School WASH Consultant

Short Term Position: School WASH  Consultant 
Study on School WASH Contributions to Improved Sanitation, Hygiene, and Learning Environment under SUSWA Programme
Assignment Title: Study on School WASH Contributions to Improved Sanitation, Hygiene, and Learning Environment under SUSWA Programme
Location: Karnali Province, Nepal
Duration: Approximately 35–40 Working Days
Type of Assignment: Short-term Consultancy
Reporting To: Sanitation and Hygiene Specialist / PSU

Background

The Sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SUSWA) Programme supports the strengthening of sustainable and inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in Karnali Province through systems strengthening, local government engagement, behaviour change promotion, and improved service delivery mechanisms. The programme works closely with local governments, schools, communities, and sector stakeholders to promote equitable access to sanitation and hygiene services, institutional strengthening, and long-term sustainability of WASH outcomes.

As part of its School WASH interventions, SUSWA has supported the construction and improvement of sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools, strengthening of School WASH Coordination Committees (WASH-CCs), promotion of hygiene behaviours, and facilitation of School WASH Guidelines and School-led Total Sanitation approaches across Karnali Province.

SUSWA now intends to undertake a study to better understand how School WASH interventions have contributed towards improved sanitation and hygiene conditions, enhanced learning environment, dignified menstrual hygiene management, improved WASH behaviours, and strengthened governance and sustainability mechanisms in schools and communities.

The findings of the assessment will contribute to evidence-based planning, programme improvement, and policy advocacy for School WASH in Nepal.

Scope of Assignment

• The selected consultant will be responsible for:
• Reviewing programme documents, policies, and School WASH guidelines; 
• Designing assessment methodology, tools, and work plan; 
• Conducting extensive field-based assessment in sampled schools across Lower and Upper Karnali; 
• Undertaking observations, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and consultations with schools, communities and local governments; 
• Assessing functionality, sustainability, governance, and inclusiveness of School WASH facilities; 
• Documenting behavioural changes, lessons learned, and best practices; 
• Preparing evidence-based findings, recommendations, and final assessment report. 

Key Assessment Areas

The study will focus on:

• School WASH facility status and sustainability 
• Hygiene behaviour and practices; 
• Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM); 
• Inclusion and accessibility; 
• Educational environment and student participation; 
• Governance and School WASH compliance mechanisms; 
• Community spillover effects and behaviour change; 
• Operation, maintenance, and sustainability systems. 

The study will mainly cover the areas of STAR indicators.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Interested applicants should possess:

• Master’s Degree in Education, WASH, Public Health, Environmental Health, Social Sciences, or related field; 
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in School WASH and/or education-related programmes; 
• Strong understanding of the Government of Nepal School WASH Guidelines and implementation procedures; 
• Demonstrated experience in assessments, research, and behavior change programming; 
• Experience working with schools, local governments, and communities; 
• Prior experience in Karnali Province is highly preferred. 
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and report writing skills. 

Expected Deliverables

The consultant shall submit:

• Inception Report including methodology, tools, and work plan; 
• Field assessment findings and debriefing; 
• Draft assessment report with recommendations; 
• Validation workshop/presentation; 
• Final assessment report incorporating feedback, case studies, and relevant documentation. 

Application Requirements
Interested candidates are requested to submit the application with an updated CV along with an application letter. Apply now!