Call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for a study on Sustainable Harnessing of Forest Resources for Economic Development and Community Engagement in Uttarakhand, India

Photo: Jitendra Raj Bajracharya/ICIMOD.

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The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from established firms or institutions to undertake a study on ‘Sustainable Harnessing of Forest Resources for Economic Development and Community Engagement in Uttarakhand’. The call is open to both national and international entities with a proven track record and an established presence in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Preference will be given to firms or institutions with a well-balanced team of highly qualified thematic experts and technical experience related to forestry/natural resource management, forest-based livelihoods and economy, community engagement, and conducting mixed-methods technical assessments using gender-responsive methods. A multidisciplinary team spanning forestry, economics, and social sciences with prior experience in Uttarakhand or other parts of the Himalayan region is essential. For details on objectives, methods, deliverables and timeline, please refer to the Terms of Reference for the study.

About the HI-REAP Project

The proposed study is hosted in ‘Action Area – Economies’ of the Strategic Group on Resilient Economies and Landscapes of ICIMOD. Under this action area, the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), implements and promotes Nature­ based Solutions (NbS) for socio-ecological resilience and low-carbon economies in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and building on knowledge and learning from China. HI-REAP also conducts technical assessments on natural resources and their potential for contribution to livelihoods and economies. The above study is supported by the HI-REAP project.

Structure of EoI, and submission deadline

Interested institutions or firms are required to submit their EoI, along with a cover letter on the firm’s or institution’s letterhead (duly signed by the designated contact person) in the format specified below. Submissions must be made no later than 15 October 2025 (6:00  PM Nepal  Standard  Time)  to  the  following  email address: consultancy.int@icimod.org. Any email correspondence regarding this call should include the subject line: EoI on Forest Resources for HI-REAP Project.

1.     Why is your firm or organisation well-qualified for this assignment? (500-800 words)

In your response, clearly demonstrate your suitability for this assignment. Please carefully read the objectives, methodology, scope of work, deliverables and required qualifications and experience as outlined in the ToR. Please separately attach, or provide a link to, the most relevant work your firm or organisation has completed in the last 3 to 5 years that you are particularly proud of.

2.    What would be your preferred team composition for this assignment? (100-200 words)

In your response, clearly demonstrate how the proposed team’s composition and expertise align with the requirements of this assignment. Please ensure your answer reflects careful consideration of the team composition and balance criteria outlined in the relevant section of the ToR. Separately attach or provide a link to CVs (maximum two pages each) of your proposed team members.

3.    What would be your preferred study methods for this assignment? (200 – 400 words)

In your response, clearly present the methodology of your proposed study. The basic requirements for the methodology are outlined in the ToR. You may suggest ways of strengthening it and present it clearly in the Eol.

Declaration: Provide a short declaration that –

• You are a registered firm or organisation with audited financial accounts maintained for at least the past three years and are compliant with all applicable tax regulations in your country of registration. You will be able to provide copies of these financial and tax compliance documents if your firm or organisation qualifies for the next phase [Request for Proposal (RFP) or presentation-based assessment].
• The information provided in this EoI is correct and complete and will be used to assess your firm’s or organisation’s suitability to proceed to the full proposal submission stage for this ICIMOD reserves the right to reject this EoI in the event of false or misleading information or any other circumstances that ICIMOD deems disqualifying.

Any questions – please address them to: consultancy.int@icimod.org. Thank you for your interest.

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