For Analysis of Trends in Arsenic Exposure and Health Impact based on Nationwide Arsenic Testing Data in Support of Safe Drinking Water SDGs in Bangladesh.
Title of the assignment
Analysis of Trends in Arsenic Exposure and Health Impact based on Nationwide Arsenic Testing Data in Support of Safe Drinking Water SDGs in Bangladesh
Purpose
- To develop a comprehensive policy document outlining strategies for arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh;
- To prepare a thematic report on water quality using MICS 2025 data, with a focus on arsenic and include health-relevant water quality parameters, including spatial analysis of arsenic to identify high-risk areas;
- To pilot test a low-cost, user-friendly arsenic testing technology suitable for local use in Bangladesh.
- To recommend methodological improvements for future MICS surveys and policy interventions to advance safe drinking water access.
- Assess the efficacy of existing Arsenic Safe Union model in mitigating Arsenic in Bangladesh context and develop Arsenic Mitigation Pathway for Bangladesh based on last 15 years sectoral lesson learned
Location
Dhaka and selected district (selected one Union) of coastal belt area
Estimated Duration
Duration: 8 months
Estimated starting date: 1 June 2026
Reporting to Technical Supervisor of this assignment
WASH Specialist and
WASH Officer, WASH Section
1. Background
Bangladesh has made significant strides in increasing access to improved drinking water sources, achieving a coverage rate of 99% as reported by the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2025, which was conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in partnership with UNICEF. Nevertheless, considerable gaps still exist in providing genuinely safe and dependable drinking water. Only 39.3% of the population has access to drinking water services that are safely managed and meet essential criteria: being located on the premises, available when needed, free from microbial contamination (E. coli), and adhering to arsenic limits (adjusted to meet the national standard of ≤50 ppb).
Arsenic contamination remains a significant public health concern. The MICS 2025 data show that 15.8% of households have drinking water sources with arsenic levels exceeding the World Health Organization's guideline of 10 ppb, while 9.9% surpass the national standard of 50 ppb in Bangladesh. These statistics indicate a positive trend compared to earlier surveys—those with arsenic contamination above 10 ppb dropped from 16.7% in MICS 2019 and 24.8% in MICS 2013—highlighting some progress in mitigation strategies over the years, though the recent progress has been slow. However, tens of millions continue to be at risk from elevated arsenic levels, which increases the likelihood of chronic diseases such as skin lesions, cancers, cardiovascular problems, and developmental issues.
The Government of Bangladesh has firmly committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 by 2030, which calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. This commitment is reflected in various national strategies and policies. However, accelerating progress requires strengthened, evidence-based approaches to address persistent arsenic contamination at the national level.
Available datasets on Water Quality-
Dataset
No. of E. Coli tests
No. of As tests
No. of Salinity tests
Available Parameters
GPS information
Testing method
MICS 2013
15,452
[2,500 (at source) + 12,952 (at HH)]
5,038
[2,500 (at source) + 2,538 (at HH)]
-
E.Coli at source and HH, Arsenic at source and HH
Not available
Field test kit
MICS 2019
18,307
[PoU= 12,238 +
PoC= 3028]
6,069
PoU+PoC= 6069
-
E.Coli at source and HH, Arsenic at source and HH
Not available
Field test kit
MICS 2025
12,596
(2 tests per HH)
6,298
6,298
E.Coli at source and HH, arsenic and salinity at source
The GPS coordinates for the center of cluster are available
Field test kit
Arsenic Screening under Arsenic Safe Union 2014, 2019 (37 unions in 6 upazila)
-
72,429
-
Arsenic
GPS available
Field test kit
Arsenic Screening under Government Arsenic Mitigation program 2023 (57 districts)
-
5,919,835
-
Arsenic
GPS available for the center of cluster
Field test kit
The recent MICS 2025 survey, with its extensive sampling and on-site rapid testing for arsenic (alongside E. coli and salinity in over 6,298 households), provides a robust, up-to-date dataset. Analyzing this data to produce an updated arsenic contamination map—along with comparisons to the 2019 MICS map—will highlight progress, identify remaining hotspots, and guide targeted interventions and future projects.
Furthermore, although various arsenic test kits are utilized by governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, there are none that are easily accessible in local markets for individual or community self-testing. Most current kits produce dangerous mercury-laden waste. There is an urgent need to identify affordable, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly arsenic testing kits. There is also a need to build sector-wide testing capacity using the “proven” options to facilitate wider, decentralized monitoring and increase awareness.
The detailed spatial analysis of MICS 2009 As data has identified high, medium and low Arsenic areas across Bangladesh. Such analysis is also necessary to document progress at local level to enable targeted mitigation action. This is another motivation for this assignment because salinity and microbial water quality parameters are never analyzed previously. If these data are of good quality, they also should be closely examined. Thus, a detailed analysis report on water quality derived from the MICS 2025 dataset aiming to synthesize findings on arsenic and health-relevant parameters, can be used to track alignment with SDG targets, and offer actionable recommendations to support policy and programmatic responses.
These integrated efforts—policy development, data-driven mapping, technology pilot and dissemination, and thematic reporting—are essential to bolster national arsenic mitigation strategies and advance Bangladesh toward safe drinking water for all.
2. Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results
The overall objective of this assignment is to establish the data-driven evidence in support of development of approaches for arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh to be summarized in a comprehensive policy document. The purpose is outlined as specific aims as follows:
- To pilot low-cost, environment friendly arsenic test kits suitable for local use in Bangladesh and demonstrations for technology adoption.
- To conduct spatial analysis and arsenic mapping based on MICS 2025 data to identify high-risk areas and compare with previous surveys to document the trends.
- To prepare a thematic report on water quality using MICS 2025 data, with a focus on arsenic and include health-relevant water quality parameters, including temporal and spatial analysis of arsenic to identify high-risk areas;
- To develop a comprehensive policy document outlining strategies for arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh.
The expected results are able to provide insights on links between water quality, sanitation, and disease burdens associated with arsenic exposure. It will also enable the sector to assess the efficacy of existing Arsenic Safe Union model used by Bangladesh government context, setting the stage to have a dialogue with the government to improve the existing model. The results are likely to lead to testing methodological improvements for future interventions to advance safe drinking water access.
3. Description of Assignment
3.1 Low-Cost Easy-to-Use Arsenic Testing kit Piloting
- Identify suitable low-cost arsenic test kits (e.g., field-based colorimetric or digital kits) that are accurate, affordable (<1 USD per sample), and easy to use.
- Conduct a pilot in Bangladesh , including:
- Select several villages with low to high arsenic groundwater occurrences and concentration ranges as pilot area based on As spatial distribution in Bangladesh, informed also by the MICS 2025 dataset.
- Test 100 well water samples using selected low-cost and easy-to-use As testing kit.
- Collect water samples that have been on-site tested, add preservatives, and determine arsenic using benchmark laboratory method.
- Compare the on-site testing results with the laboratory benchmark method results to evaluate the efficacy of the selected technology.
- Prepare a report on the results of the pilot, in comparison with existing commercial arsenic test strips or kits in terms of cost per sample, quantitative vs. semi-quantitative detection, accuracy of test results, complexity of test steps, and environmental friendliness to illustrate the applicability of the pilot technology.
- Sourcing or partnering with manufacturers/suppliers.
- Training modules for local technicians, community health workers, and users.
- Scaling strategy, including regulatory approvals, supply chain setup, and cost-recovery models.
- Facilitate workshops or demonstrations for technology adoption.
3.2 Spatial Analysis of MICS 2025 As Data
- Analyze the MICS 2025 dataset, focusing on water quality indicators related to arsenic.
- Use GIS tools and statistical software to map arsenic concentrations at national, divisional, district, and upazila levels (if possible).
- Identify hotspots, trends, and correlations with socio-economic factors (e.g., poverty, rural-urban divide).
- Produce visual maps, charts, and a technical report summarizing findings and recommendations for targeted interventions.
3.3 Preparation of MICS 2025 Water Quality Report
Analyze MICS 2025 water quality data, including arsenic, other contaminants (e.g., salinity, microbial contamination), and access to safe water.
- Compile a thematic report that includes:
- Data summaries, statistical analyses, and visualizations.
- Policy recommendations and linkages to national development plans.
- Ensure the report is accessible, with executive summaries in English and Bengali.
The institution will ensure all work complies with ethical standards, data privacy regulations (e.g., Bangladesh's Digital Security Act), and inclusivity principles.
3.4 Policy Document Preparation for Arsenic Mitigation
- Review existing national and international policies, guidelines, and best practices on arsenic mitigation (e.g., WHO standards, Bangladesh's National Strategy for Water Supply and Sanitation).
- Conduct current arsenic situation analysis in Bangladesh based on available data and resources.
- Draft a policy document that includes:
- Assessment of current arsenic contamination status and its health impact.
- Urgent need to take steps to mitigate/ control the situation.
- Proposed mitigation strategies, including alternative water sources, treatment technologies, awareness campaigns, and monitoring frameworks.
- Advocacy to lower Bangladesh Standards to align with the WHO standards.
- Strategic presentation of the draft arsenic mitigation policy document to key policymakers, aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts to elevate arsenic contamination as a national priority—drawing on comprehensive policy review, current situation analysis, and proposed evidence-based mitigation and standard-alignment measures.
3.5 Develop proposal for Improving the current approach to deal with arsenic and Developing Arsenic Mitigation Pathway for Bangladesh based on last 15 years sectoral lesson learned
- Assess the Arsenic Safe Union (ASU) model's performance in reducing arsenic exposure
- Compile and analyze existing reports, evaluations, and data on ASU implementations.
- Review national policies (e.g., National Policy for Arsenic Mitigation), hydrogeological studies, health impact data, and sustainability assessments of safe water options.
- Identify strengths, gaps, barriers to sustainability, and contextual factors (hydrogeological, socio-economic, institutional).
- Develop a practical, scalable proposal for model improvement, including policy, technical, financial, and community-level enhancements.
4. Deliverables
Deliverables
Time frame
Inception Report: Outlining methodology, work plan, and timeline
15 May 2026
Policy Document Preparation for Arsenic Mitigation including Strategic presentation of the draft arsenic mitigation policy document to key policymakers, aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts to elevate arsenic contamination as a national priority
30 Jul 2026
Arsenic Mapping Report with GIS files and visuals
31 Aug 2026
Final Water Quality Thematic Report
30 September 2026
Low-Cost Easy-to-Use Arsenic Testing kit Piloting in one selected union of costal belt district
30 October 2026
Analytical Report on Arsenic Test Kit Field Trial Outcomes and Proposal for Arsenic Mitigation Pathway for Bangladesh based on last 15 years sectoral lesson learned
30 November 2026
Policy Document and Final Integrated Report: Combining all components with revisions based on feedback
31 December 2026
5. Reporting requirements
The deliverables of the project will be:
- Inception Report: Outlining methodology, work plan, and timeline.
- Water Quality Thematic Report of MICS 2025, containing As Maps with GIS files and visuals.
- Analytical Report on Arsenic Test Kit Field Trial Outcomes and Proposal for Arsenic Mitigation Pathway for Bangladesh based on last 15 years sectoral lesson learned
- Policy Document for Arsenic Mitigation, with revisions based on feedback.
- Presentation of findings to stakeholders.
6. Payment Schedule
- 20% upon submission of Inception Report
- 30% upon submission of Draft Policy Document, Arsenic Mapping Report and Draft Water Quality Thematic Report
- 30% upon submission of Analytical Report on Arsenic Test Kit Field Trial Outcomes and Proposal for Arsenic Mitigation Pathway for Bangladesh based on last 15 years sectoral lesson learned
- 20% upon submission of Policy Document and Final Integrated Report
7. Qualification requirement of the company/institution/organization
- The agency should have at least 5 years of experience in water quality (including arsenic, other contaminants), hydrology, arsenic mitigation, or environmental policy.
- The agency should have proven expertise in data analysis (e.g., GIS, SPSS, R), policy development, and technology transfer.
- The agency should have previous experience working with UN agencies and the government.
- The agency is expected to be able to leverage sufficient and experienced manpower to carry out the assignment effectively and efficiently.
- The contractor should appoint an English-speaking project leader with at least 10 years of proven work experience in leading similar projects
Team Composition
The agency must deploy a multidisciplinary team led by an experienced Team Lead/Project Manager. At a minimum, the team should include the following key experts:
- Team Lead / Project Manager
- GIS Specialist
- Water Quality Specialist
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
a. Team Lead / Project Manager
Role:
Provide overall leadership, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance. Responsible for reporting to UNICEF and supervising the multidisciplinary team.
Required Experience:
- Advanced university degree in Hydrology/Civil/Water Resource/Environmental/Public Health/ climate change, or related fields.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in the sector of water quality, including arsenic and other contaminants.
- Strong understanding of Bangladesh’s Arsenic situation, institutional structures, and sector challenges.
- Experience working with UN agencies, donor-funded projects, government agencies, and international NGOs.
- Excellent proficiency in English (writing and speaking).
- Strong writing, analytical, and communication skills, including summarizing complex information.
- Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and data visualization tools.
b. Water Quality Specialist
Role: To provide support in piloting the low-cost, user-friendly arsenic testing kit in the field, analyze the data, develop recommendations based on the analysis, and assess the efficacy of previous projects over the last 15 years in mitigating arsenic in Bangladesh
Required Experience:
- Advanced university degree in the areas of Civil/Water Resource/Environment/Public Health/Water Supply Engineering.
- In-depth knowledge of water quality parameters, testing protocols, standards (e.g., Bangladesh Drinking Water Standards, WHO guidelines), and laboratory/field testing methods.
- Experience in water quality sampling, analysis, data interpretation, and preparation of technical reports.
- Familiarity with water treatment processes, contamination sources (arsenic, salinity, microbial, etc.), and mitigation measures commonly found in Bangladesh.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis of water quality data and use of relevant software/tools.
- Experience working on UNICEF, government, or donor-funded WASH projects is desirable.
c. GIS Specialist
Role: To analyze the MICS survey data, GIS mapping for arsenic, prepare the water quality thematic report, and provide support to develop the policy document.
Required Experience:
- Advanced proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.), remote sensing, spatial analysis, and database management.
- Experience in developing maps, dashboards, and geospatial models for water-related projects.
- Ability to integrate field data, satellite imagery, and other datasets for analysis and visualization.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with attention to detail.
8. Assessment of Proposal
The submitted proposals will undergo assessment to confirm alignment with the requirements set by this ToR, ensuring the framing issues are adequately addressed.
Applications be made to UNICEF Bangladesh and to include the following for assessment:
- Technical Proposal
- Financial Proposal
- Proposed team members (including CVs)
- A summary of relevant experience of the institution demonstrating their capacity to undertake the work.
9. Technical Evaluation Criteria
CATEGORY
POINTS
RELEVANCE AND ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSAL
(05)
Understanding of the study objectives and scope.
2
Understanding of the scope of the ToR and completeness of response.
2
Overall concord between study requirements and the proposal.
1
APPROPRIATENESS OF METHODOLOGY AND TIMELINE
(35)
Quality and technical soundness of the proposed approach and methodology.
15
Appropriateness of the approach: to what extent is the methodology designed in response to the requirements of the ToR.
10
Quality of proposed implementation plan, i.e., how the agency will undertake each task, and the process of completing the tasks.
5
Risk assessment - recognition of the risks/peripheral problems and methods to prevent and manage risks/peripheral problems.
5
ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY AND PROPOSED TEAM
(20)
Professional expertise of the firm/company/organization, knowledge and experience with similar projects.
10
Team leader: Relevant experience, qualifications, and position with the agency.
5
Team members: Relevant experience, skills & competencies.
5
Technical Score based on technical proposal review
60
Presentation on Technical Proposal
(Note: The minimum qualifying score to be invited for holding the TEC presentation is 42 out of 60 points).
The technical presentation should highlight the proposed implementation plan for
commencing the tasks, the implementation phases, and how each phase will be executed
10
TOTAL MARKS
70
For this RFP, the Technical Proposal + Technical presentation has a total score of 70 points. Bidders must score a minimum of 49 points to be considered technically compliant and in order for the Financial Proposals to be opened. The financial proposal has a total score of 30 points
The final selection of the bidder will be based on a quality and cost basis as specified in the RFP.