Consultancy Service for the Development of a National WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

This is a high-impact consultancy to design Uganda's first harmonized National WASH Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework, issued by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE). The assignment is critical because Uganda's WASH sector has historically operated with fragmented data systems—each donor and implementing agency using their own indicators and formats—making it impossible to accurately track progress towards national targets and SDG 6. The MWE, under the Directorate of Water Resources Management, seeks a unified system that will enable 'one source of truth' for all stakeholders, from community level to Parliament. The framework will cover both urban and rural areas, integrating water supply, sanitation, and hygiene indicators, as well as cross-cutting issues like gender and climate resilience. The consultancy is expected to start in late 2026 and last 12 months, with a total budget of approximately USD 500,000. The assignment involves four main outcomes: (1) a comprehensive M&E framework document, (2) a data management system (including digital dashboard), (3) user manuals and tools, and (4) strengthened institutional capacity through training. The MWE will oversee the project through a Steering Committee, and the consultant will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, UBOS, Local Governments, and CSOs. The deadline for expressions of interest is July 15, 2026. Bidders must submit both technical and financial proposals. Given the technical complexity, bidders are encouraged to enroll in relevant GSLI short courses to fill any skill gaps and strengthen their proposal. GSLI's courses in Monitoring & Evaluation, WASH, and Project Management are particularly relevant and can be completed online within 2–4 weeks.

This consultancy is primarily targeted at international and national consulting firms, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with proven experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks in the WASH sector. Ideal bidders are entities that combine technical WASH expertise with strong M&E methodology and data management capabilities. The assignment requires a multidisciplinary team comprising a Team Leader/ M&E Expert (minimum 15 years’ experience), a WASH Specialist (10+ years), a Data Management Specialist, a GIS Expert, and a Capacity Building Specialist. The lead firm must have completed at least three similar assignments of comparable scale in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, local knowledge of Uganda's institutional landscape—particularly the roles of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Health, and district local governments—is highly advantageous. Consortia are allowed if they demonstrate clear partnership synergy and a single point of accountability. The consultancy period is 12 months, with deliverables including baseline assessment reports, M&E framework design, indicator matrix, data collection tools, software specifications, user manuals, and training materials. The final output is a fully operational M&E system piloted in at least three districts. Eligible organizations must be legally registered in Uganda or have a registered country office, possess valid tax clearance, and have audited financial statements for the past three years.

The donor's global priorities are deeply embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 5 (gender equality), with a strong focus on leaving no one behind. The MWE Uganda expects the consultancy to align with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and Uganda's Vision 2040 by delivering a system that tracks not only physical infrastructure but also service quality, equity, and sustainability. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include: (1) increased access to safely managed water and sanitation services (monitored through the Joint Monitoring Programme JMP ladders), (2) reduction in regional disparities, (3) improved functionality of water supply systems (>95% functionality target), (4) strengthened data reliability through triangulation with household surveys, and (5) institutional capacity scores for local governments. The framework must incorporate gender-disaggregated data and vulnerability mapping. Additionally, the donor prioritizes cost-effectiveness and value for money—the system should minimize duplication of parallel reporting by leveraging existing data platforms like the Water Management Information System (WMIS) and District Health Information System (DHIS2). The framework should also support adaptive management by providing dashboards for real-time decision-making. Lastly, environmental sustainability and climate resilience must be integrated, including indicators for water resource management and climate adaptation.

To be eligible, bidding entities must meet stringent financial, spatial, and legal criteria. Financially, the lead firm must have an annual turnover of at least USD 1 million for the past three years and demonstrate access to liquidity or credit lines for at least 20% of the contract value. Audited financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow) for the last three fiscal years must be submitted. Corporate legal audits require proof of registration in Uganda (or a registered branch) under the Companies Act, valid tax clearance certificates from Uganda Revenue Authority, and compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act. Spatially, the bidder must have experience working in East Africa, with at least one completed assignment in Uganda. Geographic presence in Uganda is mandatory—either a physical office or a documented partnership with a local entity. Additionally, environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance records must be clean, with no debarment from any international donor. The bidder must also submit a detailed anti-corruption and ethics policy. For consortia, each partner must individually meet these requirements, and a consortium agreement must be provided. The evaluation criteria include: Technical Proposal (80%)—methodology, work plan, team composition, and past performance; Financial Proposal (20%)—value for money assessment. Minimum technical score to pass is 75%.

To maximize the likelihood of winning this consultancy, prospective bidders should follow a four-phase strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's training programs. **Phase 1: Capacity Gap Analysis and Training Investment** (Months 1-2 before deadline). Conduct a skills audit of the proposed team against the terms of reference (ToR). Key gaps often include advanced M&E design, GIS integration, and donor compliance. To address this, GSLI offers targeted courses: 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' (2-week module covering logical frameworks, indicator development, data quality assurance, and outcome harvesting) and 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' (2-week module covering sector policies, CLTS, and sustainability). Enrolling at least three core team members in these courses not only fills gaps but also demonstrates to the donor a commitment to continuous learning. **Phase 2: Strategic Proposal Development** (Months 3-4). Form a writing team that includes a GSLI alum who has completed 'Writing Winning Proposals' to structure the narrative around the donor's priorities. Use a results-based management approach, clearly linking outputs to SDG 6 targets. The proposal should feature a dedicated section on 'Institutional Capacity Strengthening' that outlines how the team's GSLI training ensures technical excellence. Additionally, include a detailed work plan with milestones for each of the three phases: Inception (Month 1-2), Design (Month 3-6), and Piloting (Month 7-12). **Phase 3: Pre-Bid Engagement and Partnership** (Month 5). Leverage GSLI's network to arrange meetings with the MWE procurement office or attend industry events. Form a consortium with a Ugandan NGO specializing in community WASH if needed. GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course can provide strategies for forming strategic partnerships. **Phase 4: Post-Award Implementation Support** (After award). Immediately enroll the project manager in GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' and 'Financial Management for NGOs' courses to strengthen operational and financial controls. This ensures that the implementation is agile and compliant, reducing the risk of termination. Throughout, GSLI provides mentorship and refresher resources. By following this roadmap, bidders demonstrate not only technical readiness but also a proactive approach to risk management and professional development.