WASH Expert-Consultant

Terms of Reference (TOR)

WASH Expert-Consultant

1. Background

Terre des hommes (Tdh) Nepal is implementing Health and WASH programmes with the aim of improving equitable access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable basic services for targeted populations. A key focus of the program is strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in institutions such as schools and health facilities. Tdh follows a WASH systems strengthening approach, emphasizing sustainable service delivery through improved governance, institutional capacity, accountability, and coordinated stakeholder engagement. The identification and prioritization of infrastructure needs within Tdh-supported projects are guided through systematic assessment and planning processes, including the use of tools such as the WASH Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT) and other participatory assessment mechanisms.

In this context, Tdh seeks to engage a qualified WASH Expert to provide on-demand technical support, quality assurance, and capacity building to implementing partners and targeted system actors. This support will be primarily provided to our field teams/ implementing partners, while also contributing to the development and refinement of institutional technical resources associated with the infrastructures, in line with the national guiding instruments, standards, and regulatory frameworks.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide specialized technical support to ensure that WASH interventions are technically sound, inclusive, climate-resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable, in accordance with Government of Nepal standards. The assignment will also support Tdh and its partner organizations in strengthening and developing technical resources to guide future WASH interventions effectively.

3. Objectives

The main objective of this assignment is to provide technical support for WASH infrastructure assessment, design, cost estimation, planning, quality implementation, and monitoring of WASH infrastructure interventions.

In addition, the assignment aims to support the development of necessary technical resources, tools, and guidance materials for Tdh and its implementing partners to strengthen the quality and sustainability of future WASH programming.

4. Scope of Work / Key Responsibilities

4.1 Policy, Guidelines and Institutional Strengthening

• Support the development of construction related necessary instruments, including policies, guidelines, and procedures. 
• Ensure alignment with Government of Nepal standards, policies, and regulatory frameworks. 
• Support local NGOs in developing municipal strategies and directives.

4.2 Design, Planning and Technical Development

• Support development of customized model WASH infrastructure designs for the organization, ensuring alignment with national standards. 
• Review and validate engineering designs, drawings, cost estimates, BOQs, and detailed project reports (DPRs). 
• Provide technical support in assessment, design/drawings, estimations, BOQs, and technical documentation. 
• Ensure cost efficiency, technical quality, and compliance with standards and guidelines. 

4.3 Implementation Support

• Provide technical support to field teams throughout planning, implementation, and handover phases. 
• Assist in resolving technical issues during construction and implementation. 
• Ensure alignment with approved designs, specifications, and quality standards. 

4.4 Field Supervision and Quality Assurance

• Conduct field supervision and quality assurance visits as requested. 
• Participate in technical monitoring visits with partners and stakeholders as required
• Provide technical feedback and corrective measures during site supervision. 
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and environmental standards. 

4.5 Capacity Building

• Design and deliver training and mentoring for: 
• Partner organization technical teams 
• Targeted local stakeholders including development of the short orientation and training modules
• Ensure training addresses WASH system strengthening, design, construction quality assurance and supervision, and sustainable operation & maintenance (O&M) practices. 

4.6 GEDSI and Climate Resilience Integration

• Support in field assessment and ensure inclusive and accessible WASH facilities. 
• Promote gender-responsive designs, including menstrual hygiene management (MHM). 
• Integrate climate resilience and disaster risk reduction principles in infrastructure design. 

4.7 Technical Procurement and Vendor Management Advisory Services

• Provide independent technical reviews and advisory support for the evaluation of contractor proposals.

5. Deliverables

• Policy and guideline documents (as assigned) 
• Model WASH infrastructure designs aligned with national standards 
• Design review reports, BOQ validations, and technical assessments 
• Training materials and capacity-building reports 
• Procurement technical inputs 

(Specific deliverables, short term and medium term will be defined per assignment request.)

6. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is a minimum requirement. Master’s degree preferred in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management or other WASH-related engineering disciplines. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in WASH sector planning, design, implementation, and supervision in Nepal.
• Strong knowledge of Government of Nepal WASH standards and institutional guidelines. 
• Experience in infrastructure assessment, estimation including BOQs, technical design designs/drawing, quality assurance, WASH guideline development, focusing on schools and HCFs
• Proven experience on rapid, actionable technical backstopping at critical decision points while coaching partners to lead future work independently. 
• Demonstrated experience with construction project procurement, contractor management, and compliance requirements within NGO/INGO programs align with Government of Nepal (GoN) systems.
• Proven experience of working with local governments, donor funded projects and NGOs/ INGOs in advancing equitable, safe and sustainable WASH services in schools and health care facilities through a system strengthening approach.
• Strong understanding and experience of WASH System strengthening, climate resilience integration and GEDSI
• Experience is facilitating capacity building sessions on Water Quality, water safety plans for institutions and strong understanding of safe water and total sanitation approaches
• Experience in technical negotiation and coordination roles as working with Local Government, Provincial/National WASH-CCs and clusters. 
• Expertise in WASH infrastructures monitoring and evaluations. 
• Fluency in Nepali and English (written and spoken). 

7. Reporting and Coordination

The expert will report to the designated Tdh Nepal Health & WASH Programme Manager.

The consultant will also work closely with:

• Implementing partner organizations staff
• Local government authorities 
• Tdh Nepal H&W team, logistics and MEAL departments, as required 

8. Nature of Engagement

• This is a technical service contract (retainer/on-call basis). 
• The consultant will provide advisory design review and hands-on support, technical supervision, capacity-building services, technical resource materials development as requested during the contract period.  
• Engagement will be on an on-call / as-needed basis (must be readily available when needed)
• Modality of the service will be decided depending on the nature of the request.
• Service-based contract with tentatively, 6-9 months duration and approximately, 5-7 days a month. A high level of flexibility is expected from the consultant. Level of effort to be defined in the agreement. 

9. Special condition

The consultant must be available to provide immediate technical support as required. The consultant should also be prepared to travel to field locations within 24 hours of receiving a formal request from the team.

10. Submission Process

Interested consultants are requested to submit the following documents npl.contact@tdh.org

• Technical Proposal (Narrative): Including understanding of the assignment, proposed approach/methodology, and value addition to Tdh Nepal and it’s implementing partners
• Financial proposal, including daily rate, monthly retainer fee, and any other cost assumptions, including all applicable taxes.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlights relevant qualifications and demonstrative experience. 
• Legal document PAN, citizenship
• The deadline for submission: 7th June 2026. 
• Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted for further processes.