How to Write an SBCC ToR (Terms of Reference)

Why a good SBCC ToR matters

The terms of reference shapes everything that follows. A clear SBCC ToR attracts stronger proposals, makes evaluation fairer and helps the consultant deliver what you actually need. A vague one leads to mismatched expectations, delays and reports that sit on a shelf.

This guide sets out the essential sections of an SBCC ToR, with tips drawn from common practice in UN agency, INGO and government procurement. Use the UK or US spelling you prefer: ToRs for social and behaviour change and social and behavior change are equally common.

9 essential sections

1. 01

   Background

   The program, problem, context and what is already known. Link existing data and reports.

2. 02

   Purpose and objectives

   Why the assignment exists and the specific questions or results it must deliver.

3. 03

   Scope

   Geography, populations, behaviors and sectors in scope, and what is out of scope.

4. 04

   Methodology expectations

   Key requirements, such as mixed methods or ethics approval, while inviting the consultant's proposal.

5. 05

   Deliverables

   Inception report, tools, data, draft and final reports, strategies, materials or training, with formats.

6. 06

   Timeline

   Start date, milestones, review periods and final deadline.

7. 07

   Management and reporting

   Who the consultant reports to, review process, and support provided.

8. 08

   Qualifications

   Required and desirable experience, skills and languages.

9. 09

   Application and evaluation

   What to submit, deadline, and how technical and financial proposals will be scored.

Writing clear objectives

Good objectives in an SBCC ToR are specific about behaviors and audiences. Compare:

• Weak: "Raise awareness about nutrition."
• Stronger: "Identify the main barriers and motivators to timely complementary feeding among caregivers of children 6–23 months in two counties, and recommend priority behaviors and channels for the program SBCC strategy."

Stronger objectives make it easier for consultants to propose the right formative research design and for you to evaluate their proposals.

Defining deliverables

List each deliverable with a short description, format and due date. Common deliverables include:

• Inception report with refined methodology, tools and workplan
• Research tools and ethics documents
• Data sets and transcripts, with data protection measures
• Analysis report and validation workshop
• SBCC strategy or creative brief
• Pretested materials and training packages
• M&E plan with behavioral indicators

Common mistakes to avoid

• Asking for too many deliverables in too little time
• Specifying channels or materials before research is done
• Forgetting to budget time for ethics approval and stakeholder review
• Not sharing existing data, which leads to repeated research
• Evaluation criteria that reward polished proposals over relevant experience

Templates and resources

Many organizations publish example ToRs. Searching consultancy listings on ReliefWeb for "SBC consultant" or "SBCC strategy" shows current practice. See also our SBCC resources page and guide to the SBCC framework.

Ready to share your ToR? See how we respond to ToRs and EOIs.

Setting fair evaluation criteria

The evaluation section of an SBCC ToR tells consultants what you value. Most organizations use a combined technical and financial score, with technical quality weighted more heavily. Typical technical criteria include understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, workplan, team qualifications and relevant experience.

Make the criteria specific. Instead of "relevant experience", say "experience designing SBCC strategies for nutrition programs in East Africa". This helps consultants show what matters and helps your panel score consistently. Consider whether local presence and language skills should earn points, as they often improve quality.

Budgets and level of effort

An SBCC ToR does not always include the budget, but giving an indicative range or number of consultant days helps consultants propose a realistic scope. If the budget is fixed, say so and invite proposals that make the best use of it. Remember to cover fieldwork, translation, ethics fees, validation workshops and any printing or production in the scope or in a separate budget line.

Quick SBCC ToR checklist

• Is the problem and context clearly explained, with links to existing data?
• Are objectives specific about behaviors and audiences?
• Are deliverables, formats and due dates listed?
• Is there time for inception, ethics, review and revision?
• Are qualifications relevant and not excessive?
• Are evaluation criteria clear and weighted?
• Is it clear how and when to apply, and who to contact with questions?

Use this checklist before you publish your next SBCC ToR.

After you publish

Publish the ToR where suitable consultants will see it, such as ReliefWeb, UNGM, Devex or your own website, and allow enough time for good proposals, usually two to three weeks. Answer clarification questions openly and share answers with all bidders. After selection, give unsuccessful bidders brief feedback if you can; it helps the market improve.

Ethics, data and safeguarding

Your SBCC ToR should state ethical requirements clearly. If the assignment involves research with people, say whether national ethics approval is needed and who will apply for it. Explain data protection expectations, such as who owns the data, how it should be stored and when it should be deleted. Include safeguarding requirements, especially for research with children or on sensitive topics such as GBV. These details help consultants plan time and budget accurately and protect participants.