TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)
Mechanical Engineer – Expert
(Forestry-based NTFP Enterprise & Mechanization Support)
Project: Dedicated Grant Mechanism (DGM) Nepal Project
Project ID: P171720
Grant No.: TF B8505
Designation: Mechanical Engineer – Expert
Reporting To: Team Leader
Level of Effort: Part time
Proposed Tenure: 6 Months
- Background
The Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) in Nepal (DGM Nepal) is a World Bank-funded project under the Forest Investment Program (FIP) of the Climate Investment Fund. The project, with a total grant of USD 4.5 million, aims to strengthen the capacity of IPLCs and support their participation in REDD+ processes at local, national, and global levels.
The project focuses on two components: (i) Capacity Building of IPLCs and (ii) Small Grants to promote livelihoods, particularly through NTFP and agroforestry-based enterprises in Madhesh and Lumbini Provinces. These include bamboo products, herbal and spice processing (e.g., Timur, cinnamon), Chiuri, Moringa, fruits processing, essential oils, handicrafts etc.
Effective mechanization, appropriate machinery selection, and technical backstopping are critical to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability of these enterprises. Therefore, a Mechanical Engineer – Expert will be engaged to provide dedicated technical support.
- Objective
The main objective of this assignment is to provide mechanical engineering and enterprise mechanization support to DGM small grantees by:
- Supporting appropriate machinery selection, specification, and procurement
- Ensuring proper installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment
- Strengthening productivity, quality, and sustainability of NTFP/agroforestry enterprises
- Overall, Purpose of the Position
The Mechanical Engineer will provide technical support in planning, implementation, supervision, quality assurance, and reporting of NTFP-based sub-projects, with a strong focus on enterprise mechanization and small-scale processing technologies, in close coordination with the PMU, Procurement Team, and Grants Monitoring & Technical Support Team/Specialists.
- Major Responsibilities
The Mechanical Engineer shall be responsible for:
4.1 Technical Assessment and Planning
- Assess agriculture, agroforestry, and NTFP-based sub-projects for technical feasibility, sustainability, and climate resilience
- Identify appropriate machinery, equipment and tools as based on enterprise type, scale, and local context
- Support preparation/review of basic layouts (nurseries, processing units, drying systems, etc. as required)
4.2 Machinery Specification and Mechanization Support
Prepare/review technical specifications for machinery related to:
- Bamboo processing and treatment
- Essential oil distillation units
- Spice and herbal processing (grinders, pulverizers)
- Fruit processing (pulpers, dryers, packaging)
- Soap-making and Moringa processing units
- Ensure machinery meets efficiency, safety, durability, and food-grade standards
4.3 Procurement Support
Work closely with the PMU Procurement Team to:
- Develop/review technical specifications for RFQ/bidding documents
- Support technical evaluation of bids and supplier selection
- Ensure compliance with World Bank procurement principles (value for money, transparency, fit-for-purpose)
4.4 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
- Supervise installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of machinery and equipment in the project Palika and districts (Madhesh and Lumbini)
- Develop Operation & Maintenance (O&M) guidelines/manuals
- Establish preventive maintenance schedules and troubleshoot issues
- Support repair, upgrading, and retrofitting of equipment
4.5 Capacity Building and Community Support
- Train to operator (machines , equipment and tool) as IPLCs/small grantee
- Provide on the spot training and other supports for the operation and maintenance of the machines and equipment provided by the project.
- Train to local technicians (including women and youth) for sustainability
4.6 Monitoring, Technical Backstopping, and Coordination
- Work closely with the Grants Monitoring and Technical Support Team/Specialists to:
- Monitor machinery use, performance, and enterprise productivity
- Provide regular technical backstopping and field support
- Maintain inventory/database of machinery and infrastructure
- Coordinate with suppliers for spare parts and after-sales service
- Support establishment of a mechanization helpdesk/support system
4.7 Safeguards and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)
- Promote environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient technologies
- Ensure proper handling and disposal of mechanical waste materials
4.8 Reporting
Conduct field visits and prepare:
- Technical assessment and feasibility reports
- Field visit notes and progress updates
- Completion reports
- Deliverables
- Conduct technical assessment and feasibility of suggested machines and their reports
- Provide support for machinery specifications and procurement inputs
- Installation, operation and technical support and commissioning reports
- Provide Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals and orientation
- Provide on the spot/regional clinical support and trainings in Madhesh and Lumbini
- Build linkage with cottage industry, quality control department, FNCCI and various entrepreneurial networks.
- Progress reports
- Final technical completion report
- Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Master’s degree and knowledge of NTFP-based enterprise mechanization is an advantage
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:
- Agro-processing / rural enterprise mechanization
- Machinery installation, operation, and maintenance
- Experience in community-based and donor-funded projects (preferably World Bank)
Skills and Competencies
- Strong field-based mechanical and technical problem-solving skills
- Experience in procurement technical support
- Understanding of IPLCs, GESI, and participatory approaches
- Good communication skills in Nepali and working English
- Willingness to travel extensively to remote areas
- Contract Duration
The Mechanical Engineer – Expert will be engaged for 6 months (intermittently).
- Reporting
The Mechanical Engineer will report to the Team Leader – DGM Nepal Project and work in close coordination with the PMU and relevant technical teams.
- Selection Criteria
The consultant shall be selected following the Individual Consultant Selection (ICS/INDV) method in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, based on qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated capability.
