Tentative duration: 

The consultancy is anticipated to be completed within a timeframe of 90 days, with a total of 40 working days allocated for the project (April 25, 2024, to July 31,2024).

Project Overview

Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of Assistive Technology (AT), such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in some countries, as few as 3% have access to the AT they require. The number of people needing AT is expected to grow to more than 3.4 billion by 2050. Helen Keller International aims to develop a thorough comprehension of the existing barriers that hinder access to AT in Nepal. Furthermore, the organization seeks to foster consensus among key stakeholders regarding the necessary long-term strategy and investments needed to tackle the identified needs effectively. With this effort, it is expected that a more knowledgeable, organized, and dedicated constituency for AT services will be formed, leading to the establishment of an enabling environment. This environment, in turn, will facilitate the generation of sustainable investments, cultivate political will, and garner government commitment to enhance access to AT in Nepal.

The "Case for Investing in Assistive Technology, 2021" by AT Scale report found that sustained provision of AT in low- and middle-income economies has a significant effect on lifetime earning potential, leading to a 9:1 return on investment in the form of USD 10 trillion in economic benefits over the next 55 years. This report underscores the substantial global returns on investments in AT. This initiative aims to reinforce these benefits in the local context, particularly in Nepal, through the development of a comprehensive local investment case and supporting AT investment with a costing analysis. 

Summary of Job Purpose: 

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Undertake a literature review of available documentation on national data (reports from Ministry of Health and population, EDCD/LCDMS, regarding market analysis of AT, planning, policies, and strategies related to health financing and services delivery of AT etc.)
• Conduct stakeholder consultations (with Ministries, federations, associations, AT users etc.) for identification and prioritization of most utilized AT in Nepal 
• An in-depth analysis of financial cost required for delivery of maximum 3 priority assistive products (depending on final negotiation) 
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to gather data and insights on the cost and financial systems within the Government of Nepal and private sector related to the ATs. 
• Develop a detailed costing and pricing analysis of maximum 3 priority assistive products (depending on final negotiation) to provide reliable and up-to-date evidence on budgeting and allocations on AT. 
• Clarify the financial and economic benefits of investing in maximum 3 priority assistive products (depending on final negotiation) mid and long term; estimate the return on investment for the specific case of Nepal.
• Draft a comprehensive local investment case of maximum 3 priority assistive products (depending on final negotiation)   
• Lead the process of validation of the draft comprehensive local investment case of AT with its different scenarios of finance/cost in workshops or meetings to get stakeholders ‘inputs. 
• Prepare a final investment case report of AT.  The investment case report should provide a strong and clear rationale on why investment is required and outlining the source of investment in AT in the context of Nepal and how investors will get returns/profit. Provide recommendation of any prescribed model

Educational qualifications and experiences:

Educational Qualifications: 

• Master's or Ph.D. in Health Economics, Economics, Investment Analysis, Finance, or relevant field 
• Advanced graduate degree (master’s level or above) with formal training in related disciplines, including health financing, health economics, and business modeling. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in quantitative analysis in the health financing/economics area. 
• Proven experience in conducting investment cases and cost analyses, particularly in the health sector, preferably the AT sector. 
• In-depth knowledge of business modeling and developing investment cases. 
• Familiarity with costing of commonly used assistive products in Nepal, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthesis, etc. 
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in relevant software and analysis tools 

Languages required: Expert knowledge of English and Nepali

Note: For detailed TOR, please email to [email protected] no later than April 15 2024, COB.