Terms of Reference (ToR)- Consultancy for Developing a Manual on WASH System Strengthening based on IRC Framework

Terms of Reference (ToR) 

Consultancy for Developing a Manual on WASH System Strengthening based on IRC Framework

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 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.

WHH has been operational in Nepal since 2012 and currently managing different project in eighteen districts under different 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 Innovation. The overall goal is to work hand in hand with civil society in Nepal to empower socially marginalized and economically poor citizens to reinforce their resilience and to ensure their right to adequate food and nutrition. WHH is implementing WASH System Strengthening projects in Madhesh and Bagmati provinces covering 12 local governments to strengthen the WASH governance system. Under which development and implementation of WASH Plan, WASH Act, Building Block analysis, Community score card, establishing mini laboratories, School WASH plan, Total sanitation, community water supply schemes, research and study, CR-WSP along with different hygiene and sanitation awareness program at community, local government and province level are currently running. These strategic interventions are designed to systematically strengthen local WASH systems, enhance community infrastructure, and promote sustainable development practices that directly benefit marginalized populations.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The main objective of this consultancy is to develop a user-friendly manual on the WASH System strengthening using Building Blocks based on the IRC framework. The manual should contextualize the nine building blocks (Institutional arrangement and coordination, Finance, Service delivery infrastructures, Regulation and Accountability, Inclusive planning, Finance, Monitoring, Water Resources and Environment, Learning and Adaptation, Demand, Behavior political will) in the Nepalese WASH system strengthening context.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Reviewing the IRC Building Blocks framework and related documents.
• Conducting desk reviews of national WASH policies, guidelines, and practices to align the manual with Nepal’s context.
• Simplifying technical language and translating key concepts into clear, practical English.
• Preparing a draft manual for review.
• Finalizing the manual incorporating feedback from [Welthungerhilfe] and relevant stakeholders.

4. Deliverables

• Inception Report outlining the methodology, structure, and timeline.
• First Draft Manual in English with clear explanation of each building block.
• Final Manual (after incorporating feedback) ready for publication and distribution.
• Editable soft copy of the manual (Word and PDF formats).

5. Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 30 working days from the date of signing the contract. A tentative timeline is as follows:

• Inception Report: Within 5 days
• First Draft: Within 17 days
• Final Manual: By the end of 30 days

6. Required Qualification and Experience

• Proven experience in WASH systems strengthening, preferably in the Nepali context.
• Strong understanding of the IRC building blocks framework.
• Excellent writing and translation skills in English and Nepali.
• Experience in developing technical manuals or knowledge products.

7. Duration of the assignment

The consultant is expected to accomplish this assignment within four weeks by close consultation at federal, province and local level with government stakeholders, partners and relevant agencies. However, consultant can propose the actual working days required for preparation, evidence collection and final documents preparation.

8. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to the WASH Technical expert of WHH and will work closely with the WASH team for guidance and technical inputs.

9. Payment Modality

The payment will be made in two installments:

• 30% upon submission of the first draft.
• 70% after submission and approval of the final manual.

Budget Requirement

Consultants/organization/consulting firm are requested to propose the required budget in a given financial proposal template below.

10. Insurance of the people involved in the assignment

Insurance and other related costs of the consultant and person(s) associated to this assignment will be solely the responsibility of the contractor.

11. Deadline for proposal and details of what is required

The interested and qualified consultant/consulting firm must apply by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 30 June 2025 via email address given below. Email: procurement.nepal@welthungerhilfe.de

The proposal should include:

• A brief technical proposal outlining how the work will be undertaken, the proposed methodology, the team composition, time schedule (around 5 pages maximum for the overall technical proposal).
• A budget
• A workplan
• CVs of the proposed team members
• Company profile
• Valid registration documents along with VAT registration and latest tax clearance certificate.
• 1-2 sample documents
• Duly filled up and signed the supplier declaration form

Please go through the link below to download the Supplier Declaration form:

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1mF1KsdArY4DQzogca8ZjSB3BZLmIFvyt

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.