Locations: Morang, Sunsari and Udayapur (Koshi province), Dhanusha, Mahottari and Sarlahi (Madhesh Province) and Kailali and Kanchanpur (Sudurpaschim Province) Nepal
Proposed Assignment Period: November–December 2026
Type of Assignment: Individual Consultant
1. Background and Context
Justice is often understood primarily through formal legal processes, including reporting, investigation, prosecution, adjudication and punishment. Although these mechanisms are essential for accountability, they do not always reflect the full meaning of justice in the lives of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
For survivors, justice may include being heard and believed, recognition of harm, safety and protection, dignity and respect, access to appropriate services, healing, economic and social security, accountability and the ability to regain control over their lives. Justice may also involve preventing violence against others and transforming the social conditions that enable violence and inequality.
Gender-based violence is rooted in unequal power relations, discrimination, harmful social norms, economic inequalities and institutional barriers. Meaningful justice therefore requires attention not only to individual experiences of violence but also to the wider social and structural conditions that sustain it.
The Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) Nepal has a longstanding commitment to advancing women’s human rights, gender equality and social justice. Through its programmes and engagement with survivors, WOREC supports spaces where survivors can share experiences, support one another, raise collective concerns and advocate for justice and social change.
The Agrani Network, formed in 2018 through WOREC’s engagement with survivors, provides a platform for women who have experienced violence to strengthen solidarity, support other survivors, exercise leadership and advocate for change. District-level networks have been established in Morang, Sunsari, Udayapur, Dang, Kailali, Dhanusha, Mahottari and Sarlahi. The National Survivor Conference held on 29–30 November 2025 further strengthened survivor-led networking and collective advocacy, resulting in the Agrani Declaration 2082.
In this context, WOREC Nepal intends to conduct a qualitative study entitled “Exploring Justice from Survivors’ Perspectives: From Individual Justice to Collective Empowerment and Transformation.” The study will explore how survivors define and experience justice, what enables or prevents meaningful justice, and how individual experiences can contribute to collective empowerment, social justice and broader transformation.
WOREC Nepal seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct the study, including research preparation, facilitation of provincial workshops incorporating Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), documentation, transcription, thematic analysis, validation and final reporting.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
2.1 Overall Objective
To conduct a qualitative study exploring survivors’ understanding and experiences of justice, the factors that enable or prevent meaningful justice, and the relationship between individual experiences, collective empowerment, social justice and transformation.
2.2 Specific Objectives
The study will:
- Explore how survivors define and experience justice beyond formal legal outcomes.
- Identify the social, economic, cultural and institutional factors that enable or prevent meaningful justice.
- Examine the relationship between formal justice processes and survivors’ experiences of safety, dignity, healing, recognition and agency.
- Explore survivors’ expectations of perpetrators, communities, service providers and the State.
- Examine the role of WOREC and survivor networks, particularly Agrani, in strengthening survivor agency, collective voice, leadership and advocacy.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen survivor-centered, survivor-led and transformative approaches to justice.
- Develop practical recommendations to inform WOREC’s programming, advocacy and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
3. Scope of Work and Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake the following activities in close coordination with WOREC Nepal.
3.1 Inception and Preparatory Work
The consultant will:
- Review the study concept note, objectives, research questions, conceptual framework and relevant documents provided by WOREC.
- Conduct an inception meeting with WOREC to confirm the scope, methodology, timeline and expected deliverables.
- Develop an inception report, detailed work plan and qualitative research tools.
- Prepare the FGD guide, workshop agendas, documentation templates and other required research instruments.
- Ensure that the methodology is participatory, survivor-centred, trauma-sensitive and appropriate to the local context.
- Coordinate with WOREC regarding participant engagement, field schedules and ethical procedures.
3.2 Provincial Workshops and Focus Group Discussions
The consultant will facilitate three full-day participatory workshops incorporating FGDs in the following locations:
- Morang, Koshi Province.
- Dhanusha (Janakpur), Madhesh Province.
- Kailali, Sudurpaschim Province.
The consultant will:
- Prepare workshop agendas and facilitate the sessions.
- Use appropriate participatory methods, including group discussions, guided reflection, storytelling where appropriate and collective analysis.
- Explore survivors’ experiences and understanding of individual, social and transformative justice.
- Facilitate discussions on recognition, safety, dignity, healing, accountability and agency.
- Identify barriers to meaningful justice, including stigma, victim-blaming, economic insecurity and institutional obstacles.
- Explore survivors’ expectations of perpetrators, communities, service providers and the State.
- Examine how survivor networks, solidarity and collective advocacy contribute to empowerment and social transformation.
- Document key findings, differing perspectives and recommendations.
- Ensure that survivors participate as rights-holders, knowledge holders and agents of change, without pressure to disclose personal or traumatic experiences.
3.3 Documentation, Transcription and Translation
The consultant will:
- Systematically document the three provincial workshops and FGDs.
- Prepare three English FGD transcripts, one for each study location.
- Translate discussions into English where required while preserving participants’ intended meanings and context.
- Use participant codes or other non-identifying labels and remove identifying details where necessary.
- Review transcripts for accuracy, completeness and consistency.
- Clearly mark unclear or inaudible sections rather than making assumptions.
- Obtain and use audio recordings only where appropriate consent has been provided.
- Submit editable electronic copies of the transcripts and supporting documentation to WOREC.
3.4 Thematic Analysis
The consultant will conduct qualitative thematic analysis of the information collected through the workshops and FGDs.
The analysis will:
- Organize and review qualitative information systematically.
- Identify recurring themes, common concerns, differing perspectives and emerging patterns.
- Analyze findings using the framework of individual justice, social justice and transformative justice.
- Examine gaps between formal justice processes and survivors’ lived experiences.
- Identify factors that enable or prevent meaningful justice.
- Explore expectations regarding accountability, protection, support and remedy.
- Examine the role of survivor networks, collective leadership and advocacy in strengthening agency and social change.
- Develop evidence-based conclusions and practical recommendations.
3.5 Virtual Validation
The consultant will facilitate or support a virtual validation session with selected survivor representatives and WOREC.
The consultant will:
- Present preliminary findings and recommendations.
- Invite feedback on the accuracy and interpretation of the findings.
- Document comments, corrections and additional perspectives.
- Incorporate agreed feedback into the final analysis and report.
3.6 Final Reporting
The consultant will prepare and submit a final study report that includes:
- Executive summary.
- Background and rationale.
- Study objectives and research questions.
- Methodology and ethical considerations.
- Key findings and thematic analysis.
- Survivors’ perspectives on individual, social and transformative justice.
- Barriers to meaningful justice.
- Analysis of survivor agency, collective empowerment and leadership.
- Conclusions and practical recommendations.
- Study limitations, where applicable.
The consultant will incorporate WOREC’s feedback before submitting the final report.
4. Methodology
The study will adopt a qualitative, participatory, survivor-centered and trauma-sensitive approach.
The assignment will be implemented through the following phases:
Phase I: Inception and Research Preparation
Review relevant documents, finalize the research methodology and develop the tools required for the workshops and FGDs.
Phase II: Provincial Workshops and FGDs
Facilitate three full-day participatory workshops incorporating FGDs in Morang, Dhanusha and Kailali.
Phase III: Documentation and Thematic Analysis
Prepare three English FGD transcripts, organize the qualitative information and conduct thematic analysis.
Phase IV: Virtual Validation
Present preliminary findings to selected survivor representatives and WOREC and incorporate agreed feedback.
Phase V: Final Reporting
Finalize and submit the study report, transcripts and other agreed documentation.
Throughout the process, the consultant must follow informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation, Do No Harm, trauma-sensitive facilitation and appropriate data-protection procedures
5. Expected Deliverables
The consultant is expected to submit the following deliverables within the agreed assignment period:
- Inception Report and Research Tools: A detailed inception report outlining the study approach, methodology, research framework, key questions, ethical considerations, work plan, and data collection tools, including FGD guidelines.
- Provincial Workshops and Focus Group Discussions: Facilitation and documentation of three full-day provincial workshops incorporating FGDs in Morang (Koshi Province), Dhanusha/Janakpur (Madhesh Province), and Kailali (Sudurpaschim Province).
- FGD Transcripts: Three anonymized FGD transcripts in English, one from each provincial location, ensuring confidentiality and the protection of participants’ identities.
- Preliminary Thematic Analysis: An initial analysis of the qualitative data, identifying key themes, patterns, perspectives, challenges, and emerging insights related to survivors’ understandings of justice, agency, and collective empowerment.
- Virtual Validation Session: Facilitation of a virtual validation session with WOREC Nepal and relevant stakeholders to discuss preliminary findings, gather feedback, and strengthen the accuracy and relevance of the analysis.
- Draft Research Report: A comprehensive draft report presenting the study findings, thematic analysis, key conclusions, and practical recommendations for strengthening survivor-centered, rights-based, and transformative approaches to justice.
- Final Research Report and Documentation Package: A final report incorporating feedback from the validation session, along with the finalized transcripts, research tools, and other relevant study documentation, submitted in English in an agreed digital format.
6. Timeline
The assignment is expected to be completed between November and December 2026. The consultant will develop the research tools and inception report, conduct three provincial workshops and FGDs, prepare English transcripts, undertake thematic analysis, facilitate a virtual validation session, and submit the draft and final research reports. The detailed schedule will be agreed upon with WOREC Nepal during the inception phase.
7. Coordination and Reporting Arrangements
The consultant will work under the technical guidance of WOREC Nepal’s designated focal person and maintain regular communication throughout the assignment.
The consultant will be responsible for completing the agreed consultancy activities, submitting deliverables on time and incorporating feedback from WOREC.
WOREC Nepal will provide relevant study documents, technical guidance and coordination support, including liaison with survivor networks and relevant stakeholders.
WOREC Nepal will separately arrange and cover the approved direct costs required for fieldwork and workshops, including travel, accommodation, food, venues, participant-related expenses and other agreed logistical costs. The consultant must coordinate all field visits and workshop arrangements with WOREC in advance.
8. Required Qualifications and Experience
The consultant should have:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in sociology, gender studies, social sciences, development studies, law or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in qualitative research, FGD facilitation and participatory workshops.
- Experience working with survivors of GBV, women’s rights organizations or survivor networks.
- A sound understanding of gender equality, human rights, justice and survivor-centered approaches.
- Strong analytical, facilitation, transcription, translation and report-writing skills.
- Excellent written English and the ability to accurately document discussions conducted in Nepali or other relevant local languages.
- Experience preparing research reports and practical recommendations.
- A demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, informed consent, safeguarding and ethical research.
Experience in survivor-led approaches, participatory research and transformative justice will be an advantage.
9. Application Requirements
Interested consultants are invited to submit:
- An expression of interest outlining their suitability for the assignment.
- An updated CV.
- Evidence of relevant experience in qualitative research, facilitation and report writing.
- A technical proposal describing the proposed methodology and work plan.
- A financial proposal specifying the professional consultancy fee only.
- Contact details of professional references, where requested.
- Applicable tax registration documents.
Application deadline: 5 Nov, 2026
Submission email/address: admin@worecnepal.org
10. Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Relevant qualifications and professional experience.
- Experience in qualitative research, FGDs and participatory facilitation.
- Understanding of survivor-centered justice and collective empowerment.
- Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology and work plan.
- Analytical, transcription, translation and report-writing capacity.
- Commitment to ethical research, confidentiality and safeguarding.
- Availability to complete the assignment within the agreed period.
- Reasonableness of the proposed professional fee.
WOREC may request clarification, verify relevant experience or conduct an interview before making the final selection.
11. Ethical Considerations and Data Protection
The consultant must apply the following principles throughout the assignment:
- Informed consent: Participation must be voluntary, and participants must understand the purpose and process of the study.
- Confidentiality and privacy: Identifying information must be protected and excluded from transcripts and reports where necessary.
- Do No Harm: Research activities must not expose participants to unnecessary distress, stigma, retaliation or other risks.
- Trauma-sensitive facilitation: Participants must not be pressured to recount traumatic experiences and may decline to answer any question.
- Dignity and autonomy: Survivors must be respected as rights-holders and knowledge holders.
- Data protection: Notes, recordings and transcripts must be stored securely and shared only with authorized personnel.
- Safeguarding: The consultant must comply with WOREC’s applicable code of conduct and safeguarding/PSEAH requirements.
- Appropriate referral: Any support or referral needs identified during the assignment must be addressed sensitively in coordination with WOREC.
The consultant must not publish, share or use study information outside the agreed purpose without prior written authorization from WOREC.
12. Financial Proposal and Cost Responsibilities
The financial proposal must be submitted in Nepalese Rupees (NPR) and must cover only the professional consultancy fee for completing the agreed scope of work and deliverables.
The proposed fee should cover the consultant’s professional services, including:
- Preparation and finalization of the methodology and research tools.
- Facilitation of preparatory consultations.
- Facilitation of three provincial workshops incorporating FGDs.
- Documentation, transcription and English translation.
- Qualitative data organization and thematic analysis.
- Virtual validation.
- Preparation, revision and finalization of the study report.
- Other agreed consultancy-related tasks required to complete the assignment.
Applicable taxes must be indicated separately, as appropriate.
Expenses Covered Separately by WOREC
The following costs must not be included in the consultant’s financial proposal. WOREC will arrange and cover these expenses separately, subject to its administrative and financial procedures:
- Travel and local transportation for approved field visits.
- Accommodation and lodging during fieldwork, where required.
- Food and meals during field visits and workshops.
- Workshop venues, meeting spaces and related logistics.
- Participant transportation and other approved participant-related expenses.
- Other direct fieldwork or workshop expenses agreed with WOREC.
Applicants must therefore quote their professional consultancy fee only. Any additional costs outside this arrangement must be discussed and approved in writing by WOREC before they are incurred.
13. Contractual Arrangements and Payment
The selected consultant will sign a service contract with WOREC Nepal specifying the scope of work, deliverables, consultancy period, professional fee, payment milestones and applicable conditions.
Payments will be made in accordance with the signed contract and will be linked to the satisfactory completion and approval of agreed deliverables. The payment schedule and applicable tax deductions will be confirmed before signing the contract.
WOREC Nepal will separately arrange and cover the approved travel, accommodation, food, workshop and other direct fieldwork expenses required for the assignment. These expenses will not form part of the consultant’s professional fee.
Any significant changes to the scope, timeline or professional fee must receive prior written approval from both parties.
All materials produced under the assignment, including research tools, transcripts, analysis, documentation and reports, must be submitted to WOREC in the agreed formats. The consultant must comply with all agreed confidentiality, data-protection and safeguarding requirements.
14. Legal Documents and Submission Requirements
Individual applicants must submit an updated CV, expression of interest, technical proposal, financial proposal and applicable tax registration details.
If a consulting firm applies, it must also submit the relevant organization registration documents, PAN/VAT registration, latest tax clearance certificate and organizational profile, as applicable.
The selected consultant must comply with applicable laws of Nepal and relevant WOREC policies, including its code of conduct, confidentiality requirements and safeguarding standards.
WOREC Nepal reserves the right to assess applications, verify experience, request clarification and select the most suitable applicant in accordance with its applicable procedures.