TERMS OF REFERENCE
Endline Evaluation – Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA)
Living Water International – Zambia
Chipata, Chipangali & Kasenengwa Districts, Eastern Province, Zambia
March 2026
SUMMARY
Program name
Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA)
Purpose
The main objective of the endline is to assess the overall impact, effectiveness, and sustainability of WASH, church mobilization and community mobilization initiatives implemented between 2020 and 2026 in improving the physical, social, and spiritual well-being in the WASH Program area (WPA).
Specific Objectives:
· To measure changes in key WASH and church and community mobilization indicators between the 2020 baseline and the 2026 endline in the target communities.
· To assess the effectiveness and sustainability of WASH, and church and community mobilization interventions implemented from 2020 to 2026.
· To evaluate the relevance, Coherence, efficiency, impact and effectiveness of the program in addressing the needs of the target communities during the 2020–2026 implementation period.
· To generate evidence-based lessons and recommendations to inform accountability and future programming.
Dates
Start: 1st November 2026 to 31st January 2027 (91 Days).
Contract length
13 weeks.
(This is subject to extension as needed. However, extensions Will NOT result in any changes in the agreed contract amount).
Location
Chipata, Chipangali & Kasenengwa: 24 wards, namely, Msanga, Khova, Nsingo, Kanjala, Makangila, Kazimule, Chikando, Dilika, Nthope, Lunkhuswe, Chipangali, Kasenga, Madziatuwa, Msandile, Sisisnje, Rukuzye, Chiparamba, Mpunza, Chingazi, Makungwa, Kwenje, Mboza, Ngongwe and Mkowe
Required language
Chichewa, Nsenga, Ngoni and English.
Reporting to
Living Water International Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Country Office)
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1. BACKGROUND
1.1 Organizational Overview
Living Water International (LWI) is a Christian non-profit organization that exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean and safe water and experience “living water”-the gospel of Jesus Christ-which alone satisfies the deepest thirst. Founded in 1990 in Kenya, LWI implements integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Church and Community Mobilization (CCM) programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
In Zambia, Living Water International Zambia began operations in 2007 through Water for the Oppressed (WFTO) and was officially registered as an International NGO in 2011. LWI Zambia has implemented in Chirundu, Kafue, Nyimba, and Copperbelt Provinces and is currently operating in Central and Eastern provinces. To date, LWI Zambia has:
· Completed over 1,500 simple (new and rehabilitation) water projects.
· Constructed 83 piped water systems in communities and institutions.
· Reached over 450,000 people with access to clean and safe drinking water.
· Constructed 107 sanitation facilities in institutions.
· Reached over 120,000 people with sanitation and hygiene promotion messages.
· Co-labored with more than 4,000 churches through Church and Community Mobilization.
1.2 Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA)
The Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA), implemented by Living Water International Zambia, officially commenced in 2020 and was designed as a six-year integrated WASH, church mobilization, and community mobilization initiatives running up to September 2026. The WPA is implemented in 3 districts of Eastern Province: Chipata, Chipangali, and Kasenengwa, with a total population of 518,704 people of which the WPA targeted 265,000.
1.3 Problem Statement
Despite national progress, Zambia continues to face significant gaps in WASH access and behavioral practices, particularly in rural areas. Service expansion has not kept pace with population growth and achieving universal water access by 2030 would require providing basic water services to approximately 0.66 million people annually. The 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey reported that 72% of households accessed improved drinking water sources (92% urban; 58% rural), a modest increase from 65% in 2013–14. Sanitation coverage improved to 54% in 2018 from 25% in 2013–14, while open defecation remained at 10%. Persistent inequities are linked to inadequate rural investment, aging infrastructure, weak community management systems, and limited adoption of safe hygiene practices (ZDHS 2018; NWP 2022; JMP 2017). These structural challenges are further compounded by aging infrastructure, weak community management systems, and limited adoption of safe hygiene behaviors.
The WASH challenges identified at national level were also reflected in the Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA) baseline assessment conducted by Living Water International Zambia. Baseline findings indicated moderate access to water services but significant behavioral and infrastructure sustainability gaps. For example, only 48.20% of households had access to at least basic water services, while correct use of recommended household water treatment technologies was reported at 25.20%. Although 85.50% of households stored drinking water in covered containers, knowledge of where to obtain recommended water treatment products was low at 22.70%.
Sanitation indicators also revealed vulnerabilities, with access to basic or safely managed sanitation recorded at 55.80%, but only 35.80% of households demonstrating adequate latrine cleanliness. Hygiene infrastructure was particularly weak, as only 3.70% of households had handwashing stations showing evidence of recent use, and 1.70% had soap and water within ten paces of a latrine. Community hygiene knowledge was relatively higher, with 66.90% of respondents knowing at least three critical handwashing moments. Social and community-level WASH engagement also required strengthening, as only 28.50% of respondents associated the local church with WASH improvements. Additionally, programmatic support was reflected in community activities, including 72 WASH improvement projects, 152 hygiene and sanitation activities, and 136 women groups involved in sanitation marketing.
In response to identified WASH and community mobilization gaps, Living Water International launched the Chipata WPA program in 2020 as an integrated intervention to improve water access, sanitation, hygiene behaviors, and church-led community engagement. The program combined infrastructure development, strengthening of Water User Committees, household water treatment promotion, sanitation marketing, and church mobilization to address both service delivery and behavioral determinants. The endline evaluation aims to assess program impact, sustainability, and progress toward improving the physical, social, and spiritual well-being of 265,000 people across Chipata Central, Luangeni, Kasenengwa, and Chipangali constituencies by 2026.
1.4 Program Overall Goal
Improved physical, social and spiritual wellbeing of 265,000 people in Chipata, Kasenengwa and Chipangali constituencies by 2026. This goal was to be achieved through increased access to safe water, improved sanitation, strengthened hygiene practices, and deepened/effective church and community mobilizations.
The program was designed to achieve the following outcomes during the 2020–2026 implementation period.
· Outcome 1:Increased access to safe, potable, and adequate water for 265,000 people in Chipata Central, Luangeni, Kasenengwa and Chipangali constituencies by 2026.
· Outcome 2: Increased access to improved sanitation and adoption of good hygiene practices for 159,000 people in Chipata Central, Luangeni, Kasenengwa and Chipangali constituencies by 2026.
· Outcome 3: Churches equipped to mobilize 92,750 people in Chipata Central, Luangeni, Kasenengwa and Chipangali constituencies for WASH by 2026.
Strategic Integration of the Program
Chipata WPA was initiated under the Living Water International (LWI) 2016–2021 Strategic Plan and has continued through subsequent programming cycles. It is currently aligned with the 2025–2027 (FY26–FY28) Strategic Plan, which provides the primary framework for implementation. Under the current strategic plan, the overall vision is to pursue the physical, spiritual, and social flourishing of all people who lack basic WASH services into the next generation. This vision is operationalized through the following strategic priorities:
· Church and community empowerment for sustainability.
· Safe water access.
· Improved sanitation and hygiene.
· Gospel proclamation and discipleship.
To operationalize these priorities, LWI will focus on the following strategic actions:
· Co-laboring with 271 churches as primary partners by FY28.
· Implement holistic WASH for 190,450overlooked and excluded neighbors by FY28.
· Deepen Engagement Between Supporters and Communities.
· Growing an Engaged Donor Base by 30% for the Future by FY28
2. PURPOSE OF THE ENDLINE EVALUATION
The purpose of the endline survey is to measure changes in key WASH and community mobilization indicators relative to baseline values and to assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, impact, and sustainability of interventions implemented by Living Water International Zambia under the Chipata WASH Program Area (2020–2026). The evaluation will support project closure accountability, organizational learning, and evidence generation to inform future programming and potential scale-up of successful models.
Aim
The aim of the endline evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Chipata WPA has achieved its overall goal of improving the physical, social, and spiritual well-being of target communities through increased access to safe water, improved sanitation and hygiene practices, and strengthened church and community engagement.
Objectives
The endline evaluation seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- To measure changes in household access to safe, potable, and adequate water services between baseline and endline across the 24 wards of Chipata Central, Luangeni, Kasenengwa, and Chipangali constituencies.
- To assess changes in sanitation coverage and adoption of key hygiene behaviors among households in the Chipata WASH Program Area (WPA).
- To assess the functionality and water quality of water points across the WPA, including operational status, management effectiveness, and selected microbiological and physicochemical water quality parameters.
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to safe water handling, sanitation, and hygiene in the WPA at the end of the implementation period.
- To assess holistic flourishing for households and its connection to WASH access
- To evaluate the contribution of church and community mobilization activities to improvements in WASH outcomes in the target communities.
- To identify key implementation gaps, enabling factors, and challenges affecting program performance and sustainability during the implementation period.
- To assess the effectiveness of strategic sustainability measures implemented under the program.
- To generate evidence-based recommendations to strengthen future WASH programming and sustainability mechanisms beyond the WPA.
3. SCOPE OF WORK
The endline evaluation will cover all 24 wards in Chipata, Chipangali, and Kasenengwa Districts under the Chipata WASH Program Area implemented by Living Water International Zambia. It will assess household and institutional WASH access and practices, water point functionality and management, church and community mobilization structures, and the sustainability mechanisms supporting long-term service delivery.
4. METHODOLOGY
The Endline Evaluation will adopt a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to comprehensively assess changes in key WASH and Church and Community Mobilization (CCM) indicators since program inception in 2020 by Living Water International Zambia. The evaluation will cover all 24 wards across Chipata, Chipangali, and Kasenengwa Districts. The consultant will develop a detailed research protocol and sampling framework in collaboration with the LWI project team. The methodology will ensure comparability with the baseline study to allow valid measurement of change over time.
4.2 Sampling Approach
To ensure methodological consistency and comparability with baseline findings, the endline survey will apply a structured sampling design aligned with the baseline methodology. The baseline utilized systematic sampling, with Slovin’s formula applied to determine the sample size across Chipata Central, Kasenengwa, and Chipangali constituencies.
For the endline, a comparable sampling logic will be applied across the 24 wards in the three districts to ensure statistical validity and trend comparability. The final sample size will be calculated at a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error, ensuring statistical comparability with the baseline survey. The sampling frame will consist of updated household listings within the targeted wards, from which households will be systematically selected. In cases where a selected household is unavailable or declines participation, a predefined replacement strategy will be applied by selecting the next eligible household within the sampling interval to maintain the integrity of the sampling design.
Final sample size determination, allocation per ward, and detailed household selection procedures will be elaborated in the inception report.
4.3 Data Collection Methods
4.3.1 Desk Review
A comprehensive review of relevant program documents will be conducted, including design documents, theory of change, baseline and midline reports, annual reports, monitoring data, water point records, training documentation, and donor reports. National and district-level WASH policy and sector documents will also be reviewed to contextualize findings.
4.3.2 Household Survey
A structured household questionnaire will be administered to a statistically representative sample of households across the WPA. The survey will collect quantitative data on:
- Access to basic and safely managed water services
- Sanitation facility access and use
- Hygiene practices and handwashing behavior
- Household water treatment practices
- Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)
- Holistic Flourishing
- Community and church engagement in WASH
4.3.3 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
KIIs will be conducted with purposively selected stakeholders knowledgeable about WPA implementation and sustainability mechanisms. These will include District and local council officials, Ward development committees, Water User Committees, School and health facility representatives, Church leaders, Community leaders etc.
4.3.4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
A total of 24 FGDs (one per ward) will be conducted with representative community groups, including health workers, ward committee members, church representatives, and community leaders.
4.3.5 Institutional Surveys
Structured assessments will be conducted in all institutions within the WPA, including schools, health facilities, markets, and churches, to evaluate WASH infrastructure access, functionality, management arrangements, and hygiene promotion practices. Special emphasis will be placed on revisiting the same schools that were included in the baseline and midline assessments, to ensure consistency in monitoring changes over time.
4.3.6 Water Point Assessments
Water points across the WPA will be assessed to determine, Functionality status; Technology type; Management structure; Operation and maintenance practices; Evidence of financial mechanisms for sustainability.
4.3.7 Water Quality Testing
Water quality testing will be conducted at selected water points across the WPA to determine: Microbiological water safety (E. coli/thermotolerant coliforms); Turbidity levels; Residual chlorine levels (where applicable); Compliance with acceptable drinking water quality standards.
Water quality testing was not conducted during the baseline and midline assessments; therefore, direct comparison over time will not be possible. However, the endline assessment will provide critical evidence on the current safety of water sources and help validate reported access to safe water services.
4.4 Data Quality Assurance
The consultant will ensure data reliability and validity through: Enumerator training, tool pre-testing, supervised data collection, daily data review and validation, built-in digital quality control checks.
4.5 Ethical Considerations
The evaluation will adhere to ethical standards including, Informed consent from all participants, voluntary participation, confidentiality and anonymity and secure data handling. The consultant will comply with the safeguarding and code of conduct requirements of Living Water International.
5. DELIVERABLES
- Inception report (methodology, sampling, tools, workplan)
- Data collection tools
- Raw and Cleaned datasets (quantitative & qualitative)
- Draft evaluation report
- Final evaluation report (incorporating feedback)
- PowerPoint presentation
6. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The evaluation firm or individual consultant must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:
- Demonstrated experience in conducting high-quality evaluations of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs.
- Proven experience working with international organizations implementing WASH programs in Zambia and/or other African countries.
- Team Leader with at least a master’s degree in public health, Environmental Health, Water Resources Management, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in leading evaluations, with strong expertise in mixed-methods research design and evaluation methodologies.
- Evaluation team comprising at minimum: WASH Expert, Public Health Expert and Data Analyst
- Demonstrated field experience in WASH data collection, supervision, data analysis, and report writing in Zambia or similar contexts.
- Experience in conducting water quality testing and analysis, or inclusion of a qualified Environmental Health or Water Quality Specialist within the evaluation team.
- Proven consultancy service delivery experience with references.
- Strong technical and analytical report writing skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of WASH systems, community management structures, sustainability mechanisms, and church/community mobilization approaches.
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with proficiency in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the project area will be an added advantage.
- Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines.
6.1 Consultant Responsibilities
The Consultant shall:
· Adhere to the Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies of Living Water International.
· Conduct the consultancy in accordance with the agreed Terms of Reference and contractual obligations. Any proposed modifications to the scope, methodology, or timeline must be formally communicated to and approved by Living Water prior to implementation.
· Ensure confidentiality, integrity, and secure management of all data collected, and submit complete raw datasets to Living Water International Zambia at the end of the assignment.
· Deliver the evaluation in a timely and high-quality manner, adhering strictly to the agreed timeline.
· Review and familiarize themselves with all relevant program documents, reports, and monitoring data prior to fieldwork.
· Maintain close coordination with Living Water and key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of evaluation activities.
· Facilitate necessary stakeholder meetings, validation workshops, and feedback sessions for data triangulation and verification of findings.
· Submit draft and final evaluation reports in soft copy, incorporating feedback from Living Water.
· Be responsible for all logistical arrangements related to the assignment, including transport, accommodation, field coordination, and equipment.
· Recruit, train, and supervise enumerators required for the assignment.
6.2 Living Water International Responsibilities
Living Water International Zambia shall:
· Provide access to relevant program documents, databases, and background materials necessary for the evaluation.
· Facilitate entry into target communities and institutions within the WPA.
· Provide official introductions to relevant stakeholders at district, ward, and community levels.
· Review draft deliverables and provide timely feedback to the Consultant.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
The Consultant will report to the Programs Director and work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer. Regular progress updates will be required.
8. TIMEFRAME
Activity
Timeline
Inception Report
1st – 12th June 2026
Tool Development
15th –26th June 2026
Ongoing WPA Close-Out and Exit Processes
July-October 2026
Enumerator Training
2nd-6th November 2026.
Data Collection
9th-30th November 2026.
Data Analysis
1st -11th December 2026.
Draft Report
14th-18th December 2026.
LWI Review CO/global
21st December 2026-8th January 2027.
Final Report-Consultant
11th-15th January 2027.
LWI global and CO final review
18th -22nd January 2027.
9. LANGUAGE
All reports and deliverables will be prepared and submitted in English. Data collection tools where necessary will be translated into Chichewa, Nsenga, and Ngoni to ensure accurate data collection and effective engagement with respondents in the target communities.
10. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit a complete proposal demonstrating their technical capacity and relevant experience to undertake the assignment to the Living Water International Zambia Head Office, located at House No. 19, Warthog Road, Kabulonga. The proposal package should include the following:
· Technical Proposal outlining the consultant’s understanding of the assignment, proposed evaluation approach, and detailed methodology.
· Financial Proposal clearly indicating the total consultancy cost and a detailed budget breakdown.
· Curriculum Vitae (CVs) of Key Personnel who will be involved in the assignment, highlighting relevant qualifications and evaluation experience.
· Examples of Similar Evaluation Reports or consultancy assignments previously conducted, particularly in WASH or development programming.
· Proposed Methodology, including sampling strategy, data collection methods, analytical approach, and quality assurance measures.
· Proposed Workplan outlining key activities, timelines, and deliverables aligned with the timeframe provided in this ToR.
All proposals should clearly demonstrate the consultant’s capacity to deliver high-quality evaluation outputs within the stipulated timeframe.
HOW TO APPLY
· Develop a technical proposal and a financial proposal.
· Send electronic proposals to the email zambia.jobs@water.cc with RFP number referenced in the subject line.
· Validity of quote should be 60 days.
· LWIZ’s preferred payment terms are 40% upon mobilization and 60% after receipt and acceptance of goods and services.
· The technical proposal should include:
§ Profile of the consulting firm/contractor.
§ CV for key personnel.
§ Cover letter for the team.
§ Implementation plan.
§ Timeline.
§ Methodology.
§ Deliverables.
§ Data collection plan.
§ Data analysis plan.
§ Supporting Documentation (Valid Tax Clearance certificates, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of share capital etc.).
· The financial proposal should include:
§ Cost of consulting services.
§ Travel expenses.
§ Other expenses.
· Provide examples of relevant past work (two references including contact names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of persons who can be contacted regarding the bidder’s prior performance for similar work within the past 3 years).
Offer Deadline and submission of bids by Thursday, 18th June 2026 by 23:59 PM.
Ensuring successful transmission and receipt of the bids is the responsibility of the Bidder. It is recommended that no email exceeds the size of 10MB, inclusive of attachments.
All prices should be indicated in Zambian Kwacha
11. DATA OWNERSHIP AND CONFIDENTIALITY
All data, information, and materials collected or generated during the course of this assignment shall remain the sole property of Living Water International Zambia.
The consultant shall ensure that all data collected during the evaluation is handled with strict confidentiality and used solely for the purposes of this assignment. The consultant shall not publish, reproduce, distribute, or share any data, findings, or reports generated under this assignment without prior written authorization from Living Water International Zambia.
Upon completion of the assignment, the consultant shall submit all datasets, transcripts, analytical files, and supporting documentation to Living Water International Zambia as part of the final deliverables.