Expression of Interest (EOI)- For development of training materials and workshop facilitation

Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab) is a not-for-profit civic tech company that works at the intersection of emerging cutting-edge technological tools and their applications by equipping young professionals to solve emerging challenges in our community. YI-Lab’s mission statement is, ‘to engage young people to bridge science to people and policy through innovation’. YI-Lab harnesses indigenous knowledge, citizen science approach, develops low-cost technological solutions, promotes open data, promotes entrepreneurship, and conducts evidence-based advocacy campaigns. YI-Lab provides a conducive environment for young people to co-create solutions for inclusive development. 

2. About the project 

The “Strengthening Transboundary Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Reporting in the Nepal-India Context” is an initiative implemented by Youth Innovation Lab with support from UNESCO Nepal that seeks to strengthen the capacity of media organizations in Nepal and India to produce high-quality, evidence-based reporting on climate change and DRR. Targeting shared climate and disaster risks especially Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), natural resource extraction, and other hazards across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, the project promotes cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

A key component of the initiative is a three-day regional workshop that brings together media professionals from both countries. This workshop offers hands-on training on investigative and data-driven climate and disaster reporting, with a strong focus on combating climate misinformation and integrating digital tools such as AI, fact-checking, geospatial mapping, and data visualization.  

Through this approach, the project aims at fostering regional solidarity, building technical capacity, and enhancing public access to accurate, contextual, and timely information to support more informed decision-making, climate resilience, and sustainable policy advocacy in the region.

3. Objective 

a. Strengthen the knowledge of journalists from Nepal and India to report on climate change impacts, risks and adaptation strategies, particularly in relation to the HKH region, GLOFs, and natural resource extraction.

b. Equip media professionals with practical skills in using open source and publicly accessible digital tools such as data visualization, basic data analysis, and geospatial technology to enable evidence-based and solutions-oriented climate reporting.

 c. Build participants’ capacity to source local data and collaborate across borders, laying the groundwork for impactful investigative journalism and resource-efficient media production.

d. Facilitate the co-creation of joint communication strategies and shared media action plans to foster cross-border collaboration, support community-level disaster preparedness, and raise public awareness around climate change, DRR, and environmental degradation.

e. Promote long-term networking between journalists, climate experts, and policymakers to support sustained engagement on regional climate resilience and transboundary risk reduction.

4. Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultancy seeks to equip media professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical digital skills for reporting on climate change and DRR. The consultant(s) will develop engaging and hands-on learning content and facilitate sessions that help journalists integrate AI and digital tools into their storytelling and investigations.

 

5. Scope of Work

A.   Training material development

Develop comprehensive materials for the workshop, including presentations, case studies, and interactive activities. These materials should be engaging, practical, and directly applicable to the work of the participating journalists, editors and media professionals. Training will focus on principles, methodologies, digital competencies, and AI tool integration for climate change and DRR reporting, including data visualization, fact-checking, and geospatial data analysis.

The training materials should include key topics while allowing flexibility for other relevant additions:

·      Climate science and transboundary issues

o      Foundational understanding of climate change, DRR, and GLOFs, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by Nepal, India, and the broader HKH region. This includes regional vulnerabilities, community adaptation strategies, and the shared environmental challenges faced by the transboundary communities of Nepal and India.

·      AI and digital tools for journalism

o      Using AI tools for climate data analysis and automated fact-checking.

o      Introduction to geospatial mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth, QGIS) to track environmental changes and vulnerable areas.

o      Utilizing data visualization platforms (e.g., Google Data Studio, Flourish) for effective climate storytelling.

 

·      Investigative reporting and fact-checking

o      Techniques for identifying and debunking misinformation and climate disinformation in media.

o      Satellite imagery analysis for tracking environmental changes.

o      Cross-border investigative methods to address climate impacts and policies in general and the broader HKH region.

 

     B.   Workshop facilitation

Conduct the three-day workshop, using participatory methods to promote active engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration. Consultants will lead interactive and practical workshops, ensuring participants develop the necessary skills for impactful climate reporting:

·      Engaging, hands-on training

o      Practical exercises on principles, methodologies, digital competencies, and AI tool integration for climate change and DRR reporting, including data visualization, and geospatial data analysis.

o      Provide step-by-step guidance on fact-checking climate-related information using digital tools.

 

·      Collaborative storytelling and reporting

o      Facilitate scenario-based exercises and team-based cross-border reporting projects that highlight the shared challenges of the HKH region.

o      Encourage dialogue and peer learning between Nepalese and Indian journalists to share insights and experiences.

 

6. Expected Deliverables

1.    Finalized and comprehensive training materials for all dedicated sessions.

2.    Facilitation and delivery of assigned sessions during the three-day workshop.

 

7. Timeframe

The calculated duration for the consultancy will be one month effective from the contract signing date.

 

8. Confidentiality, non-disclosure, and intellectual property rights

The consultant must acknowledge that all materials produced as part of this consultancy are the property of Youth Innovation Lab (YI-Lab). YI-Lab retains the exclusive rights to distribute and/or publish these materials. However, the consultant may use published materials as examples of their work, provided they do not violate copyright laws. Any breach of intellectual property rights will be subject to legal action.

 

9. Qualifications and Experience of the Consultant

General Eligibility Criteria for All Consultants

·      Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in journalism, digital storytelling, climate reporting, environmental science, or media training.

·      Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering participatory, skills-based training for journalists and media professionals.

·      Strong understanding of climate change and disaster risk issues within the context of Nepal, India, and the HKH region.

·      Ability to contextualize global trends within local realities and to draw on relevant, region-specific case studies.

·      Experience delivering engaging, participatory sessions for journalists and media professionals.

·      Previous experience working on cross-border or regional media initiatives is highly desirable.

 

Consultant Categories & Evaluation Criteria

 A. Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Reporting

Focus: Climate science, community adaptation, GLOFs, disaster preparedness, and regional environmental reporting

Academic and Professional Background

·      Degree in journalism, climate/environmental science, disaster risk management, or a related field.

·      Minimum 3–5 years of experience in climate/environment reporting, preferably with transboundary or investigative experience.

Thematic Expertise

·      Deep understanding of transboundary climate issues, with specific knowledge of GLOFs and natural resource extraction.

·      Ability to contextualize global climate trends in the Nepal-India-HKH region.

 

B. Digital Tools, Data Visualization & AI for Climate Journalism

Focus: Use of digital tools for storytelling, AI for fact-checking, and data visualization

 Academic and Technical Background

·      Background in data journalism, computer science, digital communication, or related fields.

·      Minimum 3 years of experience working with digital tools for climate, environmental, or investigative reporting.

Tool Proficiency

·      Demonstrated proficiency with:

o      Visualization Tools: Google Data Studio, Flourish, Datawrapper

o      AI & Verification Tools: Fact-checking platforms, AI content generation or analysis tools

o      Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and digital verification techniques.

Training & Engagement Skills

·      Ability to design simplified, hands-on modules for participants with varied digital fluency.

·      Experience leading practical workshops that emphasize AI integration and responsible use.

 

C. Geospatial Mapping & Satellite Data Analysis for Journalists

Focus: Environmental monitoring, geospatial storytelling, and mapping of climate-related changes

Academic and Technical Background

·      Degree in geoinformatics, environmental monitoring, geography, or related technical fields.

·      At least 3–5 years of practical experience using geospatial tools in journalism or civil society contexts.

Tool Proficiency & Application

·      Mastery of tools such as:

o      Google Earth, QGIS, Earth Engine, Sentinel Hub, or similar platforms.

·      Experience applying satellite and geospatial data to environmental storytelling and early warning reporting.

Training Capacity

·      Demonstrated ability to explain technical tools to non-specialist audiences using applied storytelling examples.

·      Experience in creating collaborative exercises using geospatial case studies from the HKH region.

 

D. Cross-Border Collaborative Journalism & Investigative Reporting

Focus: Collaborative storytelling, regional network-building, and investigative techniques

Academic and Professional Background

·      Master's degree in journalism, international relations, media studies, or related disciplines.

·      Strong professional background in collaborative journalism or regional climate-related investigations.

Cross-Border Experience & Collaboration

·      Experience leading or supporting reporting projects involving cross-border teams or transboundary themes.

·      Familiarity with the media ecosystems, challenges, and opportunities in both Nepal and India.

Facilitation & Storytelling Skills

·      Strong facilitation skills for peer learning, co-creation, and joint media production.

·      Experience with mentorship or collaborative newsroom coordination will be an added advantage.

Bonus Considerations (applies across all categories)

·      Experience working with marginalized communities or local adaptation stories (particularly in the HKH region).

·      Knowledge of regional contexts in both Nepal and India.

 

10. Required Documents for Application

Interested consultants must submit the following documents:

1.    Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the consultant(s).

2.    Letter of Interest, including the proposed daily rate and supporting documents justifying the rate. 

 

11. Submission Details

Interested and eligible consultants are requested to submit their required documents as mentioned above along with the topic they intend to cover during the session to sagar.acharya@youthinnovationlab.org no later than 15 June 2025, 5:00 PM (Nepal Standard Time).

 

For any queries, please contact us at: 9851115919.