Expertise: National Nature Based Solutions Expert
Expertise Group: Biological Sciences & Ecology
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: Nature Based Solutions, NBS
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
A. Background
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 
- The consultant will support the MUDCH in conducting monitoring actions relevant to policy action 2.2
(iii.a) 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.    - A Climate Change Roadmap (CCR) for the water and sanitation sectors in Sri Lanka is essential to
increase resilience and sustainability due to escalating climate challenges. Rising temperatures,
erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing incidences of droughts and floods threaten the availability
and quality of water resources and the functionality of sanitation systems. Without a strategic
framework, these sectors and assets risk becoming overwhelmed, resulting in compromised public health,
diminished water security, and disrupted ecosystems. A roadmap provides a structured approach to
integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into policy, planning, and implementation
processes, to ensure the sectors are equipped to handle future climate-related uncertainties
effectively. - Incorporating overarching guidance for the increased use of nature-based solutions (NbS) is equally
critical. NbS, such as wetland restoration, reforestation, and the development of green infrastructure,
offer cost-effective and sustainable ways to enhance water availability, improve water quality, and
protect ecosystems. These approaches align with Sri Lanka’s commitments to global climate goals while
delivering co-benefits, including biodiversity conservation and improved community livelihoods. A well-
defined roadmap that embeds NbS can transform water and sanitation systems into climate-resilient
infrastructure and foster a sustainable future.
Scope of Work
- The consultant will be responsible for preparing all documents related to the policy action, ensuring
they align with the corresponding deliverables outlined in Table 1. Additionally, the consultant will
review the current 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.  - The consultant will be part of a team responsible for developing and supporting the approval of a CCR
for the drinking water supply and sanitation sectors, including overarching guidance for increased use
of nature-based solutions.1 In close collaboration with other experts to ensure alignment with
resilience and sustainability objectives, the consultant is expected to design and integrate
sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches into the CCR for water and sanitation sectors. This will include
assessing current nature-based policies, strategies, and plans, identifying opportunities for
implementing NbS such as wetland restoration and green infrastructure, developing guidelines for
integrating NbS into water and sanitation planning, and providing technical input to ensure these
solutions align with the broader CCR. The consultant will also provide technical and strategic support
to facilitate stakeholder consultations, address potential concerns, and prepare the necessary
documentation to secure formal approval of the mandate. - Sequentially, the consultant will (i) collect relevant information and documents, (ii) draft reports
and recommendations, and (iii) validate the contents of the documents with relevant key stakeholders.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
D. Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Outputs
- 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, National Adaptation Action Plan, and Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined
Contributions. 
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. 
- 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 (iii.a) Climate Change Roadmap for the drinking water supply and sanitation sectors, including
overarching guidance for increased use of nature-based-solutions
Conduct Baseline Assessment of Policies, Action Plans, etc.:
Review existing policies, action plans, and strategies that have implications or considerations of NbS
in water and sanitation. Identify gaps and opportunities for integration.
Assessment Report:
Comprehensive analysis of existing policies, action plans, and strategies, with recommendations for
enhancing NbS considerations.
Facilitate Stakeholder Consultations:
Engage government bodies, communities, and experts to gather input on potential NbS strategies and share
relevant best practices from similar contexts.
Throughout the assignment.
Feedback and inputs from stakeholders are to be incorporated into the documents.
Develop NbS Interventions and Guidelines:
Design a framework proposing NbS interventions (e.g., wetland restoration, green infrastructure) and
prepare technical guidelines for planning and implementation.
NbS Framework and Guidelines:
A comprehensive analysis of gaps that may impede NbS’s success, requiring government intervention or
policy adjustment.
Align NbS Recommendations with CCR:
Collaborate with other consultants to ensure NbS recommendations align with the broader objectives of
the Climate Change Roadmap for coherence and synergy.
Throughout the assignment.
NbS strategies should align with the CCR, ensuring consistency with sectoral resilience and
sustainability objectives.
Finalize NbS Framework:
Refine the framework based on feedback, ensure alignment and integration into the CCR, and support
approval of the CCR.
Final NbS Framework:
Approved NbS framework and guidelines.
CCR = Climate Change Roadmap, NbS = Nature-based solution.
E. Expected deliverables and timelines 
- The consultant is expected to review the current policy framework concerning the potential use of
Nature-based solutions, including the National Water Resources Policy, the National Adaptation Action
Plan (under the Ministry of Environment), and Sri Lanka’s Nationally Determined Contributions, identify
and document any gaps or bottlenecks, and recommend appropriate mechanisms and strategies to address
these issues. Additionally, the consultant should provide a clear plan for moving forward, outlining
steps to resolve the identified challenges.  - Table 2 represents the linkages between the policy action and expected activities, including
timelines and working days. 
Table 2: Linkages between the Policy Actions and Deliverables
Policy action and/or outcome 
Timeline 
Activities 
Working days
2.2 Aligned with NWRP strategies to increase climate resilience and environmental sustainability, MWS
will:
(iii) approve with immediate effect a:
(a) Climate Change Roadmap for the drinking water supply and sanitation sectors, including overarching
guidance for increased use of nature-based-solutions
Up to November 2025
Develop overarching guidance for increased implementation of nature-based solutions.
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- Table 3 represents the reporting requirements. 
Table 3: Reporting requirements
No. 
Report 
Timeline
Description
Inception Report
Within 15 days after mobilization
Detailed work plan, methodology, and stakeholder coordination strategy for integrating NbS into the CCR.
Assessment Report
Within 45 days after mobilization
Comprehensive analysis of policies, action plans, and strategies with NbS implications, identifying gaps
and opportunities.
Draft NbS Framework and Guidelines
Within 80 days after mobilization
Initial draft of NbS interventions, technical guidelines, and proposed strategies for integration into
water and sanitation systems.
Final NbS Framework and Guidelines
Within 105 days after mobilization
Finalized framework and guidelines incorporating feedback from stakeholders and aligned with the CCR
objectives.
Final Completion Report
Within 120 days after mobilization
Comprehensive report summarizing the activities, outcomes, and recommendations for future NbS
implementation.
F. Implementation Arrangements 
- 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.  - The assignment shall be completed within 170 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 January 2026.
The tasks associated with the consultant’s assignment under 2.2 (iii.a) shall be completed within 120
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
- Qualifications: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Forestry, Biology,
Environmental Engineering, Geography, or a related field. - Experience: (i) 5 years’ experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring Natural-based
solutions (NBS) projects, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or urban green infrastructure,
(ii) experience in designing policies, guidelines, frameworks, (iii) a deep understanding of ecosystem
services, biodiversity, and ecological processes, (iv) knowledge of how NBS can contribute to climate
resilience and carbon sequestration, and (v) familiarity with environmental policies, regulations, and
frameworks at local, national, and international levels. Familiarity with water and sanitation sector
issues in Sri Lanka would be an advantage. Proficiency in English and strong writing skills are
essential. - Responsibilities: The expert will deliver all expected documents of policy action 2.2 under its
responsibility.
H. Other Relevant Information  
(i) General Requirements  
- The consultant will work alongside MUDCH and other relevant stakeholder staff and individual
consultants, 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.  - 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.  - 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.  - All documentation prepared will be in the English language. 
(ii) Government inputs  
- 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 Experience: 5 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 5 Years
