TERMS OF REFERENCE For IMPLEMENTING CITIZEN SCIENCE APPROACH TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY FOR SAFELY MANAGED WATER IN TERAI AND BAGMATI REGION

TERMS OF REFERENCE

For

IMPLEMENTING CITIZEN SCIENCE APPROACH TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY FOR SAFELY MANAGED WATER IN TERAI AND BAGMATI REGION

(WASH SYSTEM STRENGTHENING PROJECTS)

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.

WHH is operational in Nepal since 2004 and is currently managing various projects under four programme thematic areas (sectors): food and nutrition security; right to food and empowerment; WASH and Disaster Risk Reduction. 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 Nepal is also promoting various skills and enterprise development programs leading to Green Development.

WHH has continuing its implementation of WASH governance projects in Madhesh and Bagmati provinces covering 12 local government to strengthen the WASH system. Under which development and implementation of WASH Plan, Building Block analysis, Community score card, Establishing mini laboratories, School WASH plan, community water supply schemes, research and study, CR-WSP along with different hygiene and sanitation awareness program at community, local government and provincial 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.

Access to safe water is critical for the health and well-being of communities, particularly in remote areas where resources are scarce. Lack of place to ensure water quality at nearest locality is another problem. The MICS 2019 report reveals that 89.8% of the population in Madhesh Province and 73.1% in Bagmati Province rely on drinking water contaminated with E. coli, compared to the national average of 85.1%. As a result, Nepal, including these provinces, experiences recurring cholera outbreaks each year. This alarming data underscores the severe public health risk posed by contaminated water, as E. coli contamination is closely linked to the outbreak of diseases like cholera. Such waterborne illnesses not only threaten public health but also place immense pressure on local healthcare systems, aggravating the challenges to fight against hunger.One of the commitment of joint sector review, 2023 is to identify  the gap in safe drinking water and availability of functional lab at local government. This assignment aims to address critical issues related to water quality, identify the current status and recommend future sustainability model for established/existing mini laboratories and sustainable development in local communities to implement and engage school-going children as citizen scientists to monitor water quality with knowledge and skill related to open data ensuring eimprove health and hygiene.Additionally, this assignment aims to  advocate local government representatives to invest in innovative approaches that leverage open data for sustainable development, ensuring that these communities have access to the resources and support necessary for a healthier future. Further the data can be linked with the NWASH MIS system.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The study will be conducted under the technical and financial supervison of WHH with technical guidance from Department of Water and Sewerage Management (DWSSM) and World Health Organisation (WHO), Nepal to meet the following listed objectives:

1. Conduct assessment on the functionality and effective use of the seven mini labs established in Rural Municipality/Municipality of Siraha, Saptari and Makwanpur districts and seven additional portable water test kits running by municipality/users committees/ board; recommend measures for the sustainability of lab/ filed test kits linking up with business model.
2. Implement a citizen science approach to sensitize school-attending children from local communities about the importance of water quality for health and hygiene awareness, including water testing at least for microbial contamination and safe storage and point-of-use treatment, including chlorination. 
3. Capacitate children using open data for sustainable development, specifically on water, sanitation, and hygiene.  
4. Advocate the local government representatives to invest in and adopt innovative approaches towards safely managed water (water quality improvement campaign), safely managed sanitation, including hand hygiene and menstrual hygiene, and making progress on Sustainable Development Goal- 6 through open data.

METHODOLOGY

1. Citizen science Approach: The assignment aims to empower 480 students from 16 schools (Siraha -5, Saptari-5, Makwanpur-6) of Madhesh province and Bagmati province of  Nepal in different phases within the study period: Additionally, 40 students including the associated school nurses (if available) from 7 relevant schools of Water Test kit using areas.

• Sensitization workshop on citizen science at schools to educate them about the role of citizen scientists in monitoring water quality (relevant parameters) and the importance of their contribution to the community.
• Capacity building workshop on open data and sustainable development goals (SDGs) at schools 
• Policy advocacy workshop on using open data for decision-making with stakeholders by engaging local representatives, including municipal, district, and provincial officials, in discussions on the importance of open data for evidence-based decision-making.

2. Study on sustainability and functionality model of Mini-laboratories and Field Test Kits:

• The study will conduct relevant survey, interviews, KII with stakeholders and community for sustainability of mini laboratories by considering innovative and market linked approaches for  future sustainability.

DELIVERABLES

The consultant/firm, in close coordination with Welthungerhilfe Nepal shall submit the following deliverables by the end of assignment:

1. Assessment Reports:

• Conduct assessment of 23 schools
• Conduct assessment of seven Mini laboratories 
• Conduct assessment of seven Water Test Kits 

2. Conduct  different  workshops for stakeholder and partcipants based on the findings to focusing on success, learning sharing, challenges and recommend different options for the sustainability of the mini laboratories including field test kits, focusing on business perspectives and innovation.

3. Organsie and conduct  workshops at schools to educate students on the importance of water quality and the role of citizen science focusing on water quality and Hygiene. 

4. Final Study Report on Sustainability on mini laboratories and citizen science approaches from schools.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

• Increased awareness among school children about the importance of water quality for health and hygiene.
• Enhanced capacity of students to use open data for monitoring water quality and contributing to sustainable development.
• Increased commitment from local government representatives to adopt and fund open data-driven approaches to water quality management and hygiene.
• Long term functionality, sustainability and effective use of of existing water quality mini laboratories and Field Test Kits.

TIMELINE

The consultant/firm is expected to complete the assignment within 3 months after signing the contract.  

ROLE OF WHH/ DWSSM/WHO

• Provide expert guidance and technical assistance in the design and implementation of the project, particularly in areas related to water quality monitoring, open data utilization, and citizen science.
• Assist in developing training materials and tools for the capacity-building workshops.
• Allocate financial resources required for the successful implementation of the project.
• Supply necessary materials and equipment for water quality testing and data collection.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation processes, ensuring that the project is on track to meet its goals.
• Conduct regular reviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Support in the  finalization of  progress and final reports.
• Facilitate connections with government officials and other key stakeholders for the Policy Advocacy Workshops.

ROLE OF APPLICANT

• Lead the execution of  assignment activities, including organizing sensitization and capacity building workshops for students.
• Ensure timely and effective delivery of all  assignment components.
• Maintain regular communication with WHH, local government, schools, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment of activities with project goals and local needs.
• Oversee data collection, management, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Train students in using open data platforms like NWASH and Open Data Nepal.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports to WHH.
• Contribute to the final project report, highlighting key outcomes and lessons learned.

ASSIGNMENT LOCATION

This study will be conducted in the Siraha, Saptari, and Makwanpur districts of Nepal, specifically within the working municipalities and rural municipalities where Welthungerhilfe and its partners are implementing WASH project and additional districts/communities as appropriate for study on field test kits

CONFIDENTIALITY

All documents and data acquired from documents as well as during consultative meetings are confidential and to be used solely for the purpose of WHH. The quantitative data should be kept by consultant in confidential way adhering WHH data protection policy. The deliverables as well as all material linked to this study (produced by the consultant or the organization itself) are confidential and always remain property of the contracting party.

TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL OFFER

Applicants must provide technical and financial offers, including:

• Technical offer including a brief description of the overall design, methodology of the study. The technical offer cannot exceed 5-6 pages and must comply with the Terms of Reference.
• Detailed workplan/timetable, consultant/consulting firm are requested to submit their detail plan with very distinct timeline vs activities to cover study period.
• Financial offer detailing the proposed budget for the study. It should state the fees per working day (plus the respective Tax/VAT, if applicable), the number of working days proposed and any other costs. 
• CVs of proposed team members.

BUDGET REQUIREMENT

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OF THE CONSULTANT

• Preferred education background of Environmental Science, Enviornmental engineering Public Health, Data Science, or a related field (TL).
• Preferred education background of Chemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Enviornmental engineering Public Health, or a related field ( Water Quality Technician).
• At least 5-7 years of experience in managing community-based projects, particularly in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) or education sectors.
• Well versed in School WASH activities.
• Well known on the different component and parameter of mini laboratories/ Filed Test Kits as per Nepal government’s NDWQS 2079, implementationguidelines and plicies.
• Proven track of providing capacity development training to schools students and Local government officials on WASH.
• Knowledge of water quality testing and monitoring techniques.
• Knowledge of Water Quality Data management through the NWASH module
• Knowledge on safe storage, point of use and disinfection technologies including chlorination
• Knowledge of business model  and entrepreneurial ideas.
• Familiarity with open data platforms and tools.
• Familiar with government WASH policies, WASH guidelines, plans, legal instruments and practices on sanitation, total sanitation
• The applicants must have good command in writing reports in English languages.
• Experience in engaging with local government bodies and advocating for policy changes or resource allocation in community projects.
• Please apply with Legal documents (registration & tax clearance in case of consulting firm/Universities and VAT registration card for individual).

DEADLINE FOR PROPOSAL

The interested and qualified consultant(s)/ consulting firm and organization must submit their technical and financial proposal, including Supplier Declaration form, legal documents (registration & latest tax clearance in case of consulting firm and VAT registration card for individual) and CVs of key personnel by 17:00 hours (COB) dated 20 Feb 2025 via email address; Email: procurement.nepal@welthungerhilfe.de Applications received with incomplete documents and later than the above-mentioned date will be disqualified.

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.