Terms of Reference To Integrate Local Government Capacity and Training Needs Assessment

Terms of Reference

To Integrate Local Government Capacity and Training Needs Assessment (C/TNA) into National Water Supply and Sanitation Research Innovation and Capacity Development Center (NWSSRICDC) Business Plan through NWASH-MIS Governance Module

1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

1.1 BACKGROUND

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V. is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany with a dual mandate in both development cooperation and humanitarian response. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) fights against hunger and works together with civil society organizations in the countries where it operates. Welthungerhilfe’s vision is to create a world in which all people can exercise their right to a self-determined life in dignity and justice, free from hunger and poverty.

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has been operational in Nepal since 2012 and currently implements projects across twelve districts under various thematic areas: Humanitarian Action, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Agriculture, Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management, Nutrition and Health, Economic Development, Civil Society Empowerment, and Digital Innovation. At a broader level, WHH contributes to food systems transformation through agroecology, inclusive value chains, and strong local partnerships. Our work follows systemic transformation pathways focused on sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, improved connectivity, and responsible governance to enhance nutrition, incomes, and local adaptive capacity. By promoting ecological farming practices, we aim to improve soil health and reduce reliance on external inputs. WHH’s overarching goal is to work hand in hand with civil society in Nepal to empower socially marginalized and economically poor citizens, strengthen their resilience, and ensure their right to adequate food and nutrition.

1.2 THE PROJECT AND CONTEXT

Welthungerhilfe (WHH), with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is implementing Phase III of “Supporting the Nepalese Government in Achieving SDG 6 through System-Strengthening WASH Approaches,” in partnership with SABAL Nepal and Mahuli Community Development Center (MCDC). The project aims to support the Government of Nepal in ensuring sustainable and climate-resilient water and sanitation services through stronger institutions, improved financing and sustainable service delivery models. It works across federal, provincial and local levels, with municipal interventions in Karjanha, Golbazar and Bishnupur in Siraha District, and Saptakoshi and Agnisair Krishnasawaran in Saptari District of Madhesh Province.

Despite substantial investments in infrastructure and policy development, Nepal’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector continues to face persistent challenges in service functionality, quality and sustainability. Weak operation and maintenance, inadequate financing, limited institutional capacity and fragmented coordination constrain reliable service delivery. In Madhesh Province, these challenges are compounded by floods, water contamination and groundwater depletion, highlighting the need for climate-resilient approaches supported by capable institutions and sustainable management systems.

Following Nepal’s federal restructuring, local governments have substantial responsibilities for planning, delivering and managing WASH services. However, their institutional, technical, operational and financial capacities vary considerably. Gaps in staffing, technical competencies, tools, budgeting and information management limit their ability to translate WASH policies and plans into effective services. Addressing these constraints requires systematic assessment of both institutional capacity needs and individual training needs, followed by structured and sustained technical support.

Building on Phases I and II, which supported municipal WASH planning, service delivery models, accountability mechanisms and sector coordination, Phase III emphasizes institutionalizing successful approaches within government systems. A key priority is to connect evidence and operational experience from local governments with national capacity development mechanisms, ensuring that training and technical assistance respond to actual municipal needs and continue beyond the project period.

Within this context, the National Water Supply and Sanitation Research Innovation and Capacity Development Center (NWSSRICDC) provides an institutional platform for strengthening sector capacity. This assignment will support NWSSRICDC in integrating local government capacity development into its Business Plan as a dedicated component titled “Local Government Capacity Building and Technical Support.” The assignment will use the NWASH-MIS Governance Module to review, update and validate institutional, technical, operational and financial information from a representative sample of local governments. This TOR outlines the scope of work, methodology, deliverables, expertise requirements, evaluation criteria, and conditions for undertaking this assignment.

Click on the link below for the detailed TOR:

TOR_To Integrate Local Government Capacity and Training Needs Assessment

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL

The interested and qualified consultant/ consulting firm must apply by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 20 November 2026 via e-tender portal: Public RFT - Terms of Reference To Integrate Local Government Capacity and Training Needs Assessment (C/TNA) into National Water Supply and Sanitation Research Innovation and Capacity Development Center. Any queries or concerns can be raised via the same e-tender portal by 13 Nov 2026.

The proposal should include the following documents:

1. Letter of expression of interest (EoI) signed by the main applicant.
2. Detailed technical and financial offer as stated in bullet 13 above
3. Firm profile detailing the past assignments (at least two report as a sample copy)
4. Detailed curriculum vitae of the consultant and of all team members, if any, highlighting their areas of work and experience
5. Company registration certificate
6. Latest tax clearance certificate
7. VAT registration certificate (for both firms and individual consultants).
8. Signed supplier declaration form 

Please note that the selected consultant/ consulting firm should adhere with WHH data protection and other relevant policies during the assignment.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for further evaluation process. Welthungerhilfe Nepal reserves all the rights to reject any or all application without assigning any reasons.