Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP AND ADOPT REGIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY SERVICES

1. Introduction

Taakulo Somaliland Community Organization (TASCO) and Welthungerhilfe (WHH) are implementing a project focused on Sustainable WASH Systems (SWS) to improve rural water services in Somaliland. The project aims to strengthen global WASH programs and contribute to achieving SDG 6 by integrating core elements of WHH's Sustainable Services Initiative. It will pilot a systems-based approach to water supply, engaging key stakeholders and addressing financial, institutional, environmental, and political factors. The project, which aligns with Somaliland's national policies and strategies, seeks to influence national policy frameworks by incorporating lessons learned and best practices to strengthen WASH systems at both national and regional levels.

2. Background

Improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is a cornerstone of global development, as emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Enhanced WASH services not only improve public health outcomes but also significantly boost the quality of life and economic productivity of communities. However, access to sustainable WASH services remains a significant challenge in Somaliland, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where water and sanitation infrastructure is limited.

A recent feasibility study highlighted a critical gap in Somaliland’s WASH sector: the absence of district or regional WASH plans, particularly in the Awdal Region. This gap undermines public health, community development, and overall quality of life, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable and climate-resilient approaches to WASH service delivery.

The development of regional WASH guidelines is a foundational step toward addressing these challenges and achieving sustainable water supply systems. Such guidelines establish clear, long-term strategic pathways for effective WASH service delivery, fostering accountability among local governments and service providers. They also enable collective action by engaging diverse stakeholders and making efforts to ensure the sustainable provision of WASH services. By strengthening monitoring, regulatory, financial, and coordination systems, regional WASH planning significantly contributes to national strategies and policies, advancing progress toward SDG 6.

This consultancy aims to address the identified gaps by developing comprehensive regional guidelines and a strategic WASH plan for the Awdal Region. These outputs will enhance local government accountability, reinforce institutional frameworks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of WASH services. By emphasizing a systems-strengthening approach, the project promotes collaboration among stakeholders to tackle existing challenges and create a resilient WASH system that meets the region’s development needs.

1. Objective

·         The primary objective of this activity is to develop and implement comprehensive regional guidelines for sustainable water supply services in the Awdal region, ensuring alignment with national policies, international commitments (e.g., SDGs), and regional development plans, while fostering stakeholder collaboration, building institutional capacity, and providing a framework for resource mobilization and long-term sustainability

2. Scope of Work

The assignment will involve the following key activities:

1. Assessment and Prioritization:

Facilitate a two-day workshop with 30 regional WASH actors and stakeholders in Borama District to:

• Discuss the findings of the assessments conducted  in Baki, Borama, Zeylac and Lughaya districts
• Identify and prioritize key issues for inclusion in the guidelines (e.g., infrastructure investment/maintenance, institutional strengthening, service delivery models, and monitoring activities).
• Establish a smaller working group (5–10 members) to refine and finalize the guidelines.

1. Guidelines Development and Review:

Organize review meetings with the working group too:

• Refine the draft guidelines based on workshop outcomes, national policies, and international commitments.
• Incorporate feedback from stakeholders and align the guidelines with regional development plans.

1. Finalization and Dissemination:

Host a one-day workshop with 30 stakeholders to:

• Present the finalized regional guidelines for consultation and approval.
• Secure stakeholder commitment for implementation.
• Develop an action plan for implementing and monitoring the guidelines under the leadership of the R-MoWRD.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following high-quality outputs:

1. Inception Report

• Detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy.
• Overview of the literature review findings relevant to WASH system strengthening.

2. Situational Analysis Report

• Comprehensive assessment of current WASH services in the Awdal region, including stakeholder mapping and data collection findings.
• Field trip reports detailing the status of WASH infrastructure, operations, and maintenance practices.
• Case study documenting key insights from field visits.

3. Draft Regional Guidelines for Sustainable Water Supply Services

• First draft of the guidelines, including the layout and initial recommendations.

4. Stakeholder Consultation Workshop Report

• Summary of stakeholder inputs, comments, and recommendations collected during validation workshops for the draft guidelines.

6. Final Regional Guidelines for Sustainable Water Supply Services

• Approved document incorporating stakeholder feedback, complete with illustrations, figures, maps, tables, and charts.

7. Presentation Materials

• PowerPoint presentation summarizing the final draft of the regional guidelines and strategic WASH plan for validation workshops.
• A version of the guidelines for broader dissemination.

8.      Exercise timeline

The exercise should be completed within a maximum of two months.

Experiences and Qualifications

      Expertise of the Consultant

Consultant Qualifications and Experience

The consultant or consulting firm should meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:

·         Educational Background

• Advanced degree (master’s or higher) in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, Public Health, Social Science, or a related field relevant to WASH systems.

·         Professional and Technical Experience

• At least 7 years of demonstrable experience in WASH systems strengthening, and water resource management, preferably in rural and peri-urban settings. (CV of the key individuals responsible for executing the exercise, including the lead consultant)
• Proven experience in developing strategic plans, guidelines, or policies for WASH systems, with a focus on sustainable and climate-resilient approaches. (Minimum one supporting document)
• Track record of conducting assessments, feasibility studies, or evaluations related to WASH services in developing or fragile contexts. (Minimum one recommendation letter)
• Experience working in Somaliland or the East African region, with a strong understanding of the local context, government policies, and stakeholder dynamics.

Skills Required

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