UNDP Jobs - 72984- Chief Technical Advisor specialised in Water Engin

Chief Technical Advisor specialised in Water Engineering Field (Also Open to International Consultants)

Location :

Male', MALDIVES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Aug-2017

Application Deadline :

30-Jun-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possibility of extension upto 3 years

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The unique geographic attributes of the Maldives make its water resource situation both complex and diverse. With widely ranging populations numbers on the islands, even basic water and sanitation service must be tailored to local resources and population needs. Management of the limited water resources is complicated due to the small catchment areas for rainfall, limited rainwater and groundwater storage capacity, long dry seasons, and the susceptibility of groundwater aquifers to pollution and salinity intrusion.

The outer islands of the Maldives already experience drinking water shortages during the dry season. These shortages have had significant adverse human, environmental and social impacts on the outer island communities. The key problems pertaining to freshwater security relate to the increasingly variable rainfall patterns induced by climate change and sea-level rise induced salinity of groundwater. A sea level rise and decreasing rainfall amounts will considerably compound current water stress in the country. The Government faces constraints in responding to the challenge at hand without assistance, especially in the context of anticipated impacts of climate change.

As water security is closely bound to rainfall and sea level rise in Maldives, the adaptation scenario will demand: (i) the rainfall collection capacity to increase at least threefold; (ii) groundwater controlled extraction and replenishment to keep water table levels high in order to buffer away saltwater intrusion; and (iii) increased water production capacity through desalinization (Reversed Osmosis – RO technology), as to secure sufficient back up resource during the extended dry periods for household supply and timely distribution.

In response to this challenge, the proposed project objective is to deliver safe and secure freshwater to 105,000 people in the 49 target islands of Maldives in the face of climate change risks. This will be achieved by delivering the following results:

Scaling up integrated water supply system to provide safe water to vulnerable households (at least 32,000 people, including 15,000 women);
Decentralized and cost-effective dry season water supply system introduced benefiting 73,000 people across 7 Northern Atolls;?
Groundwater quality improved to secure freshwater reserves for long term resilience on 49 islands;

The project will provide sufficient water to supply the potable water needs of island residents year-round for a 35-year design period to 2050. Project finance will be used to establish an integrated water resources management system that integrates the three main sources of water (rainwater, groundwater and desalinated water) into a least cost delivery system and which is able to maintain service levels against a context of rainfall variability and sea level rise and includes measures for groundwater quality recovery to secure freshwater reserves in the long term.

Ultimately, the project will achieve an uninterrupted water supply on the islands that currently experience a 90 day chronic water shortage during dry season and depend on transported water from Male’, which is an extensive, overlong and costly operation. As a result of the project, 49 priority islands will have increased rainwater collection capacities, out of which, 4 bigger islands will additionally have water production systems of water desalination (Reverse Osmosis – RO water production plants), that will secure sufficient water production capacity enabling a decentralized and timely water distribution across all northern outer atolls during the extended dry periods, when shortages may occur. ?

Water stress alert information based on forecasted meteorological information will feed into the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for system management, thereby protecting lives and livelihoods from environmental risks associated with climate change. This will also feed into strengthening the Meteorological - MMS services on reaching out to the communities actionable early warning information, and preparing the water utilities, island councils and the communities to receive and act on such information. The system will achieve cost effectiveness in service provision through effective management of water resources and the use of renewable energy and locally appropriate technologies. Alongside the system design will be a capacity development workstream designed to obtain the support and ownership from communities, which is necessary for financial sustainability of the system, as well as the capacity development of the State Utilities (such as FENAKA and STELCO) to manage service delivery, and of the decentralized authorities and central government to provide an enabling environment for sustainability and scale up.

Objective of the assignment:

The main purpose of this assignment is to provide the leadership and guidance to the technical and management units towards achieving the project objective and related results. The CTA shall carry out the work in accordance with the terms of reference outlined in this document and shall report to Water and Sanitation Department or designated person from MEE, Project Board and the UNDP Resident Representative. In order to assist the government of Maldives achieve the stated project objective above, the CTA is expected to carry out the tasks as described below.

Duties and Responsibilities

This solicitation is for a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) for one year and renewable up to three years linked to satisfactory performance of the individual consultant. "LTA" refers to a mutual arrangement whereby the Consultant will provide services as required, over a specific period of time.
An LTA is a mutual arrangement between UNDP and the individual to provide the required services at prescribed prices or provisions over a period of 12-36 months, with potential extension of one year. UNDP reserves the right to rescind the agreement during that period should performance of the consultant not meet its requirements.
Under an LTA, UNDP does not warrant that any quantity of services shall be purchased during the term of this Agreement. Where a request for services arises, UNDP shall directly contract the consultant based on its need to carry out those activities. A specific Terms of Reference (TOR) outlining the outputs for each assignment shall be provided and an Individual Contract would be issued to the consultant, detailing the time frame.

The Consultant is expected to:

Provide technical expertise and strategic guidance to all project components, assuming quality control of interventions, and support the Project Manager in the coordination of the implementation of planned activities under the GCF project as stipulated in the project document;
Provide a suite of technical advisory, planning & management and coordination services to the project where key work areas will include as outlined below:

Technical and Management Services;
Project Advisory and Guidance;
Project Monitoring and Implementation Support;
Training.

Technical Services

Safeguards and Environmental and Social Management Plan:

The CTA will support and provide guidance to the implementation of the existing Environmental and Social Management Plan - ESMP of the project and observe a full compliance during the entire project duration by the core project team, group of national and international consultants assigned to the project and all sub-contractors;
The CTA, together with the Project Manager, will support the project team with the implementation and monitoring of all risk mitigation measures and take necessary actions to mitigate the risks;

Water Sector Baseline Study

The CTA will support and provide technical input into the development of a baseline study that involves a diagnosis of the water and sewerage sector, and an assessment of the technical, financial, operational and management situation with particular focus on the target outer islands in Maldives and establish the legal, technical, institutional and financial barriers to adaptive water management and effective ways to address them;
As part of the baseline assessment, all existing water sector studies and identify critical gaps in information and knowledge will be compiled, the existence of any standards or requirements for policy direction and practices in relation to efficient and effective provision for water and sewerage services will be assessed under the guidance of the CTA, as relevant within the scope of the project
The CTA will support, guide and provide technical input into a comprehensive overview of a good international practice of water production and management systems of relevance for small island states faced with geographical challenges of isolation and dispersed nature of islands and populations;
The CTA will provide support and technical input to the analysis of the status of existing sewerage and solid waste management in relation to groundwater sources, and recommend the policy direction and practices (e.g. land use, construction, quality monitoring, pollution prevention, controlled recharge and extraction) in relation to safe groundwater sources.

Investment Plan and Implementation

The CTA will provide support and technical input to the design of phased investment work plans, related detailed procurement plans, tender documents and TORs that include feasibility study, design, implementation/construction, stakeholder involvement, quality control and risk management for the specific tasks outlined below:
- Rainwater Harvesting methods and technologies, with attention to management arrangements and SOPs both for the community and household water collection tanks, including social and environmental safeguards. This will also include detailed sustainable O&M plan with clear roles and responsibilities, spare parts, services and associated costs for at least next 10 years;
- Groundwater Management, with particular attention to natural replenishment, controlled recharge and extraction and systematic sample tests and quality monitoring protocols; and with emphasis on social and environmental safeguards. This will also include detailed O&M plan with clear roles and responsibilities, spare parts, services and associated costs for at least next 10 years;
- Water Desalination, with particular attention to adoptable RO technology that is energy efficient and sourced by on and/or off grid renewable energy and integrates other sources of water (e.g. rainwater, groundwater) into its unified system of production and distribution. And with emphasis on social and environmental safeguards. This will also include detailed O&M plan with clear roles and responsibilities, spare parts, services and associated costs for at least next 10 years;
- Regional Distribution/Dry Season Water Shipments, with particular focus on decentralized operations, creation of atoll or regional centres of water production and distribution, associated management system, infrastructure, legal and logistical mechanisms;
- Identifying, supporting and providing technical input into the required support to the Maldives Meteorological Services to establish Early Warning for Water Emergency Alerts, with focus on provision of real time data through the MMS database system, data analysis and early alerts to the communities, councils, water utilities and other parties for early action and water stress risk reduction. This will also include establishing SOPs, detailed O&M plan with clear roles and responsibilities, spare parts, services and associated costs for at least next 10 years.

Climate Change, Economic and Financial Studies

CTA will provide support and technical input towards the design of detailed work plans, related procurement plans, tender documents and TORs for the specific tasks outlined below:
- In-depth studies of current and projected water demand in the target outer islands, considering a range of climate change scenarios in relation to rainfall amounts and distribution. Assist to design a methodological model for water resource planning and development for the use at Island level with an aim to contribute to island level self-sufficiency and resilience. This may include (if applicable) a customized water resources planning and management software. Self-sufficiency and resilience strategies must consider the central role of the communities and include development of island level water safety plans, atoll-based backup water supply plans, and island level water resource planning and management with the engagement of local councils and affiliated community groups (e.g. women’s committee) and water utilities;
- A study to recommend a pricing policy for water supply services. This would be done in conjunction with and in justification of the assessment of projected demand. In particular, the Coordinator would consider how these policies affect the poorer sections of the community currently not receiving service and recommend measures to enhance the quality and quantity of service to them. The recommendations will include procedures and methodologies for willingness to pay surveys;
- A gender study and outline gender strategy for the project targeting the needs of female beneficiaries in accessing safe and reliable water to meet their household needs;
- Review the current tariff level and tariff structure and recommend a basic tariff structure; recommend an implementation schedule for cost recovery strategy; recommend a subsidy mechanism (if applicable); level and financing mechanism. This will include the detailed guidelines for setting the tariffs (progressive and differentiated tariff setting may be considered) to be approved by the MEE and adopted by the water utilities;
- A long term financial model for the water supply system. In particular, this would include a revenue projection from the proposed investment and the issues of financial sustainability for the way forward.

Capacity Development and Training

The CTA will provide support and technical input into developing detailed work plans, related procurement plans, tender documents and TORs for the specific tasks outlined below:
- A detailed assessment of water legislation that establishes the key roles and mandates of the water sector as well as coordination mechanisms. This will identify the institutional gaps and functional overlaps that preclude effective and efficient governance of the water sector. Provide the recommendations for clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, avoidance of conflict of interest between the policy setting and oversight functions, building an accountability framework into the water sector institutions and effective sector financing mechanisms;
The CTA will support and provide technical input to the development, design and delivery of targeted training programmes in water planning and management tools and methods; integrated water resource management methods; water budgeting methods; institutional quality management systems; contract management for the utilities and relevant Ministerial departments;
The CTA will review existing, or develop new where appropriate, guidelines, checklists, standards and procedures for bidding process, evaluations, designing, water supply systems and works implementation, monitoring, supervision, inspection evaluation, commissioning testing and handover.? Provide hands on training to relevant staff
The CTA will review existing technical specifications of water supply systems, identify critical gaps and provide recommendations for improvements, provide hands on training to staff in reviewing of project technical and financial proposals, preliminary designs and detailed designs

Management Services:

The CTA will provide hands-on support to the Project Manager, other project staff and Ministry of Environment and Energy in the areas of project management and planning, management of site activities, regular impact assessments and monitoring of the project where required;
The CTA will provide support to the Project Manager and provide technical input to the preparation and revision of the Annual Work Plans, budgets and Procurement Plans;
The CTA will guide the project M&E Specialist to undertake monitoring the technical quality of project M&E systems (including AWPs, indicators and targets) where required; this includes developing a detailed M&E plans throughout the project implementation; guiding and assisting the project M&E Specialist to adjust the project Results Framework targets and indicators, if and as the baseline assessment findings would require;?
The CTA will assist the Project Manager in managing evaluation processes, such as midterm and final evaluations as well as auditing and spot checks where required;
The CTA will assist the Project Manager in the preparation of the Combined Project Implementation Review/Annual Project Report, inception report, technical reports, monthly/quarterly/biannual reports, quarterly financial reports for submission to UNDP, Project Board and the GCF Secretariat where required;
The CTA will assist the Project manager throughout the project management cycle and provide hands on guidance and mentorship to a broader project management team to develop core management skills and capacities where required.

Generic Outputs

Outputs shall be further specified under each contract in line with the given tasks:

Provision of guidance to the implementation of the ESMP.
Provision of technical inputs into the development of a baseline study of the water and sewerage sector.
Provision of technical inputs into a comprehensive overview of a good international practice of water production and management systems
Provision of technical input to the analysis of the status of existing sewerage and solid waste management in relation to groundwater sources?
Provision of recommendations on the policy direction and practices (e.g. land use, construction, quality monitoring, pollution prevention, controlled recharge and extraction) in relation to safe groundwater sources.
Provision of technical input to the design of phased investment work plans, related detailed procurement plans, tender documents and TORs that include feasibility study, design, implementation/construction, stakeholder involvement, quality control and risk management related to the investment plan and implementation.
Provision of technical input towards the design of detailed work plans, related procurement plans, tender documents and TORs related to the Climate Change, Economic and financial studies
Provision of technical input into developing detailed work plans, related procurement plans, tender documents and TORs related to capacity development and training
Provision of hands-on support to the Project Manager, other project staff and Ministry of Environment and Energy in the areas of project management and planning, management of site activities, regular impact assessments and monitoring of the project where required;
Provision of technical input to the preparation and revision of the Annual Work Plans, budgets and Procurement Plans;
Provision of guidance to the project M&E Specialist to undertake monitoring the technical quality of project M&E systems (including AWPs, indicators and targets) where required.

Duty Station

The consultant shall be stationed in Male - Maldives, with travel to project islands across the country when necessary. The schedule of travel will be negotiated with the consultant according to the requirements of the programme.

Monitoring and Progress control

The CTA will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager as part of the Project Management Unit in Ministry of Environment and Energy. The CTA will also work with the Water department at Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Resilience and Climate Change unit of UNDP Country Office on a regular basis.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Payment Modality

At the rate of the daily fee quoted and approved, for a maximum of 21 days per month.

Payment will be made on periodical basis based on number of days worked and submission of a Time Sheet indicating the days worked in the period. All payments are subject to the clearance and approval of the direct supervisor. Final payment shall require a signed performance evaluation of the consultant.

In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources. All travel expenses incurred by the consultant based on travel plan agreed for assignment, will be covered directly by UNDP in line with UNDP travel rules and regulations.

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be either reimbursed or covered directly by UNDP.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge about the UNDP programmes would be an advantage;

Proven strong analytical abilities;
Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines;
Ability to actively generate creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations;
Excellent writing, presentation/public speaking skills;
A pro-active approach to problem-solving;

General IT literacy.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

At least a Masters degree or equivalent in engineering related to water resource management, or managing water sector related projects and investments is required;

Experience

At least 10 years of experience in providing consultancy services, including managing water sector projects, project management and supervision is required;
5 years of experience of the technical leadership in the area of integrated water resource management;
Experience of the development of water sector projects, especially in small islands is preferred;
In-depth knowledge and experience of national and/or international best practice in all aspects of water resource management, especially effective water production and distribution systems, including the engineering and financial aspects of the sector;
Good understanding of developments in national and/ or international water management sector. S/He should have good knowledge in latest trends and approaches in adaptive and integrated water resource management is preferred.?

Hands-on experience in managing water sector related projects and investments, with particular familiarity with functions, quality management and accounting systems at water utilities is preferred;
Proven knowledge and experience of applying integrated water resource management principle is preferred;

Language Requirements

Fluency in English language.

Application process

Interested individuals must submit the following as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications:

A letter indicating why the candidate considers himself/herself suitable for the required consultancy; this can be done online;
Submission of an updated detailed Personal CV or P11 form which can be downloaded from? http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc
Lump sum financial quotation, with a breakdown of daily consultancy fee, daily subsistence allowance (living allowances is applicable for international consultants only) and ticket fees as applicable – clearly indicate the breakdown of daily fee and number of days of work; please use the financial proposal form in Annex 1.
At least two references from recent previous jobs or three references contact details

Note: Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into one single file.?

For more detailed terms of reference including form for financial proposal, please visit UNDP Maldives Website at http://www.mv.undp.org/content/maldives/en/home/operations/procurement/ChiefTechnicalAdvisorSpecialisedinWaterEngineeringField/