Tenders are invited for Consultancy Services to Review and Amend the Standard Operating Procedures (Sops) for District Wash Boards (DWASHBs). Location: Kigali Deadline: Wednesday, 10/12/2025 17:00 Background and Context The Government of Rwanda (GoR) recognizes that sustainable and inclusive access to water and sanitation services is central to national socio-economic transformation and public health. In 2023, the GoR adopted the National Water and Sanitation Policy, which redefined institutional roles and clarified the mandate of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC Group) as the national utility responsible for water service provision in both urban and rural areas, with delegated management of rural water services through private operators. In this new framework, District WASH Boards (DWASHBs) remain key multi-stakeholder coordination and accountability platforms for WASH service sustainability at district level. However, their current operational guidance; the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of 2020 needs to be aligned with NST2 as well as the new water and sanitation policy of 2023, especially with the consideration of the following: The shift of the delegating authority for rural water service management from Districts to WASAC. The adoption of the delegated management model for rural water supply. The new institutional arrangements and policy commitments under the 2023 National Water and Sanitation Policy. To ensure DWASHBs function effectively under this new governance and service delivery architecture, there is a need to develop a revised SOP that clarifies their roles, composition, procedures, reporting lines, financing mechanisms, and collaboration frameworks with both WASAC and Districts. It is against the above-mentioned background that Isoko yUbuzima Project through IRC in collaboration with Ministry of Infrastructure is hiring a consultant to revise the current operating procedures (SOP) of district WASH Board 2. Objective of the Assignment The overall objective of this consultancy service is to develop updated and harmonized Standard Operating Procedures for District WASH Boards that are fully aligned with the National Water and Sanitation Policy (2023) and the delegated management model for rural water services, providing clear guidance on their mandate, composition, operations, coordination, and performance monitoring. Specific Objectives Review the existing 2020 DWASHB SOPs and assess their relevance under the new institutional and policy context. Analyse the 2023 National Water and Sanitation Policy, the 20242029 WASH sector strategic plan, and the delegated management model to determine implications for DWASHB functions. Define updated roles, responsibilities, and accountability mechanisms of DWASHBs vis-vis WASAC, District Councils, and private operators. Develop a revised SOP including internal rules, coordination and reporting frameworks, financing mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation components. Facilitate national and district-level consultations to validate the draft SOP with key stakeholders. Produce the final SOP document ready for submission and adoption by MININFRA. 3. Scope of Work The consultant will carry out the following tasks: 1. Desk Review review existing SOP, policies, and relevant laws. Review the 2020 DWASHB SOP, ministerial instructions establishing DWASHBs, and related governance tools. Review some of the DWASHB meeting reports and documents available to know which topics are discussed, the limitations they have, and the challenges they face. Review the 2023 National Water and Sanitation Policy, particularly institutional arrangements and policy objectives specifically those related to water and sanitation. Review the guidelines and regulations related to Water and Sanitation as stipulated by RURA Review of the Operationalization Report of the Delegated Rural Water Supply Management Model (2025), especially section 6.2.2 and related institutional framework clarifications. Review relevant laws, guidelines, and strategic documents (NST2, WASH Sector strategic plan 20242029, RURA regulations and other WASH sector relevant documents for the assignment, etc.). Review the existing funding mechanisms of DWASHBs and analyze the performance challenges of DWASHBs Tender Link : https://www.jobinrwanda.com/job/terms-reference-consultancy-services-review-andor-amend-standard-operating-procedures-sops-0
