Terms of Reference (ToR): Consultant for collecting qualitative data for a study on “WASH planning, budgeting, and governance processes in rural municipalities of Koshi and Madhesh Provinces”

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Consultant for collecting qualitative data for a study on “WASH planning, budgeting, and governance processes in rural municipalities of Koshi and Madhesh Provinces”.

Koshi Province: Jhapa (2 RMs), Sunsari (1 RM) and Dhankuta (1 RM)

Madhesh Province: Siraha (2 RMs) and Saptari (1 RM)

SUMMARY TIMELINE

Application Submission Deadline: March 23rd, 2026, 5:00 PM

Selection of Firm: March 30th, 2026

Anticipated Duration of Assignment: April 1st – May 22nd, 2026

1. Introduction

SNV is a global development partner deeply rooted in the African and Asian countries where we operate. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform agri-food, energy and water systems. Working on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance, we tailor our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and Water Aid are jointly implementing the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme in Nepal, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK Government in Koshi and Madhesh Offices. The programme aims to drive performance improvements at national and selected sub national levels to increase access to sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient WASH services. Through collective actions with government and stakeholders, the programme contributes to reducing WASH related diseases, particularly among women, children, and climate vulnerable populations.

As part of the WS4H global programme (operating in Asia and Africa), a WASH Systems Facility—comprising IRC WASH, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and the University of Leeds—supports monitoring, learning, research, and evaluation. Under its global research agenda, the Facility, together with SNV and Water Aid, is undertaking joint research to understand and strengthen governance processes that influence WASH service delivery in Nepal and Bangladesh.

The WS4H Programme recognises the need to better understand how governance structures and planning processes shape WASH service delivery at the local level. This study adopts a systems analysis approach to examine the formal and informal processes that drive WASH planning and budgeting in rural municipalities of Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. By exploring decision making dynamics, data use, community participation, and the influence of higher tier government structures, the study aims to identify the key factors that enable or hinder effective WASH planning and budget utilisation. In Nepal, this research will generate evidence on how governance arrangements impact WASH service delivery and will highlight critical entry points for strengthening local WASH systems.

2. Objective of Assignment

The project is seeking a qualified Consultant to carry out the data collection. The selected Consultant will mobilize two teams—each comprising two researchers—to work simultaneously in Koshi and Madhesh Provinces. SNV will provide a practical orientation (as part of piloting of data collection tools) to ensure understanding of the data collection tools, consistency in methodology and overall data quality.

The assignment will be carried out in two stages:

Stage 1: Pilot Testing of the Research Tools and Practical Orientation

The phase of piloting the tool will be led by SNV, with all four researchers from the Consultant’s team participating, in one selected rural municipality of Koshi Province. The Consultant’s team will take detailed notes and carry out transcription and translation of all interviews.

Stage 2: Independent Data Collection

Following the pilot, the Consultant will conduct data collection independently. Two teams will work simultaneously across the two provinces, covering three rural municipalities in each province.

Click on the link below for the detailed TOR:

TOR_Research Consultants_MCR

Timeline

Application submission deadline: March 23rd, 2026, 5:00 PM

Interested organisations/consultancy services are requested to submit both Technical and Financial proposal to the email address nepal@snv.org with subject title: “Consulting firm for collecting qualitative data for governance study in Koshi and Madhesh Provinces”.

For any clarification regarding the Terms of Reference, applicants may contact SNV via email at nepal@snv.org

Other considerations:

Any incomplete applications will not be considered for evaluation. Telephone inquiries or attempts to influence the process through any external means will not be entertained and may result in the rejection of the application.