The Netherlands Red Cross Water Management Track Record, Impact and Lesson Learned Consultancy

1. Introduction 

The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) supports vulnerable people affected by disasters, conflicts, and climate‑related risks. The Water, Climate & Nature (WCN) Unit provides technical leadership in water management, climate resilience, and environmentally sustainable programming. NLRC has implemented a broad and diverse water‑related portfolio globally, including groundwater development, WASH interventions in crises, water governance support, climate‑resilient water systems, and collaboration with global water-sector actors. 

Despite extensive engagement in the water sector, NLRC has not consolidated its achievements, lessons, and contributions into a single documented overview. To address this gap, NLRC seeks to contract a Netherlands‑based consultant to develop a Water Management Track Record, Impact and Learning Report, covering the past decade of NLRC’s water management work. This Track Record will support internal learning, external positioning, and donor communication. 

2. Context & Background 

NLRC defines water management as the planning, governance, protection, and sustainable use of water resources to ensure equitable and resilient access. NLRC’s portfolio includes: 

• Water supply in fragile and crisis settings 

• Community‑led water governance 

• Groundwater exploration and management 

• Anticipatory action and climate resilience 

• Technical support to National Societies 

• Partnerships with Dutch and global water actors 

The consultancy will document NLRC’s water management work over the past decade, highlighting key trends, innovations, contributions, and learning throughout this period. 

The Track Record will support NLRC in: 

• Strengthening organisational learning 

• Communicating achievements to donors and partners 

• Positioning NLRC in the global water sector 

• Informing future strategy and partnerships 

3. Purpose & Scope 

Overall purpose 

To produce a comprehensive, evidence based overview of NLRC’s water management portfolio over the past decade and generate strategic learning products that help position NLRC within the global humanitarian water sector. 

Key Objectives 

The consultant will: 

• Document NLRC’s water management activities, achievements, innovations, and contributions across programmes and partnerships. 

• Analyse themes, patterns, lessons, and strategic shifts over time. 

• Capture user and stakeholder perspectives through interviews and testimonies. 

• Produce a structured “living document” that NLRC can update over time. 

• Create learning and communication products such as a written report, short stories, storytelling and infographics 

Scope 

The consultancy focuses on NLRC’s global water management work, including: 

• Bilateral and multilateral programmes 

• Technical services and capacity strengthening 

• Community‑level water governance and resilience initiatives 

• Collaboration with global water actors 

• Internal WCN strategic developments 

4. Key Questions 

This consultancy focuses on documenting and synthesizing 10 years of NLRC’s water management work in order to strengthen internal learning, position NLRC externally, and create clear communication for partners and donors. 

The Track Record should therefore address the following key questions: 

1. Portfolio Overview & Evolution 

1. What has NLRC done in water management over the past decade, including major themes, geographic focus areas, technical approaches, and partnership modalities?  

2. How has NLRC’s water management portfolio evolved over time, and what internal or external factors drove this evolution? 

2. Achievements, Contributions & Added Value 

1. What results, achievements, and contributions has NLRC made in water management at:  

• community level 

• partner National Society level 

• sector/system level 

2. What evidence demonstrates NLRC’s added value in the humanitarian and development water sector?  

3. How has NLRC contributed to strengthening partners, local actors, or systems related to water governance or climate resilience? 

3. Approaches, Modalities & Ways of Working 

1. Which technical approaches, tools, and methodologies have been central to NLRC’s water management programming?  

2. Which approaches have been most effective or promising, and under what contextual conditions? 

4. Perspectives & Experiences 

1. How do NLRC staff, partners, communities, and donors describe the relevance, strengths, and distinctive qualities of NLRC’s water management work?  

2. What testimonies, stories, quotes, or experiences best illustrate the human impact and practical value of NLRC’s contributions? 

5. Lessons Learned, Patterns & Insights 

1. What lessons can be drawn from 10 years of NLRC water management work, including successes, challenges, and emerging patterns?  

2. What internal or external factors enabled or constrained effectiveness across different contexts and time periods? 

6. Challenges, Gaps & Opportunities 

1. What recurring challenges or gaps appear across programmes, partnerships, or technical themes?  

2. What opportunities exist for strengthening NLRC’s future water management strategy, partnerships, and technical positioning? 

7. Structure & Sustainability of the Track Record 

1. How should the Track Record be structured as a “living document” so it remains:  

• up‑to‑date 

• easy to expand 

• useful for strategy, funding, and partnerships 

2. What information systems or simple processes would enable NLRC to maintain and update the Track Record over time? 

5. Methodology 

The consultancy will use a practical, mixed‑methods approach designed to produce a concise Track Record and related learning outputs. The consultant will be based in the Netherlands, working from the NLRC office or a home office, with interviews conducted remotely or in-person when feasible. 

No travel is expected for this assignment. All interviews and meetings can be conducted remotely or in-person. 

1. Desk Review 

The consultant will conduct a structured review of all relevant NLRC water management documentation, including: 

• Project and programme proposals and reports  

• Evaluations, lessons learned documents  

• Technical briefs, thematic papers, and strategy documents  

• Donor reports and communication materials  

• Case studies and internal learning outputs 

This step establishes the historical timeline, themes, achievements, and evolution of NLRC’s water management work. 

2. Qualitative Key Informant Interviews (Remote) 

• Selected NLRC WCN team members and key International Assistance staff (these may include former NLRC employees) 

• Partner National Societies 

• Selected external partner organisations that NLRC has worked or is currently working with 

• Field‑level staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders 

These interviews capture insights, experiences, perspectives, and contextual understanding not found in documentation. 

3. Collection of User Quotes & Testimonies 

User perspectives will be collected through: 

• Short remote interviews 

• Email‑based narrative collection facilitated by field teams 

• Review of existing testimonies in project documentation 

These quotes will be used for learning and communication products targeted at internal teams, external partners, and donors. 

4. Synthesis of Findings 

The consultant will produce a practical, manageable synthesis based on: 

• Recurring observations in documents 

• Insights and statements from interviews 

• Identified good practices and illustrative examples 

• Opportunities and suggestions emerging naturally from conversations and documentation 

5. Development of the Water Management Track Record Narrative (Not more than 5 pages) 

The consultant will develop an accessible decade-long narrative that: 

• Documents key activities and achievements  

• Highlights NLRC’s added value and contributions  

• Summarises lessons and good practices  

• Identifies opportunities for future positioning  

• Is written in a clear, engaging, donor‑friendly style 

6. Validation & Internal Feedback 

NLRC teams will review draft materials. 

The consultant may conduct a virtual validation session to ensure accuracy and alignment across internal stakeholders. 

7. Finalisation of Knowledge Products 

• The Track Record (full report) 

• The “living document” version for SharePoint 

• Learning & communication materials 

• A final presentation to NLRC 

The consultant may propose methodological refinements during the inception phase. 

6. Deliverables 

The consultant will produce the following deliverables, aligned with the objective of documenting NLRC’s 10‑year water management track record and enhancing internal learning, external communication, and donor positioning. 

1. Inception Report – Methodology, work plan, interview list, and structure for the Track Record. 

2. Water Management Portfolio Map (high-level) – A visual or structured overview of major activities, themes, partners, and evolution over the past decade. 

3. Summary of Findings – A short synthesis of the key insights emerging from the desk review and interviews. 

4. Curated Quotes, Stories & Testimonials – A compiled set of selected quotes and stories suitable for communication and learning purposes. 

5. Draft Track Record Report (max. 5 pages) – A concise, evidence-based narrative covering achievements, contributions, lessons, and opportunities. 

6. Final Track Record Report – A revised version incorporating NLRC feedback. 

7. SharePoint‑ready “Living Document” – A structured, editable resource for ongoing updates. 

8. 2 – 3 Communication Products – Infographic, 3‑page donor brief, storytelling, blog, or slide deck 

9. Final Presentation to NLRC WCN team 

7. Consultant Profile / Required Qualifications 

The consultant should possess the following qualifications, experience, and competencies to successfully deliver the 10‑year Water Management Track Record and related learning and communication products. 

1. Location & Duty Station 

• Must be based in the Netherlands 

• Duty station: NLRC Headquarters, The Hague 

• Work may be conducted from the office or a home office in NL 

• Interviews conducted remotely 

• No travel required 

2. Education 

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in water resources, environmental sciences, WASH, climate/resilience, humanitarian studies, or related fields 

3. Professional Experience 

• 5–7+ years of relevant experience 

• Proven experience in similar assignments:  

• Multi‑year programme documentation 

• Organisational learning 

• Qualitative research 

• Synthesis and writing 

• Experience with humanitarian or development organisations 

• RCRC Movement experience is an asset 

4. Skills & Competencies 

• Excellent English writing and synthesis skills 

• Strong qualitative interviewing skills 

• Ability to produce accessible learning and communication materials 

• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities 

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Teams, SharePoint) 

5. Personal Characteristics 

• Commitment to Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles 

• Respectful, culturally sensitive, collaborative 

• Reliable and able to work independently 

• Familiarity with GDPR and secure data handling 

8. Timeline & Level of Effort 

Duration: maximum 2 months 
Estimated effort: 32 – 40 working days 

9. Management Arrangements / Lines of Communication 

The consultancy will be overseen by the WCN Core Supervision Team, which will: 

• Provide initial briefing and orientation 

• Share documentation and contact lists 

• Support interview arrangements 

• Review all deliverables and consolidate feedback 

The consultant will maintain regular coordination, in‑person or via Teams, and all formal communication will be documented. As a minimum a weekly check-in moment will be organized, possibly complemented by in-depth sessions. 

10. Ethical Considerations & Data Protection 

The consultant must comply with: 

• EU GDPR 

• RCRC Fundamental Principles 

• Informed consent procedures 

• Confidentiality and secure data handling 

• Deletion of personal data upon completion 

Interviews must be voluntary, respectful, and risk‑free for participants. 

11. Bid Requirements & Analysis Criteria 

Interested consultants/ firms should submit their expression of interest to NLRC’s Logistics Department: 

Logistics@redcross.nl and ccing sgennoro@redcross.nl  

The deadline for submission is 29^th of May 2026. The proposal should mention the assignment applied for: SUBJECT: RFP 2026 1232_WCN_Company Name  

Bid Requirements 

Interested consultants are invited to submit a complete proposal including the following: 

1. Vendor registration Form Part 1 fully and Part 2 only 1.9 for Environmental Standards. 

2. Cover Letter 

• Brief description of the consultant’s relevant experience. 

• Availability and proposed daily rate (in EUR). 

• Confirmation of being based in the Netherlands and able to work from The Hague or home office. 

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

• Highlighting relevant technical experience in water management, documentation, qualitative research, learning products, and previous similar assignments. 

4. Technical Proposal 

• Understanding of the assignment. 

• Proposed methodology (aligned with remote interviews and no-travel requirements). 

• Proposed work plan and timeline (within 2 months). 

5. Financial Proposal 

• Daily rate and total estimated cost for 40–45 working days. 

• All costs must be included; no separate travel budget is foreseen. 

6. Previous Work Samples 

• One or two samples of similar assignments (e.g., organisational learning products, multi‑year documentation, track record reports, qualitative synthesis work). 

• Sensitive information may be redacted. 

7. References 

• Contact details of at least two professional referees. 

Incomplete applications may not be considered. 

Analysis Criteria  

Vendor Code of Conduct  

NLRC is committed to upholding the highest sustainability standards and requirements (ethical, social, environmental and quality) in all our business providing high-quality services and products. Complying with all laws and regulations and ensuring fair competition are fundamental to this commitment.   

The NLRC Vendor Code of Conduct – Annex 3, expresses the expectations we hold for all of NLRC vendors. The Vendor Code of Conduct outlines the behaviours expected of Vendors who commit to uphold these standards and prevent misconduct. It is legally binding and forms an integral part of the contract between the Vendor and the NLRC. The winning applicants will be requested to sign this Code of Conduct at contract stage.  

Climate and Environmental Impact    

The NLRC has signed the Climate and Environment charter. As we work towards ensuring that all our operations coincide with this new agreement, we must also demand that any collaborations we have with external parties also fall within the parameters of this charter.     

Any additional requirements for the service provider to try to adhere to (e.g. working remotely, not flying large teams to countries, proof of company’s own environmental commitments) will be taken into account.