Terms of Reference (ToR) - Individual Consultant

Development of District Heatwave Management SOPs for District Larkanaincluding stakeholder Consultation/ Validation and capacity development of DDMA and relevant departments

1. About LHDP

Laar Humanitarian and Development Programme (LHDP) is a non-profit organization working to strengthen community resilience and promote sustainable development in disaster prone and vulnerable areas of Sindh. LHDP works closely with government institutions, humanitarian partners, and local communities to enhance preparedness, anticipatory actions and response capacities, particularly in areas prone to climate-related disasters. LHDP is actively engaged in supporting initiatives aimed at improving disaster preparedness and anticipatory action in Sindh.

LHDP is implementing a Heatwave Readiness and Anticipatory Project in district Larkana, Sindh. Through collaboration with provincial and district authorities, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, LHDP works to strengthen institutional capacities and community-based systems to better respond to climate-induced hazards such as heatwaves. In this context, LHDP is seeking the consultancy services of individuals to facilitate development of District Heatwave Management SOPs for Larkana, aligned with the ProvincialHeatwave Management SOPs, The development process will be complimented bythe stakeholder consultations/ validation and capacity-building of DDMAsto enhance coordinated heatwave preparedness, anticipation and response at the district level in Larkana.

2. Background

Sindh province is increasingly experiencing extreme heatwave situation due to climate change, posing significant risks to public health, livelihoods, and essential services. Heatwaves particularly affect vulnerable populations including elderly persons, children, outdoor laborers, and low-income communities. Effective preparedness, anticipatory actions and coordinated response mechanisms are therefore essential to minimize the impacts of heatwave emergencies.

The Government of Sindh, through the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, has developed Sindh Heatwave Management SOPs to guide provincial and district authorities in preparedness, coordination, and response to heatwave emergencies. However, operationalizing these guidelines at the district level is essential to ensure effective implementation and timely response during heatwave events.

In this context, an individual consultant will be engaged to develop District Heatwave Management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Larkana District, aligned with the Sindh Heatwave Management SOPs and relevant disaster risk management frameworks. The assignment will also include organizing a stakeholder consultation/validation meeting and conducting a two-day training workshop for relevant government departments and stakeholders to enhance their understanding and implementation of the SOPs.

This assignment will be conducted in close coordination with PDMA Sindh and relevant district authorities to ensure alignment with provincial frameworks and promote institutional ownership.

3. Scope of Assignment

The consultant will be responsible for developing District Heatwave Management SOPs for Larkana District in alignment with the Sindh Heatwave Management SOPs, ensuring that the document provides clear operational guidance for district-level preparedness, anticipation actions, coordination, and response to heatwave situation.

The scope of work includes:

• Review of relevant materials (including previous work of LHDP on heatwave anticipatory actions in district Larkana) and frameworks including Sindh Heatwave Management SOPs and related disaster management guidelines.

• Consultation with PDMA Sindh, district administration, and relevant government departments.

• Development of draft District Heatwave Management SOPs for Larkana District.

• Facilitation of a consultative/validation meeting with stakeholders and relevant government departments.

• Finalization of the SOP document based on stakeholder feedback.

• Endorsement of developed SOPs from the PDMA Sindh

• Conducting a two-day training workshop for stakeholders on implementation of the SOPs in collaboration of PDMA Sindh.

The assignment aims to strengthen district-level capacity for preparedness, anticipatory actionsand coordinated response to heatwave emergencies.

4. Objective

To strengthen district-level preparedness, anticipatory actions and coordinated response to heatwave emergencies in Larkana District through the development of operational SOPs aligned with provincial guidelines and through capacity building of key stakeholders.

5. Key Deliverables

The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

1. Draft District Heatwave Management SOPs

Development of a draft SOP document for Larkana District aligned with Sindh Heatwave Management SOPs.

2. Consultative / Validation Meeting

• Facilitation of one stakeholder consultation meeting with relevant government departments and stakeholders.

• Presentation of draft SOPs.

• Documentation of stakeholder feedback and recommendations, and sharing with LHDP.

3. Final District Heatwave Management SOPs

Submission of the final SOP document incorporating feedback from stakeholders and PDMA Sindh.

4. Two-DayTraining Workshop and Report

• Development of training materials and agenda.

• Facilitation of two-day training for relevant stakeholders on SOP implementation.

• Submission of Training report

6. Timeline

The consultancy assignment is part of readiness phase of Heatwave Emergency and is expected to be completed within 20 days of singing the agreement between consultant and LHDP, as per following schedule:

The timeline may be adjusted in consultation with PDMA Sindh and LHDP.

7. Consultant Qualifications

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Advanced degree in Disaster Management, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences, Social Science, or related field.

• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, or emergency preparedness.

• Demonstrated experience in developing SOPs, contingency plans, or disaster management frameworks.

• Experience working with government institutions, PDMA/NDMA, or humanitarian organizations.

• Proven experience in facilitating stakeholder consultations and conducting training workshops.

• Strong analytical, report writing, and communication skills.

• Familiarity with Sindh disaster management systems and local governance structures will be considered an advantage.

8. Proposal Submission Guidelines

Interested consultants are invited to submit the following:

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should include:

• Understanding of the assignment

• Proposed methodology

• Workplan (not more than 20 days)

• Relevant experience in similar assignments

• Updated CV highlighting relevant profile and knowledge

Financial Proposal

The financial proposal should include:

• Total consultancy fee

• Breakdown of costs, including:

• Development of SOPs

• Facilitation of Consultation/Validation Meeting

• Training delivery charges including training materials

• Other relevant charges, as per deliverables and travel, boarding, lodging etc…

Supporting Documents

• Updated CV

• Examples of at least two similar assignments

• Contact details of two professional references

Proposals should be submitted electronically to following email address by the specified deadline:

[email protected]

Closing date: March 20, 2026 (COB)

9. Evaluation Criteria for Selection of Consultant

Consultant selection will be based on technical and financial evaluation.

A minimum technical score of 65% is required for consideration. The consultant will be hired on the basis of higher score as per the selection criteria.

9. Payment Schedule Linked to Deliverables

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables.

10. Reporting and Supervision Arrangements

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Manager - Programmes of LHDP.

The consultant will closely coordinate with:

• PDMA Sindh

• District Administration Larkana

• Relevant government departments and stakeholders.

All final outputs must be approved by the PDMA Sindh and LHDP