Consultancy to Support the Operationalisation of the Joint Operational Framework (JOF): WASH Resilience, Conflict sensitivity, and Peacebuilding At German Toilet Organization

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1. Background and Rationale

The WASH-Triple-Nexus Initiative of the WASH Road Map aims to support the systematic operationalization of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus within the WASH sector, based on the Joint Operational Framework (JOF): WASH Resilience, Conflict sensitivity, and Peacebuilding. The JOF was developed by the initiative in 2022-23 and sets out the thinking, a theory of change and key steps for putting the nexus approach into practice within the WASH sector along with establishing strong linkages with the integrated water resource management sector. In contexts vulnerable to conflict and disasters, the WASH Triple Nexus seeks to strengthen the resilience capacities of WASH systems, thereby reducing humanitarian needs and advancing sustainable development at the same time. In fragile, conflict affected or violent contexts (FCV) or refugee/IDP settings, inclusive WASH services can strengthen social cohesion and promote peace. Unlike existing isolated approaches, which have proven ineffective in fragile contexts, this approach aims to enable successful cooperation between humanitarian organisations, development actors and peace actors to strengthen local WASH systems, and particularly their water utilities.

Leveraging WASH ROAD MAP seed funding this consultancy aims to contribute towards role of out the operationalization of the JOF and refocus efforts, map priority contexts/countries, and identify opportunities for collaboration and consortium projects within and beyond WASH Road Map membership.

2. Objectives

  • Raise Awareness and Understanding of the Initiative: Among WASH Road Map actors, water utilities, donors and other key Humanitarian Development Peace (HDP) stakeholders about the JOF and the strong foundations of the WASH sectors to more systematically leverage the HDP Nexus in collaborative partnerships.
  • Conduct Mapping: Of priority countries/contexts and their WASH systems based on relevant risk indexes and key stakeholders, including utilities, water operator partnerships and coordination platforms.
  • Develop Pilot Projects: Convene and facilitate discussions with interested stakeholders in two to three countries or FCV contexts and lead the collaborative development of draft proposals for pilot projects aimed at operationalizing the HDP Nexus through consortium initiatives.

3. Key Activities

  • Mapping of HDP Nexus Contexts: Map countries/FCV contexts and their WASH system performance and challenges using existing data sources (Water Insecurity Analysis, Global WASH Sector Resilience Index, SDG 6 JMP, Global WASH Cluster priority countries) as well as relevant HDP risk indices (EU RISK INFORM, OECD State of Fragility etc) and information on the enabling environment supporting HDP approaches (e.g. coordination structures, government position, donor/financing environment).
  • Mapping of Actors and Initiatives: Identify relevant initiatives, projects of WASH Road Map members and water operator partnerships in relevant HDP nexus contexts, analyze gaps and overlaps to identify collaboration opportunities in countries. This mapping will be shared at the GWOPA WOPs Congress in Bonn (27-30th of October)
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate workshops with key stakeholders in selected HDP nexus contexts to align priorities and share findings, build trust and consensus around potential pilot project concepts.
  • Proposal Development: Draft comprehensive proposals for 2-3 pilot initiatives, identify potential funding opportunities and priority donors.

5. Expected Outcomes & Deliverables

a) Raise awareness and understanding of the Initiative among partners
Deliverables:

  • Kick-off / Inception meeting and report
  • Concept presented and discussed in a kick-off webinar with key partners

Timeframe: May / June
Estimated Days: 3 days

b) Priority HDP contexts identified based on relevant risks and WASH challenges and opportunities
Deliverables:

  • Mapping Report / Dashboard
  • Identification of priority countries / HDP contexts according to HDP risks and drivers
  • Analysis of WASH systems challenges and opportunities in these priority contexts
  • Agreement on a shortlist of 5–7 priority contexts for further consideration

Timeframe: June to August
Estimated Days: 5 days

c) Enabling environment for future projects mapped and entry points identified in 5 priority contexts
Deliverables:

  • Stakeholder Mapping Report identifying:
    • Relevant HDP-WASH nexus initiatives or projects
    • Presence of interested WASH ROAD MAP actors and their partners
    • Entry points for collaboration
    • Agreement on a shortlist of 2–3 priority contexts for further consideration

Timeframe: July to September
Estimated Days: 5 days

d) Coordination improved, trust built, and consensus reached to jointly develop HDP nexus projects
Deliverables:

  • Stakeholder Workshops:
    • Convene stakeholders and determine their comparative advantages for specific roles in potential pilot projects
    • Documentation of workshop proceedings

Timeframe: September to October
Estimated Days: 15 days

e) High-quality concept notes for pilot projects, operationalising the Triple Nexus / JOF
Deliverables:

  • Project concept notes:
    • 2–3 concept notes for pilot projects, including project logic/plans and budgets
    • List of potential funding opportunities / priority donors for proposal submission
  • Final Report:
    • Brief report summarizing all activities, findings, and recommendations for future actions

Timeframe: October to December
Estimated Days: 12 days

7. Qualifications

The consultant or consultant firm submitting an offer should possess the following qualifications:

  • Educational Background: Advanced degree in International Development, Environmental Science, Water Resources Management, or a related field.
  • Professional Experience: At least 5-7 years of experience in the WASH sector, with a focus on humanitarian and development contexts.
  • Technical Expertise: Proven expertise in the operationalization of the HDP Nexus, including resilience, conflict sensitivity, and peacebuilding. Experience with working with utilities is preferred.
  • Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to set up projects, including stakeholder engagement and proposal development.
  • Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with experience in mapping and analyzing WASH systems and initiatives.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and proposals.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of other relevant languages, especially French and Arabic, is an asset.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups.

9. Timeline

  • September and October 2025: Inception, mapping and stakeholder engagement.
  • October 2025 (Optional) Presentation of preliminary results at the Global WOPs Congress (27-30 Oct)
  • November – December 2025: Finalizing deliverables, refining pilot concept notes based on feedback.

10. Other matters relevant to the contract

  • Duty Station: The service provision is remote / home-based
  • Reporting to: German Toilet Organization
  • Documentation: All services will have to be documented by the contractor
  • Remuneration: The remuneration for the consultancy will be competitive and commensurate with the consultant’s experience and qualifications. Payments will be made in instalments based on the completion of agreed milestones and deliverables.
  • Coverage of other costs: Potential travel expenses (e.g. flights, transfer, accommodation, visa) and other direct costs (e.g. for stakeholder workshops or materials) related to the assignment, will be covered or reimbursed by GTO against original receipts.

How to apply

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and send the following documents by 22 September to Johannes.rueck@germantoilet.org

  1. Technical Offer, based on your understanding of the assignment
  2. Timeline including the key steps to be taken to deliver the expected results.
  3. A financial proposal including daily rate and VAT
  4. CV including a summary of your portfolio of relevant work and expertise to the topic

Please note: Applications will be scored based on financial and technical offers and compliance with required qualifications.