TOR | Terms of Reference Guideline
Terms of Reference - Standard Format
This section outlines the standard format expected for NZAID TOR.
Title
The title should be descriptive to people outside of NZAID and contain a “key word” to make a search easy electronically.
Background (Why?)
A concise and clear statement (1-2 pages) linking the assignment to NZAID’s goal of poverty elimination, NZAID and partner policy frameworks and the country/regional/sectoral strategy. The Background should include a brief history of the programme/activity including reference to any relevant reports/documentation; a summary of other related Activities and/or donor engagements; any issues or constraints; the rationale for undertaking the current assignment; as well as outlining Activity governance/management arrangements including the roles of the partner, post and any governance committee and/or reference group.
Goal (What do we want to achieve?)
A statement providing information on “the bigger picture,” linking the assignment to a development outcome, and describing the rationale for this.
Objectives (What do we want to know/do?)
Explains why we want to complete this assignment and how this will contribute to the goal. The objectives (3-4) focus on the issues and/or questions to be addressed in this assignment.
Tasks (What do we need to know/do?)
A number of clearly defined activities to ensure the objective can be achieved. These must include direction on analysis of mainstreamed and cross-cutting issues, and financial and cost-benefit analysis.
Methodology (How?)
Describes the approach, reporting relationships and processes required to complete the assignment.
Team composition, skills and experience (Who?)
Identifies the knowledge, skills, experience of individuals or teams.
Outputs (What and When?)
Assignment outputs reflect the tasks and time frames of the assignment. E.g. presentations, debriefing, facilitating meetings, written reports
Annexes
Any additional information or documents Eg correspondence, reports
Drafted by: _____________ Date:
Advice received from:_____________ Date:
Approved by: _____________ Date:
Document #:
Comments: _____________ Date:
(eg: content advice comments)