Local recruitment: Wastewater Expert (Sri Lanka nationals)
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
A. Background 1. Since the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Sri Lanka’s economic vulnerability to external shocks, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and Russia’s war in Ukraine, has highlighted longstanding economic management weaknesses. These factors led to a severe economic crisis that left foreign exchange reserves depleted and prompted the suspension of external debt servicing in April 2022. Facing macroeconomic and debt management challenges, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 48-month $3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in March 2023. The EFF aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, ensure financial stability, safeguard the vulnerable, and accelerate reforms to unlock Sri Lanka’s growth potential. It also recommends reforming state-owned enterprises (SOE) to improve governance, sustainability, and efficiency. 2. The Government of Sri Lanka requested financial assistance from ADB to support its effort to respond to economic policies and reforms underscored and supported by the IMF. The Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Program aims to implement a series of water supply and sanitation sector reforms by addressing vulnerabilities for improved sector performance and environmental sustainability. The program is a policy-based loan (PBL) with a programmatic approach comprising two subprograms of $100 million each. Subprogram 1 was approved in September 2024, while Subprogram 2 is targeted for approval in 2026. The policy support will contribute to resilient and sustainable water and sanitation services delivery in accordance with Strategy 2030 of the ADB. 3. Along with the approval of Subprogram 1, an attached TA was also approved to provide capacity and advisory support to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing (MUDCH) and the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) for the formulation, deployment, implementation, and monitoring of the subprogram 2 reform initiatives. It will complement the program through two outputs: (i) capacity of MUDCH to manage, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate reform actions strengthened; and (ii) capacity of NWSDB to manage, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate reform actions strengthened. Backed by the TA team, MUDCH will (i) monitor compliance with the Water Safety Policy by service providers and approve a mandate for an independent body to ensure it, (ii) amend regulations for sustainable wastewater treatment cycle and pollution controls, (iii) develop a climate change roadmap for water supply and sanitation, (iv) prepare a drinking water conservation and demand strategy plan, (v) revise the National Sanitation Policy with guidance on sanitation safety plans, (vi) approve a climate-resilient project appraisal framework for sanitation, and (vii) approve a GESI-sensitive National Water Tariff Policy. The TA team will also support NWSDB in (i) approving a carbon footprint reduction roadmap, (ii) developing guidance to apply for climate funds, (iii) piloting an NRW reduction PPP procurement process, and (iv) preparing a concept note for submission to a climate fund. 4. The TA financing amount is $800,000, of which (i) $500,000 will be financed on a grant basis by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF-other sources), and (ii) $300,000 will be financed on a grant basis by the Water Innovation Trust Fund (footnote 1) under the Water Financing Partnership Facility and administered by ADB. The government will provide counterpart support in the form of counterpart staff, office space, and other in-kind contributions. The TA will be implemented over 24 months from September 2024 to September 2026, which also allows for achieving the program outcome indicators of conducting the procurement process of a Nonrevenue Water Reduction Performance-based Contract (PBC, or PPP) and submitting a concept note to a climate fund. ADB will undertake periodic review missions to confirm the progress of TA activities. The current consultancy will be financed by ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund (TASF-other sources). B. Objective and Purpose of the Assignment 5. The consultant will support the MUDCH in developing relevant documents of policy action 2.2 items (ii. a) and (iii.c) agreed upon between the government and ADB as stated in the draft policy design and monitoring framework (Attachment). The consultant will assist the government and ADB in ensuring alignment and compliance of the documents produced with the intention expressed in the draft policy actions. The consultant should ensure alignment with the National Water Resources Policy and any other policies and regulations in the water and sanitation sectors. (i) Policy Action 2.2 (ii.a) 6. Sri Lanka faces increasing challenges in managing water quality due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations. Effluent from industrial and wastewater facilities often exceeds permissible limits, leading to significant pollution of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, which threatens ecosystems, public health, and livelihoods. Existing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms lack the necessary capacity, technical expertise, and resources to ensure compliance with standards. Strengthened mechanisms are essential to address these gaps, enhance accountability, and promote environmentally sustainable practices in effluent treatment and discharge. (ii) Policy Action 2.2 (iii.c) 7. Sri Lanka’s National Policy on Sanitation requires revision to address emerging challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and the growing need for wastewater reuse and sustainable sanitation solutions. The current policy framework lacks comprehensive guidelines for integrating on- and off-site sanitation systems, promoting wastewater reuse, and ensuring sanitation safety. Revising the policy and introducing updated guidelines and principles will align national efforts with international best practices, enhance public health outcomes, and optimize resource efficiency. This updated framework will provide a strategic foundation for managing sanitation systems sustainably while supporting the country’s broader environmental and development goals.
Scope of Work
8. The consultant will act as a team leader and be responsible for preparing all documents related to the policy action, ensuring they align with the corresponding deliverables.1 The consultant will be responsible for the quality and timely completion of all expected deliverables. The consultant will also guide and monitor the quality of work of the other consultants in the team that will be leading, including the days claimed by them. 9. Additionally, the consultant will review the current policy, legal and technical frameworks, as well as institutional arrangements, to identify any gaps. This review will ensure alignment with government strategies and help avoid potential overlaps. 10. Working closely with MUDCH and relevant stakeholders, including the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the consultant will design and support the approval and implementation of robust mechanisms for monitoring, enforcement, and regulation to address gaps in managing water quality in Sri Lanka. This involves developing a comprehensive framework that integrates technical guidelines, operational protocols, and resource optimization strategies for environmentally sustainable effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution control. The consultant will work closely with stakeholders to assess current regulatory capacities, identify areas for improvement, and align proposed mechanisms with international best practices and national sustainability goals. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate stakeholder consultations, prepare detailed policy recommendations, and provide technical assistance for capacity building, ensuring the effective adoption and operationalization of the strengthened mechanisms. 11. The consultant will review Sri Lanka’s current National Policy on Sanitation and design a revised policy framework that addresses emerging challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and the increasing demand for wastewater reuse and sustainable sanitation practices. The consultant will develop comprehensive guidelines for integrating both on- and off-site sanitation systems, with a particular focus on promoting wastewater reuse and ensuring sanitation safety. In addition, the consultant will prepare guiding principles for the development of sanitation safety plans, aligning the revised policy with international best practices and national sustainability objectives. The consultant will support the approval process of the revised framework and provide technical assistance to ensure its effective implementation, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes and resource efficiency. 12. Sequentially, the consultant will (i) collect relevant information and documents, (ii) draft the guidelines, frameworks, and related documents, (iii) validate the contents of the documents with relevant key stakeholders, (iv) obtain public opinion, (v) finalize the policy document, and (vi) support the approval of the documents by the government.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
D. Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Outputs 13. Not limited, the consultant will: a. Follow phased approach principles. b. Equally, consider urban/peri-urban/rural/estate/informal areas. c. Consider the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. d. Promote an integrated water resources management approach, with due consideration of the National Water Resources Policy. e. While drafting the documents, the consultant should (a) consider existing regulations/standards and surveillance considerations (including water quality auditing and monitoring), and (b) propose innovative processes and procedures. f. While providing the recommendations, the consultant should consider aspects related to (not limited) stakeholder consultation, protection of the poor and vulnerable, strengthening of gender participation, climate resilience/benefits, economic impacts, financial sustainability, and overall water and sanitation sector performance including increasing the private sector’s participation, government’s ability and political will, with due considerations to the country’s economic situation and its potential growth. 14. The detailed tasks and expected outputs are given in Table 1. Table 1: Detailed Tasks and Expected Outputs Detailed tasks Expected Outputs For 2.2 (ii.a) Strengthened monitoring, enforcement, and regulation mechanisms (as required) governing environmentally sustainable effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution controls of water and wastewater facilities Assess Existing Regulatory Framework and Capacities: Review the current legal and regulatory frameworks related to water quality and pollution control, including existing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Evaluate the capacity of regulatory bodies and institutions responsible for monitoring, enforcement, and effluent management. Identify gaps, challenges, and inefficiencies in the existing systems. Regulatory Assessment Report: A detailed report evaluating the current regulatory landscape. This will identify gaps and challenges in monitoring, enforcement, and regulation, as well as capacity-building needs for regulatory bodies. Design Monitoring, Enforcement, and Regulation Framework: Design a comprehensive framework for monitoring, enforcement, and regulation of water quality, focusing on effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution control in water and wastewater facilities. Define operational protocols, technical guidelines, and resource optimization strategies. Specify the roles and responsibilities of the regulatory authorities and water service providers. Monitoring and Enforcement Framework: A comprehensive framework document that includes technical guidelines, operational protocols, and resource optimization strategies. It will define the roles of different stakeholders and provide clear actions for enforcing water quality standards. Incorporation of Climate Change Resilience: Integrate climate change impacts, such as changes in rainfall patterns and water availability, into the documents. Propose adaptive measures to ensure water security under changing climatic conditions, including storage capacity, drought management, and alternative water sources. To be incorporated in the documents. Stakeholder Consultation and Data Collection: Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including government bodies (e.g., MUDCH, Ministry of Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority), water service providers, and representatives from relevant sectors (agriculture, industry, urban areas). Collect data on current water management practices, pollution levels, and challenges faced by industries and local communities. Gather insights on the feasibility of implementing the proposed regulatory mechanisms from a local perspective. To be incorporated in the documents. Stakeholder Feedback and Finalization: Finalize the policy recommendations based on consultation feedback and align them with the findings from the regulatory assessment and best practices. Provide detailed legislative and procedural suggestions to ensure the implementation and sustainability of the monitoring and enforcement framework. Final Policy Recommendations Report: A comprehensive set of final policy recommendations, which will include specific legislative and procedural changes needed to strengthen regulatory mechanisms for water quality management. Support for Approval and Finalize Documents: Finalize all necessary documents for approval, including reports, and supporting materials. Provide technical support during the approval process, addressing any queries from stakeholders and assisting in formal adoption. Implementation Roadmap and Monitoring Framework: Complete documentation prepared for approval, including the regulatory framework, policy recommendations, and stakeholder consultation summaries. This will include final presentations and necessary supporting materials to facilitate the approval process. For 2.2 (iii.c) Review the current National Policy on Sanitation and design and support approval of a revised policy framework and guidelines for wastewater re-use, and on- off-site sanitation, and prepare guiding principles for the development of sanitation safety plans Assessment of Current Sanitation Policy: Review the current National Policy on Sanitation, including existing frameworks, guidelines, and their implementation status. Analyze gaps in addressing challenges such as urbanization, climate change, wastewater reuse, and sanitation safety. The different contexts (urban, semi-urban, rural, estate) should be analyzed. Identify inconsistencies with international best practices and national sustainability objectives. Sanitation Policy Assessment Report: A detailed report highlighting gaps, challenges, and areas for improvement in the current policy, with recommendations for alignment with best practices and emerging needs. Design of Revised Policy Framework: Develop a revised policy framework that integrates on- and off-site sanitation systems, promotes wastewater reuse, and includes measures for sanitation safety. Ensure the framework addresses urbanization, climate change, and resource efficiency challenges. Ensure the framework considers the differences between urban, semi-urban, rural, and estate sectors. Define roles, responsibilities, and implementation mechanisms for stakeholders. Revised Sanitation Policy Framework: A comprehensive policy framework document that outlines strategic objectives, guidelines, and actionable steps for sustainable sanitation management. Development of Comprehensive Guidelines and Principles: Prepare detailed guidelines for integrating on- and off-site sanitation systems, with a specific focus on promoting wastewater reuse and ensuring sanitation safety. Develop guiding principles for creating sanitation safety plans, aligning with international best practices. Sanitation Guidelines and Principles Document: A document providing operational and technical guidance for implementing the revised sanitation policy, including sanitation safety plan principles. Stakeholder Consultations and Integration of Feedback: Organize consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, sanitation service providers, and civil society organizations. Present the draft policy framework and guidelines to gather feedback and refine the documents based on stakeholder input. Throughout the process. Stakeholder feedback and their recommendations should be incorporated into the revised policy and guidelines. Support for Approval and Implementation: Finalize the revised policy framework and guidelines, incorporating stakeholder feedback and addressing implementation challenges. Provide technical support during the approval process, including drafting justifications and presentations for policymakers. Finalized Policy Framework and Guidelines: Complete and approved documents, ready for implementation, with clear justifications and supporting materials to ensure buy-in from stakeholders. E. Expected deliverables and timelines 15. The consultant is expected to review existing policies, strategies, and action plans related to water conservation and water demand, identify and document any gaps or bottlenecks, and recommend appropriate mechanisms and strategies to address these issues. Due consideration should be given to the National Water Resources Policy. Additionally, the consultant should provide a clear plan for moving forward, outlining steps to resolve the identified challenges. 16. Conduct workshops with relevant stakeholders to ensure a proper consultation process. 17. Support the MUDCH and any other relevant stakeholders in obtaining approval of the documents produced under the policy action. 18. Table 2 represents the linkages between the policy action and expected activities, including timelines, working days, and other consultants that will support the assignment. Table 2: Linkages between the Policy Actions and Deliverables Policy action and/or outcome Timeline Activities Working days 2.2 (ii.a) Strengthened monitoring, enforcement, and regulation mechanisms (as required) governing environmentally sustainable effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution controls of water and wastewater facilities Up to December 2025 Design and support approval and implementation of robust mechanisms for monitoring, enforcement, and regulation to ensure environmentally sustainable effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution control in water and wastewater facilities. 48 2.2 (iii.c) National Policy on Sanitation to include a revised policy framework and guidelines for (i) wastewater re-use, and on- off-site sanitation, and (ii) guiding principles for development of sanitation safety plans Up to December 2025 Review the current National Policy on Sanitation and design and support approval of a revised policy framework and guidelines for wastewater re-use, and on- off-site sanitation, and prepare guiding principles for the development of sanitation safety plans. 48 19. Table 3 represents the reporting requirements. Table 3: Reporting requirements No. Report Timeline Description Inception Report Within 15 days after mobilization Outlines the consultant’s work plan, methodology, and approach for the overall assignment. It includes the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, the scope of work, key deliverables, and a detailed timeline. It also highlights any initial data collected and a preliminary stakeholder consultation strategy to guide the assignment. For 2.2 (ii.a) Design and support approval and implementation of robust mechanisms for monitoring, enforcement, and regulation to ensure environmentally sustainable effluent treatment, discharge, and pollution control in water and wastewater facilities Regulatory Assessment Report Within 45 days after mobilization A detailed report evaluating the existing regulatory framework, identifying gaps, challenges, and capacity issues in monitoring and enforcement. Provides a foundation for developing the new framework. Monitoring and Enforcement Framework Within 90 days after mobilization A comprehensive framework document for monitoring, enforcement, and regulation of water quality. Includes technical guidelines, protocols, roles and responsibilities, and resource optimization strategies. Final Policy Recommendations Report Within 120 days after mobilization A set of final policy recommendations based on the assessment and consultations, including legislative and procedural changes for the monitoring and enforcement framework. The report should demonstrate how the proposed framework aligns with international best practices and sustainability goals. Demonstrates how the design meets national and global water quality standards. Finalized Documents for Approval Within 150 days after mobilization Complete documents ready for formal approval, including the regulatory framework, policy recommendations, and stakeholder consultation reports. This will include final presentations and supporting materials. For 2.2 (iii.c) Review the current National Policy on Sanitation and design and support approval of a revised policy framework and guidelines for wastewater re-use, and on- off-site sanitation, and prepare guiding principles for the development of sanitation safety plans Sanitation Policy Assessment Report Within 45 days after mobilization A detailed analysis of the current National Policy on Sanitation, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement, with recommendations aligned to emerging challenges and international best practices. Draft Revised Sanitation Policy Framework Within 90 days after mobilization A comprehensive draft framework addressing urbanization, climate change, wastewater reuse, and sanitation safety, integrating on- and off-site systems. Sanitation Guidelines and Principles Document Within 120 days after mobilization A document providing detailed guidelines for implementing the revised policy, including operational protocols and principles for sanitation safety plans. Finalized Policy Framework and Guidelines Within 150 days after mobilization Complete and approved policy framework and guidelines, incorporating stakeholder feedback, with supporting documentation for approval and implementation. F. Implementation Arrangements 20. The assignment would be supported and implemented through the procurement of consulting services that will be financed on a grant basis by ADB. ADB’s Water and Urban Development Sector Office (South Asia) will select, supervise, evaluate the consultants, and monitor the quality of their work. MUDCH will be the implementing agency. For day-to-day administration, MUDCH will nominate a focal staff to interact with the consultant and ensure stakeholders’ participation to ensure that the outputs and deliverables are produced in a timely, effective, and quality manner. 21. The assignment shall be completed within 200 days from the date of issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). It is expected that the assignment will commence in July 2025 and be completed by February 2026, however, the tasks related to policy action 2.2 (ii.a) and 2.2 (iii.c) shall be completed within 150 days after mobilization. The tasks can be performed remotely, and the consultant may use remote video technology meetings to replace face-to-face meetings as considered necessary. In general, however, the consultant is expected to maintain regular face-to-face communication with MUDCH during the contract period. The consultant will be required to be physically in Colombo during critical consultation stages and training.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
G. Minimum Qualification Requirements, Experience, and Responsibilities 22. Qualifications: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (with a professional engineer license), (ii) certified Wastewater Operator, and certifications in water quality management and sanitation safety (e.g., from the World Health Organization or other recognized bodies) is preferred. 23. Experience: (i) 10 years of practical experience in wastewater treatment plant design, operation, and management, including on and off-site sanitation systems, (ii) proven track record of managing wastewater and sanitation projects, from planning and design to implementation and monitoring, (iii) in- depth knowledge of local, national, and international regulations and standards related to wastewater discharge and pollution control, (iv) expertise in biological, chemical, and physical treatment processes, including advanced treatment technologies for wastewater reuse, (v) strong understanding of pollution control measures, effluent discharge standards, and strategies to minimize environmental impact, (vi) experience in designing and implementing systems for the reuse of treated wastewater in agricultural, industrial, or urban applications, (vii) knowledge of both on-site (e.g., septic systems) and off-site (e.g., centralized sewage treatment) sanitation solutions, (viii) ability to develop and implement sanitation safety plans to ensure safe and sustainable sanitation practices, (ix) knowledge in conducting environmental impact assessments and interpreting results to guide project development, (x) skills in water quality testing and analysis, with the ability to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Familiarity with water and sanitation sector issues in Sri Lanka would be an advantage. Proficiency in English and strong writing skills are essential. 24. Responsibilities: The expert will support relevant stakeholders in developing documents of policy action 2.2 under its responsibility. H. Other Relevant Information (i) General Requirements 25. The consultant will work alongside MUDCH and other relevant stakeholder staff, to have frequent interactions that would facilitate undertaking the proposed consulting services and successful completion of deliverables. In addition, for effective and efficient execution of the assignment, and as required by MUDCH, consultants should closely interact with the designated ADB staff. 26. It is expected that the consultant will have as many as possible the following credentials: (i) demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively together with counterpart staff of implementing agency, and public sector organizations in South Asia; and (ii) have extensive in-country experience. 27. The consultant, in consultation with MUDCH shall coordinate and collect data from different stakeholders when needed, to meet necessary data inputs for undertaking the tasks under the scope of services and expected activities/deliverables. 28. All documentation prepared will be in the English language. (ii) Government inputs 29. MUDCH will provide suitable and adequate dedicated counterpart staff to work with the consultant. If required, MUDCH will provide appropriate unfurnished office space in MUDCH premises in Colombo for the consultant to carry out all its activities/ tasks. MUDCH will also make available all relevant and available policies, strategies, study reports, technical reports, etc. MUDCH will also be responsible for promoting stakeholder consultation events and/or workshops.
Minimum General Experience10YearsMinimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment)10Years
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