5-template-and-guide-for-terms-of-reference-for-consultants - Background and context

Sep 1, 2026

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Provides background and contextual guidance for developing Terms of Reference for consultants, covering assignment framework, programme/project description, and relevant country or thematic context. Defines the overall purpose and the assignment objective, ensuring consultant work supports rather than replaces core ministry mandates. Specifies required outputs and deliverables with suggested examples, outlines scope of work and sequence, describes possible methodology, lists consultant/team qualification requirements, and clarifies timing as well as estimated budget and level of effort.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatDOCX

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Background and context

Purpose

Objective

Outputs/deliverables

Scope of Work

Method of work

Qualifications of consultant(s)/Team

Timing

Estimated budget and level of effort

Background and context [Provide the background for the assignment including short description of the programme/project in question; short description of the country and/or thematic context within which the programme/project is situated; reference to the finance act could be relevant. The purpose of the description is to ensure that the consultant(s) is/are aware of the overall framework for the assignment. Reference to ministry guidelines guiding the assignment will be useful.] Purpose [Stating the overall purpose of the assignment will assist the consultant(s) in delivering the most useful outputs for the ministry/representation. Consultant(s) will focus on the objectives and the deliverables. However, if the purpose, i.e. description of what the ministry/representation intends to use the outputs for, is clear from the outset, the consultant(s) is/are more likely to adjust the outputs to fit the need of the ministry/representation the best. It is important that the purpose, and subsequent objective, is not to undertake work that is vested with the ministry/representation as a core mandate. Consultants can only assist and provide input to a process managed by the ministry/representation] Objective [Describing in a few sentences what the objective of the assignment is; it could be a description of the situation/knowledge/design the ministry/representation wants to have at the end of the assignment]] Outputs/deliverables [Description of the actual deliverables the consultant(s) is/are supposed to deliver. This could be (but all is not required for all assignments, and only serves as examples). Other outputs/deliverables should be described according to the specific assignment. Be as specific as you can, without limiting the ability of the consultant(s) to provide us with their specialist competencies and suggest new and better ways of doing business: Inception note/report –description of the detailed approach by the consultant(s) in achieving the objective Meetings and presentations – include required meetings and presentations in the deliverables. Consultant(s) will use resources on preparing presentations etc. therefore they should be mentioned. Be careful not to ask for too many, as resources may be used too much for these activities. Draft report Final report Delivery of training Delivery of a product, concept etc. Include, if possible, not only quantitative outputs, but also aspects of quality and where needed aspects of time (when to be delivered). The list of outputs should be the list of deliverables, when achieved, which will fully achieve the purpose and objective of the assignment.] Scope of Work [This is a suggested list of activities and sequence in the delivery of the assignment. Usually there will be some order in which the assignment should be undertaken, this should be described here. However, there should be enough flexibility for the consultant(s) to organise the work in the most effective and efficient way. The TOR are designed prior to entering a contract; therefore all circumstances cannot be foreseen in terms of planning of the work. In complex assignments an inception report/note, can be required to outline a more detailed scope of work and methodology in the delivery of the assignment.] Method of work [In some instances, but not all, where the assignment is very complex and requires agreement on the type of methodology used, this section can be included to ensure the desired methodology is used, typically in large assignment with strong focus on analysis or assignments where process is as important as the actual deliverable.] Qualifications of consultant(s)/Team [This should describe, in case of a team of consultants, the number of team members and their area of speciality NN … specialist, team leader NN NN Description of required qualification(s) of the individual specialists: Should be specific enough to be able to make a qualified assessment as to whether the consultant meets, or does not meet the qua

FAQs

What should be included in the background and context section?

It should provide a short description of the programme/project, relevant country and thematic context, and any useful references to finance acts or ministry guidelines guiding the assignment.

How should the purpose and objective of the assignment be written?

The purpose should explain how the ministry/representation intends to use outputs, while the objective should describe the situation/knowledge/design the ministry wants to achieve by the end of the assignment.

What deliverables are typically expected from the consultant(s)?

Common deliverables include an inception note/report, meetings and presentations, draft and final reports, training delivery, or delivery of a product or concept—along with quantitative outputs plus required quality and timing aspects.

Sep 1, 2026

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