Terms of Reference (TOR) for Construction Consulting Services

Job description

Terms of Reference (TOR) for Construction Consulting Services

Title: Consultant Resident Engineer

Type of Agreement: Framework Agreement

Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 17th October,2025

1.0 Background

Save the Children International Zambia (SCI) is a leading International Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to ensuring that every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. SCI Zambia implements a wide range of programs across thematic areas such as Education, Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

A critical component of these programs involves the construction and rehabilitation of child-focused infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and WASH facilities. To ensure quality assurance, compliance with standards, and timely delivery, SCI seeks the services of a Consulting Resident Engineer (RE) to provide technical oversight, contract management, and capacity strengthening in its construction and WASH portfolio.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The Resident Engineer will provide professional engineering services to support SCI in the design review, supervision, monitoring, and quality control of construction and WASH projects, ensuring that works meet technical standards, donor requirements, and SCI safeguarding and environmental policies.

3. Objectives

Ensure high-quality, safe, and sustainable construction and WASH works.
Provide technical review and validation of designs, drawings, and bills of quantities (BoQs).
Oversee contractors to ensure compliance with technical specifications, environmental safeguards, and timelines.
Support SCI in contract management and certification of works for payment.
Build the capacity of SCI staff and partners in construction project management and WASH standards

3.0 Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide services encompassing, but not limited to, the following key areas:

3.1 Planning and Proposal Development:

Conduct comprehensive construction needs assessments in coordination with SCI thematic teams (Education, Health, Nutrition, WASH) and external partners.
Document all assessment findings, ensuring a specific analysis of children’s needs is included.
Develop a Construction Planner in coordination with Field Offices and Program teams to outline project plans and identify resource requirements.
Prepare and utilize standardized checklists for site assessment, quality control, and monitoring.

3.2 Design and Technical Oversight:

Ensure all infrastructure designs (temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent) comply with national/international life-safety standards, SCI’s Quality Benchmark Standards, and are child-sensitive and inclusive.
Oversee and contribute to site selection, design development, and the production of high-quality design documentation (drawings, Bills of Quantities – BOQ, cost estimates, and specifications).
Review and approve project designs, architectural/engineering drawings, BOQs, and other technical specifications submitted by contractors.
Ensure standard designs are updated regularly with current market prices and lessons learned.
Advise on material quality, procurement, and compliance with national building codes and WASH standards.
Ensure integration of climate-resilient, disability-friendly, and child-friendly design features.

3.3 Implementation, Supervision, and Quality Assurance:

Lead the inspection of all construction activities before payments are processed to contractors.
Identify and advise SCI of any construction defects or non-compliance issues.
Design and oversee processes for site supervision, quality assurance, and community engagement.
Conduct regular field visits to monitor construction quality, progress, and adherence to timelines.
Prepare and submit detailed field inspection reports, progress (running bill) reports, completion reports, and defect liability assessment reports.
Recommend contractor payments based on verified work progress and provide payment certifications to ensure compliance.
Monitor day-to-day construction and WASH works to ensure adherence to design, quality, safety, and environmental standards.
Certify completed works and recommend approval for interim and final payments. 

3.4 Contract and Project Management Support:

review construction contract agreements, support contract management and contractor deliverables and ensuring contractual obligations are met.

·        Advise on variations, extensions of time, or disputes.

·        Participate in site meetings with contractors, consultants, and SCI teams.

Maintain and regularly update a construction tracker and share it with the SCI management team.
Advise the SCI team before the handover of construction sites.

Capacity Strengthening

Provide coaching and training to SCI project staff, local authorities, and community structures on basic construction supervision, WASH standards, and O&M (operations and maintenance).

3.5 Inclusiveness and Child Safeguarding:

Ensure all infrastructure is designed and built to be accessible for People with Disabilities (PWDs), child-friendly, and gender-sensitive.
Guarantee that child safeguarding principles are upheld during the construction phase and within the final constructed facilities.
Comply with all SCI policies, including Child Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, Health and Safety, and Equal Opportunities.

4.0 Deliverables

The specific deliverables for each assignment will be detailed in individual Purchase Orders. However, typical deliverables will include:

Construction Needs Assessment Reports.
Approved Technical Designs, Drawings, and Bill of Quantities (BOQs).
Regular Construction Monitoring and Inspection Reports.
Progress (Running Bill) Certification Reports.
Construction Completion and Handover Reports.
Defect Liability Assessment Reports.
Updated Construction Project Tracker.

5.0 Duration and Form of Agreement

A Framework Agreement will be signed with the selected Consultant for a specified period subject to renewal based on performance and organizational needs.

This agreement establishes the terms and conditions under which services will be provided. It is a binding agreement that does not guarantee a minimum volume of work. Specific assignments will be initiated through individual Purchase Orders (POs), which will detail the specific tasks, timelines, and deliverables for each request.

6.0 Qualification and Experience

Essential:

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or architecture.
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in construction within a development or humanitarian context.
Proven experience in site supervision, quality control, and construction project management across multiple locations.
Strong understanding of public health, WASH issues, and the specific needs of women and children in infrastructure design.
Proficiency in design software (e.g., AutoCAD, ArchiCAD) and strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
High-level skill in preparing Bills of Quantity (BOQs), cost estimates, and technical drawings.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Experience in managing technical teams and liaising with diverse stakeholders.

Desirable:

Proficiency in English and local Zambian languages.

7.0 Submission Requirements

Interested and qualified individual consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which should include:

A Cover Letter expressing interest and confirming availability.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the lead consultant and any key personnel, highlighting relevant experience.
Copies of academic and professional certificates.
A portfolio of similar work done (e.g. sample reports, designs) or references from previous clients (at least two).
A valid copy of a practicing license from the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) or relevant professional body.

8.0 Submission Deadline and Address

Expressions of Interest must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest for Construction Consulting Services – Save the Children Zambia to the address below no later than 17:00 hours on 17th October,2025.

The Tender Committee

Save the Children International Zambia

Plot 4E Warthog Way, Off Warthog Road, Kabulonga.

Lusaka, Zambia.

For any clarifications, please contact: audrey.silupumbwe@savethechildren.org or ron.mwanza@savethechildren.org

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Save the Children’s Commitment to Safeguarding:

Save the Children is committed to ensuring that all our personnel and programs are safe for children. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any harm to or exploitation of a child. The selected consultant will be expected to adhere to and abide by our Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.