NATIONAL CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS ASSESSMENT (TNA) IN NEPAL

Result of ServiceThe TNA work for Nepal will be delivered by team of two experts/consultants. While the international consultant will deliver on developing the methodology, approach, framework of the TNA and identify/analyze nationwide priority sectors and to bring in cross-sectoral knowledge and expertise for addressing the linkages with blue emerging economies (i.e. deep sea and ocean related resources and sectors); the national consultant is expected to provide the best level of input and insights through research and consultations that would feed into the TNA chapters; aiming to inform the development of a coherent and integrated national strategy for science, technology and innovation development. Key tasks and deliverables: 1. Inception - 4 days 1.1. Participate in the kick-off meeting (if applicable) 1.2. Prepare an inception report with the proposed approach, wok plan and timeline for stakeholder engagement and suggestions for overall TNA process (including the practical working arrangements in consensus with the International Consultant) Deliverables: Meeting minutes of the kickoff meeting (if applicable); Inception report 2. Analysis of the STI environment and National System of Innovation - 20 days 2.1. Identify information sources, collect and analyze relevant data to analyze the country’s level of STI development and appraise its absorptive capacity, including key STI indicators and trends, information on STI governance structures and arrangements, information on investment in science and technology etc. 2.2 Design and conduct consultations with the technical working group (inter-sectoral TNA committee) and selected STI experts in the country, including by holding interviews and/or focus group meetings. Identify at least 8 STI experts and conduct in-depth interviews to discuss findings and complement the analysis. 2.3 Prepare a short report to inform the drafting of the first TNA chapters on the contextual background and STI environment in Nepal, including a critical analysis of existing strengths and weaknesses (SWOT). Deliverables: List of interviewees and interview transcripts (summary of main findings) in English; Short report/inputs to relevant TNA Chapter(5-10 pages) summarizing the background, national context and the main findings on the STI environment and SWOT. 3. Identification of key development goals and challenges and selection of TNA focus (priority) sector(s) - 30 days 3.1 Identify information sources and gather sectoral policy documents, strategies and data to analyze sectoral development, key gaps and challenges, technology adoption, investment flows and major initiatives. Conducting scoping interviews with 4-6 industry experts in each of the selected sectors of focus (3 or 4). These interviews should identify sub-sectors with higher growth potential. Adopting a snowball sampling approach to identify additional industry experts and cross-check findings. 3.2 Moderating focus group meetings with the technical working group (inter-sectoral TNA committee) to discuss findings, gather feedback and build consensus on identified sub-sectors. 3.3. Conducting in-depth interviews with 5-8 other industry experts in each of the sub-sectors. These interviews should produce a comprehensive understanding of the main trends shaping each subsectors’ development and gather insights on the status of technological development (as detailed above in section 2. Purpose and Scope of the Assignment). 3.4. Analyzing the findings and preparing a short report to inform the drafting of the TNA chapter on the priority development goals and challenges and the proposed TNA focal (priority) sector(s) and sub-sectors. Deliverables: List of proposed guiding questions for the focus groups; Proposed list of industry experts to be interviewed; Proposed timeline for interviews and list of interview questions; Up to 24 interviews undertaken (4-6 interviews in each of 3/4 sectors); Interview summaries, findings and/or scripts Meeting minutes and main findings; Draft online or in person survey/interview questionnaire to identify TNA focus (priority) sectors with stakeholders; Draft and final list of interview questions; Up to 32 interviews undertaken (5-8 interviews in each of the sub-sectors); Interview summaries, findings and/or scripts; Short report/inputs to relevant TNA Chapters (5-10 pages) summarizing the main findings on the development agenda, key challenges in achieving national goals and the proposed focal (priority) sectors of the TNA. 4. Technology Needs Analysis - 28 days 4.1 Identify key sectoral experts and engage them through surveys or interviews to determine technologies in the priority sectors that can address development challenges and goals; assess technologies already available in the country and those suitable for transfer, analyze findings, and collaborate with investment agencies, development banks, and private sector actors to identify concrete opportunities for technology adoption. 4.2 Identify key national and international technology experts (at least 6) for the Technology Experts Group (TEG) and conduct focus group meeting(s) to: identify criteria and weights to prioritize technologies; discuss scoring for each technology; identify barriers and challenges. 4.3 Analyze the findings and prepare a short report to finalize the ranking of five priority technologies to inform the drafting of the TNA chapter on technology analysis; in close consultation with the international consultant. Deliverables: List of proposed stakeholders (sectoral and technology experts) to be interviewed; Draft survey/interview questionnaire to identify relevant technologies in the identified TNA focus (priority) sectors; List of respondents and detailed interview summaries (including a summary of main findings to feed into the Report); Proposed list of members for the Technology Experts Group; Meeting Minutes including key findings; Short report/ Inputs to relevant TNA Chapter (5-10 pages) summarizing the main findings on the technology needs analysis of the focus (priority) sectors. 5. TNA Report - 8 days 5.1 In collaboration with the international consultant, contribute to the preparation and revision of the first draft of the TNA report for review by the UN Technology Bank, the focal ministry and the technical working group (inter-sectoral TNA committee). Complement the analysis as required to adequately inform the report for its validation. Deliverable: Inputs to the draft TNA report Work LocationNepal Expected duration9 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesScience, technology, and innovation (STI) are key instruments for the socio-economic transformation of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and their sustainable development. The importance of STI is recognized both in the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022-2031 (DPoA) as well as the Decade of Action for the SDGs. The DPoA highlights the importance of using STI to address multiple vulnerabilities and achieve the SDGs, making this a central priority for sustainable and lasting graduation of LDCs. It calls for renewed and stronger partnerships between LDCs and their development partners, including governments, the private sector, and civil society. The DPoA also recognizes the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries as the main focal point for LDCs in the area of STI. Since 2019, the UN Technology Bank has been conducting Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) in LDCs. The primary purpose of the TNA is to identify the technologies and technical know-how that the LDCs need to address key development challenges and, in the long term, assist them to develop the technological and innovative capabilities required to achieve growth, promote structural transformation, and attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area for the benefit of humankind as a whole. In so doing, ISA has the mandate to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed- related activities. Accordingly, ISA promotes the effective participation of developing States having due regard for their special interests and needs. ISA is also mandated to take measures to promote and encourage the transfer of technology and scientific knowledge to developing States relating to activities in the Area, so that all States parties benefit therefrom. The oceans and their marginal seas, covering almost 71 per cent of the surface of the Earth, have since early times played a significant role in the development of humanity. They provide food and resources, generate oxygen and ensure communication and trade. Thanks to ongoing technological progress and innovation, access to different maritime areas and their resources, whether living or non-living, has reached new frontiers and opened new prospects. This presents new challenges and imperatives such as the need to peacefully manage global commons resources and to ensure equity in access to, and the distribution of benefits from, such resources. These imperatives are also central to Sustainable Development Goal 14 under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which urges all States to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. This includes the application of rigorous and adaptive measures for the protection and preservation of the marine environment, through the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is in this context that the ISA and the UN Technology Bank have decided to partner for the implementation of the ‘Building and Developing Capacities of Least Developed Countries in Deep-Sea related Science, Technology and Innovation in support of Sustainable Development of Blue Emerging Economies’ project. The project aims to strengthen the capacities of LDCs to harness the potential of deep-sea science, technology, and innovation in line with their national development goals. It seeks to create enabling conditions for LDCs to better understand their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), effectively participate in global ocean governance, particularly the work of ISA, and enhance marine scientific, technical, and legal expertise. A key priority of the initiative is to promote the participation of women scientists from LDCs in deep-sea related research and technology programmes, ensuring more inclusive and equitable access to blue economy opportunities. Nepal is scheduled to graduate from the LDC category by the end of 2026. Sustained efforts in implementing effective policies focused on economic diversification, trade policy with synergy with investment promotion, and disaster risk reduction will be crucial in achieving sustainable graduation. In preparation for a sustainable and resilient transition, Nepal is enhancing its national development strategies, including the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy (STS). In this context, Nepal is undertaking a TNA with an innovative lens on exploring how principles and opportunities of the blue economy, natural resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable energy can be adapted and applied to Nepal’s unique context as a landlocked country context to build a resilient and innovation-driven pathway beyond graduation. The TNA will be implemented in partnership between the Government of Nepal, the UN Technology Bank, and ISA. A Focus on Nepal's Blue Economy Conducting a Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) focused on the blue economy in Nepal, a landlocked developing country (LLDC), is rooted in principles of inclusivity, equity, and the right to sustainable development under international law. While traditionally associated with coastal and maritime nations, the blue economy’s relevance for Nepal lies in the broader interpretation of global and regional resource-sharing, as articulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) . This TNA will serve as a pioneering effort to explore how blue economy principles can be adapted and applied in the context of an LLDC, ensuring Nepal’s equitable participation in this global initiative. UNCLOS recognizes the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which has a sui generis legal status constituting a compromise between sovereignty of the coastal State and freedom for all States. All States, whether coastal or landlocked, thus enjoy the high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight and of laying submarine cables and pipelines, and other internationally lawful uses of the sea related to these freedoms (Art. 58(1)). Activities in the Area, defined as all activities of exploration for, and exploitation of, its resources (Art. 1(3)), are to be carried out for the benefit of humankind as a whole irrespective of the geographical location of States, whether coastal or landlocked. Therefore, the Area is open to use exclusively for peaceful purposes for all States, whether coastal or landlocked, without discrimination (Art. 141). The UNCLOS framework provides a robust legal foundation for Nepal’s engagement in the blue economy. Articles 69 and 70 affirm the rights of landlocked states to equitable participation in the exploration and exploitation of marine resources. Article 140 emphasizes the principle of the “common heritage of mankind,” requiring that activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction benefit all states, with special attention to the needs of developing and landlocked nations. Article 148 further underscores the need for the effective participation of developing states, including LLDCs, through capacity-building and technology transfer, ensuring they are not excluded from global ocean governance processes. Article 144 highlights the obligation to promote and facilitate the transfer of marine technology to developing countries, particularly LLDCs. As Nepal transitions out of the LDC category, conducting a TNA with a focus on the blue economy contributes to its national priorities to ensure sustainable development and economic resilience. The TNA will assess Nepal’s existing technological and institutional capacities and will identify development needs and actions required to leverage its rights under UNCLOS, including opportunities for regional and international collaboration in marine resource management, scientific research, and innovation. It will also support Nepal in aligning its national development strategies with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on Nepal’s unique position as an LLDC, this TNA will not only provide actionable insights for the country’s engagement with the blue economy but also set a precedent for other landlocked nations. It will demonstrate how international legal provisions, coupled with technological advancements, can enable equitable participation and benefit-sharing for all states, regardless of geographic constraints. This initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that landlocked countries like Nepal are integral to the global discourse on sustainable development and the blue economy. Overall Objective of the Technology Needs Assessment The Blue Economy is traditionally associated with coastal and marine environments. However, under international law, all nations, including landlocked countries, can benefit from seabed resources. Nepal's participation in this space underscores the equitable principles of international governance and the rights of all states under UNCLOS. This TNA will focus on identifying and enhancing the sectors within Nepal's economy that -directly or indirectly -align and could benefit from blue economy, natural resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable energy, showcasing how leveraging STI can support sustainable development. In Nepal, the TNA initiative is anchored by two key focal ministries—the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (main focal point/lead Ministry) and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology—ensuring strong sectoral leadership and alignment with national priorities. The National Planning Commission plays a pivotal role in facilitating coordination among a broad range of national stakeholders, thereby fostering a cohesive and inclusive approach to implementation and, upon completion of the TNA, to its follow-up actions and contribution to Nepal’s LDC graduation process. The TNA for Nepal aims to: 1. To identify development challenges in Nepal that can be addressed using technologies, emphasizing how technology can support the country in achieving its development goals and priorities, particularly through the innovative application of blue economy principles. 2. To identify and build consensus on priority technologies, innovative solutions, skills, and knowledge that are most relevant and effective in addressing Nepal’s unique development challenges as a landlocked country, while recognizing existing STI initiatives and the importance of indigenous technologies. While doing so, the TNA exercise will identify up to 4 sectors that are most likely to be scaled with the use of technology, including potential blue economic sectors. 3. To identify barriers and challenges hindering the acquisition, deployment, and diffusion of prioritized and transferred technologies, including scaling up existing technologies that enable Nepal to benefit from its connection to regional and global blue economy frameworks. 4. To evaluate the enabling environment and readiness (policies, financing, capacity, etc.) for the adoption and application of prioritized technologies, ensuring their long-term sustainability and contribution to Nepal’s economic transformation, development goals, and SDG targets, including those tied to leveraging shared seabed resources in the Area. 5. To provide actionable recommendations to leverage investment for increased technology adoption and identify opportunities to strengthen STI capabilities, technical capacities, participation in blue economic sectors, and develop relevant skills for the country’s sustainable graduation. Qualifications/special skills- An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, International Development, Trade, or Science i.e. Geology, Marine science/technology, Mineral Resources or related areas is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - At least five (5) years of working experience in economics, sustainable development, international development and trade, science, technology and innovation (STI), or related area is required. - Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and data analysis techniques is required. - Knowledge of technologies and key issues/policies in science technology and innovation is required. - Good understanding of local context, including national development agenda and LDC graduation transition strategy, and well-established networks in the country is required. - Strong analytical writing and communication skills in English and native language are required. - Knowledge and experience in blue economy, and emerging blue economy sectors; such as marine, coastal, ocean, (deep-sea) resources and sectors or in the sectors that affect or interlinked with blue economy; or related area is desirable. - Knowledge of land-locked country context, blue emerging economies and technologies and key issues/policies in ocean, deep-sea and related fields is desirable. - Publications on international development and STI related matters are desirable. - A university degree (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree or equivalent) in Science Faculty i.e. maritime studies; marine, ocean, fisheries, aquaculture, geological sciences, or related areas is desirable. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English and Nepali is required. Additional Information• The Consultant will report directly to the UN Technology Bank and work in close collaboration with the International Seabed Authority and the international consultant. • The consultant will remain available to complete the deliverables within the agreed contract duration. • All reports to be submitted to UN Technology Bank in soft copies in English. • In country travel for the assignment (i.e. data gathering, meetings, workshops, consultations, focus group meetings, interviews is required. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.