Terms of Reference (ToR) for Engaging a Retired Senior Government Official as a Consultant for Habitat for Humanity International- Bangladesh (HFHI-B)
 

Introduction and Background

Habitat for Humanity is the world’s largest affordable housing civil society organization. With programs in more than 70 countries and thousands of communities, our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We work collaboratively with communities, governments, and the private sector to develop housing solutions and are recognized for the meaningful changes our programs bring.

At the same time, we recognize that the global housing deficit is far greater than what any one organization can address alone. Therefore, Habitat is strengthening its capacity to influence the broader systems that shape access to housing, with the goal of ensuring greater access to affordable, resilient housing for all.

Habitat for Humanity International Bangladesh (HFHI-B), a branch of Habitat for Humanity International, began its journey in 1999 as an affordable housing organization. Since then, it has operated in 24 districts across the country, successfully implementing more than 86 projects and directly benefiting over 45,000 families in 19 districts to date.

HFHI-B is committed to promoting sustainable development through policy changes that support land rights for informal settlers, improve access to basic services, and incorporate climate-resilient housing designs. These reforms are crucial for HFHI-B to secure necessary funding and expand its initiatives. To navigate the complex bureaucratic landscape and foster strong partnerships with key stakeholders, HFHI-B seeks to engage a retired senior government official as a consultant.

This Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines the scope of work, responsibilities, qualifications, and expected deliverables for this consultancy. The engagement aims to leverage the consultant's extensive experience and networks to facilitate policy advocacy and secure a more favorable operating environment for HFHI-B's programs.

2. Objectives of the Consultancy

The primary objectives of engaging a retired senior government official are to:

  • Facilitate high-level discussions with government leaders on the benefits of policy reforms related to land tenure, basic services, and climate-resilient housing for informal settlements.
  • Review existing housing and climate policies to identify specific barriers hindering informal settlers' access to secure land tenure and essential services.
  • Propose actionable amendments to relevant laws and regulations to ensure secure land tenure for informal settlers.
  • Outline strategic approaches for providing affordable and accessible basic services (e.g., water, sanitation, electricity) in informal areas.
  • Enhance HFHI-B's credibility and visibility within government circles and among potential donors.
  • Strengthen partnerships between HFHI-B and relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.

3. Scope of Work and Key Activities

The consultant will undertake the following key activities:

3.1 Policy Review and Analysis

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of national and local policies, laws, and regulations pertaining to land tenure, housing, urban development, and climate change adaptation in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on their impact on informal settlements.
  • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and discriminatory provisions within existing policies that impede the rights and well-being of informal settlers.
  • Analyze the institutional frameworks and decision-making processes within relevant government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) to understand entry points for policy advocacy.

3.2 Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

  • Initiate and facilitate high-level meetings and discussions with ministers, secretaries, and other senior officials in relevant government ministries to advocate for HFH-B's policy reform agenda.
  • Represent HFHI-B in key policy dialogues, workshops, and forums organized by the government, civil society organizations, or development partners.
  • Build and nurture strategic alliances with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and academic institutions working on similar issues to create a broader coalition for advocacy.
  • Provide strategic advice to HFHI-B leadership on effective advocacy approaches and communication strategies for engaging government officials and policymakers.
  • Coordinate and maintain effective communication with relevant government ministries and offices—including, but not limited to, the DC Office, NGOAB, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Home Affairs—to ensure smooth facilitation of operational and technical matters for HFHI-B.

3.3 Policy Proposal Development

  • Develop concrete proposals for amendments to existing laws and regulations to ensure secure land tenure for informal settlers, including mechanisms for regularization, titling, and protection against forced evictions.
  • Formulate strategies and policy recommendations for improving access to affordable and equitable basic services (water, sanitation, electricity, waste management) in informal settlements, potentially exploring public-private partnerships or community-managed service delivery models.
  • Integrate climate-resilient housing designs and urban planning principles into policy recommendations, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures in informal settlements vulnerable to climate change impacts.
  • Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and other advocacy materials in collaboration with HFHI-B staff.

3.4 Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

  • Mentor and provide guidance to HFHI-B staff on government protocols, bureaucratic processes, and effective engagement strategies with public sector entities.
  • Share insights on the political economy of urban development and housing in Bangladesh, including key actors, interests, and potential challenges.

4. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

  • An inception report outlining the detailed work plan, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy within two weeks of contract signing.
  • A comprehensive policy review report identifying barriers and opportunities for policy reform related to land tenure, basic services, and climate-resilient housing for informal settlers.
  • A set of concrete policy proposals and draft amendments to relevant laws and regulations for secure land tenure and improved service provision in informal settlements.
  • A strategic plan for engaging government ministries and key stakeholders, including a list of identified contacts and proposed meeting schedules.
  • Regular progress reports (e.g., monthly) detailing activities undertaken, meetings held, and progress towards objectives.
  • A final consultancy report summarizing all activities, achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future HFHI-B engagement with the government.
  • Documentation of all high-level meetings and discussions, including minutes and follow-up actions.

5. Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

  • A distinguished career as a senior government official (preferrable Retired Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary level) in Bangladesh, with extensive experience in ministries relevant to housing, urban development, land administration, local government, or environment.
  • Deep understanding of the Bangladeshi political and administrative landscape, including government structures, decision-making processes, and key policy actors.
  • Proven track record of successful policy advocacy and reform initiatives within the government or in collaboration with civil society organizations.
  • Strong network of contacts within various government ministries, departments, and agencies.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex policy issues and formulate practical, actionable recommendations.
  • Fluency in both written and spoken Bengali and English is essential.
  • A relevant advanced degree (e.g., in public administration, law, urban planning, social sciences) is highly desirable.

6. Duration and Reporting:

The consultancy is expected to be for a period of 12 months, commencing on 01 October 2025. The consultant will report directly to the National Director of Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh or a designated senior staff member. Regular meetings will be held to review progress and provide guidance.

8. Confidentiality:

The consultant will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, committing to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive information accessed during the consultancy.

9. Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and proposed approach for this consultancy. 

Applications should be sent to hr@habitatbangladsh.org. While the final deadline for submissions is September 20, 2025, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early submissions are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.