Terms of Reference (ToR)-consultant or Legal Firm for Legal Services

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Hiring a consultant or Legal Firm for Legal Services

Introduction

WaterAid is an international non-profit organisation with one goal: to change the world through water. Along with decent toilets and good hygiene, a reliable supply of clean water is essential for health, dignity and a life full of opportunity.

Childbirth is safer, children get the chance to grow up healthy and strong. Families thrive and whole communities are better prepared for our changing climate and whatever the future holds. We started out in 1981, when UK water companies created a single organisation dedicated to tackling the global water crisis. Today we work alongside communities worldwide setting up entire systems that deliver clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for millions. And we get the people, policies and money in place to keep these systems working – and the water flowing for good. So that people have safe, reliable services that last. Our work with communities, partners, allies and supporters has already meant millions of people can shape their future with dignity and confidence.

Our vision is ‘A world where everyone, everywhere has sustainable and safe water, sanitation and hygiene’.

WaterAid has been working in Nepal since 1987. Our work in Nepal spans across all seven provinces. We team up with local partners, technical experts, governments and communities to support the delivery of integrated and inclusive WASH services in hard-to-reach communities, helping to transform lives.

Background

WaterAid Nepal (WAN) seeks to engage a legal service consultancy to ensure compliance with applicable national laws, streamline legal processes, and mitigate legal risks associated with its operations. The consultant will provide legal advice, review and endorse policy documents, contracts and official letters, and support dispute resolution. This engagement aims to strengthen WAN’s legal framework and operational effectiveness while ensuring alignment with local and international legal standards.

Objectives of the Assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide legal expertise and support to WAN in drafting, reviewing, and endorsing policy documents, contracts, and agreements. The consultant will also facilitate dispute resolution, monitor legal developments, and offer legal guidance on various aspects of WAN’s operations.

Expected Deliverables

• Provide legal advice in the formulation of relevant organizational policy documents to ensure compliance with applicable national laws;
• Support in standardization of WAN processes, forms and formats from a legal perspective;
• Legal endorsement of policy documents;
• Legal endorsement of contracts, agreements and letters issued by WAN to its staff, partners, external service providers and other stakeholders;
• Draw up the formalities for the amicable settlement of disputes which may arise during contracts implementation; analyzing complex situations and disputes in contracts including dispute resolution;
• Collaborate with other legal advisors and legal representatives in case of judicial disputes and trials;
• Regularly advise WAN on all changes, amendments and updates in relevant local and international regulations;
• Provide legal advice/support in other areas as requested by SMT and Country Representative.

Scope of Work

The consultant is expected to review and provide legal advice on an estimated 25 documents annually, including contracts, agreements, and policy documents.

The turnaround time for reviews will vary based on urgency:

• Time-critical reviews (within a few hours to one day)
• Standard reviews (within several days to weeks, depending on complexities and agreement between WAN and the consultant)

The consultant must ensure that all comments and edits are justified, referencing relevant legal provisions, clauses, or best practices to maintain high-quality standards.

Selection Criteria

The selection of the consultancy proposal will be based on the following weighted criteria:

• Technical Proposal: 70%
• Financial Proposal: 30%

Reporting Line Manager

The consultant will report to Head of People and Organizational Development, WaterAid Nepal.

Duration

The consultancy will be engaged for an initial period of one year, starting from 1st April 2025, as per the agreement, with the possibility of extension based on performance and mutual agreement.

Required Qualifications

• Licensed legal practitioner with a recognized law degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in legal advisory services, preferably with organizations in the development or non-profit sector.
• Strong expertise in contract law, labor law, and dispute resolution.
• Proven track record in providing legal services to organizations with complex operational needs.
• Ability to analyze and interpret national and international legal regulations
• relevant to WAN’s operations.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Terms and conditions

WAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without providing any verbal or written rationale. WAN will deduct tax and VAT at the source according to government policy. Delays, untimely deliverables, and poor-quality deliverables will affect the payment amount of the contract. The objective of the consultant or firm should align with the assignment.

Documents for submission and Deadline

• Copy of company registration certificate
• Copy of PAN/VAT registration certificate
• Copy of 2080/81 tax clearance certificate
• CV of designated personnel
• At least two references from previous/current clients/employers; preference on INGO sectors
• Other supporting documents will be required upon selection of the Consultant.

Eligible consultants should submit technical and financial proposals. The financial proposal should quote consultancy fee.

Application Procedures:

Proposal can be submitted through the email address:nepalprocurement@wateraid.org