Consultancy opportunity: WaterAid seeks research expertise on WASH, cholera, and climate linkages

WaterAid is inviting proposals for a consultancy to lead a comprehensive study investigating the relationship between WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) investment, cholera outcomes, climate change, and related factors in cholera hotspots.

As a member of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) WASH Working Group, WaterAid has been actively supporting the goals of the Global Roadmap to End Cholera by 2030. This study will contribute to that effort by generating actionable evidence to strengthen advocacy for sustainable, targeted WASH investment in high-risk areas.

About the study

This study will apply advanced geospatial heatmapping and statistical analysis to assess:

• The relationship between WASH infrastructure and financing at the household and sub-national levels, and cholera incidence in Priority Areas for Multisectoral Interventions (PAMIs);
• How climate variables, such as rainfall and temperature, contribute to outbreak dynamics;
• The influence of demographic and behavioral factors, including hygiene practices and gender-based vulnerabilities.

The goal is to generate a compelling evidence base for prioritizing long-term WASH investment and integrating cholera prevention more effectively into national and sub-national planning processes.

The consultancy will focus on three countries selected from the following: Zambia, Mozambique, Ghana, Malawi, and Bangladesh, based on data availability and contextual relevance.

The consultancy will run over 90 working days from August 2025 to January 2026.

Eligibility criteria

WaterAid seeks qualified consultants or consultancy teams with:

• Advanced academic qualifications in public health, epidemiology, WASH, or related fields;
• Proven experience in WASH financing and disease mapping, including the use of GIS and spatial analytics;
• Ability to translate complex findings into clear outputs for advocacy and policy influence;
• Familiarity with relevant global data sources (e.g., WHO, GLAAS, national health systems);
• Experience working in international or multi-country research environments.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following by 10 June 2025:

• A technical proposal, including understanding of the assignment, methodology, and work plan
• A financial proposal with itemized costs
• Consultant(s) CV(s)
• Examples of previous similar work

For further details and to apply, please visit the WaterAid website.