National Consulting Firm for the Preparation of Bhutan’s Nature4Health (N4H)

The implementation stage will span 2–3 years and will be based on Bhutan’s unique challenges, interests, and priorities, while aligning with N4H’s overall outcome areas. It will involve enhancing evidence on the links between biodiversity, climate change, and health to improve decision-making; supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan to develop effective policies, structures, and frameworks for preventative One Health; building capacity, knowledge management, and advocacy to implement such policies and frameworks; and establishing sustainable partnerships and governance arrangements.

Scope of Work

The national consulting firm, in close coordination with the RGoB, UNDP, and the International Systems Facilitator, will lead the day-to-day management of the scoping and design process for Bhutan’s Implementation Project Document (IPD). Key functions and responsibilities include:

1. Inception, Planning, and Coordination

Review all relevant N4H documentation, the country Expression of Interest, national policies, and existing One Health frameworks. Develop a detailed workplan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and inception report. Prepare the annotated outline of the IPD, indicating required information and contributions from partners. Conduct initial consultations with designated technical focal points from MoAL, MoH, MoENR and all relevant agencies and maintain continuous communication throughout the assignment.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

Conduct comprehensive stakeholder identification, mapping, and analysis in collaboration with the Core Team, covering government (health, environment, agriculture), academia, CSOs, the private sector, grassroots communities, and women’s and youth groups. Participate in and facilitate the 4 planned regional multi-stakeholder workshops, inception workshop and a final validation workshop with the support of UNDP and Core Team. Meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss and gather specific technical inputs and insights, and identify the concerns, interests, and challenges faced by different stakeholders.

3. Situational Analysis and Technical Studies

Assess and establish baseline data on zoonotic diseases, wildlife health, and environmental drivers, both in situ and ex situ. Assess drivers of zoonotic spillover (land-use change, wildlife trade, agricultural practices, ecosystem degradation). Review and analyze the regulatory framework, information sharing systems, and existing coordination mechanisms to identify institutional, legal, and operational gaps. Identify human–animal–environment interface hotspots and assess current capacities across sectors.

4. Co-Design of Solutions and Project Architecture

Align proposed interventions with the N4H Global Theory of Change (ToC) and adapt the ToC to Bhutan’s context. Ensure solutions address power dynamics, equity, cross-sectoral integration, and gender, environmental and social safeguards (prepared in line with UNDP and N4H templates).

5. Development of the Scoping Report and Project Documents

Draft the full Implementation Project Document (IPD) and the Scoping Report, including lessons learned and recommendations.

6. Validation and Finalization