Background
The project “Tajikistan Water Supply and Sanitation” (TajWSS) seeks to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in rural areas by improving the sustainability of the water and sanitation sector. Given the sustainability problems within the sector, focusing on the delivery of physical infrastructure alone will not improve access to water and sanitation in the long-term. Instead the project uses a ‘service delivery’ approach that addresses the institutional and policy environment as well as working with consumers and implementing agencies. UNDP is taking part in implementation of TajWSS project led by Oxfam Great Britain (Oxfam GB) and funded by Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development (SDC).
Phase 1 of the project demonstrated that it is possible to contribute to institutional and policy reform in Tajikistan and that traction on the sustainability agenda is possible. In Phase 2, the TajWSS project will scale-up its intervention at the district level while continuing to advocate for change and develop recommendations for further reforms at the policy level. At the policy level, the project will continue to advocate for clarification of the regulatory role at the national level; promote the implementation of a unified, full-cost recovery tariff methodology; advocate for the adoption of the lessons learned generated by the inventory conducted during Phase 1; promote the adoption of recommendations on ownership and management rights; and support the implementation of health and water quality indicators. It will reach out to consumers and rural communities, building their capacity to operate and manage small-scale water systems, empowering them to demand their right to water from operators and regulators while emphasizing their responsibilities to pay water tariffs. The policy level work will be closely linked to the work at the district level the strong involvement of water users in the policy process and with both strands of work informing each other.
Phase 2 will embed new processes and ways of working for the drinking water supply and sanitation subsector. The impact of these new processes on the water supply and sanitation (WS&S) subsector will be reviewed and documented, including impact on women, the sustainability of Water Users Associations (WUAs) and comparative advantages and disadvantages of different models of water provision. Sanitation will feature more prominently on the agenda, especially at the district level where all investment in physical infrastructure will be in water and sanitation systems. Rural communities and consumers will have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them and service providers will be more accountable to their needs.
Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan voiced concern over the lack of sufficient attention to sanitation and requested development partners, notably the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support and facilitate the development of a feasible Sanitation Policy. To achieve this, UNDP intends to support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection which undertakes its activities as a consultative and coordinating body to promote sanitation policy and formulate policy reform recommendations aimed to assist in development and implementation of state policies and programs in sanitation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Goals and objectives:
The purpose of the assignment is to assess current conditions of sanitation to achieve a sector overview and agree on a set of legislative, regulatory and management priorities as well as addressing urgent, medium-term and longer-term priorities of the society. The outcome Policy Document would facilitate the development of specific strategies, including improved infrastructure, enhanced capacities both at community level and among state stakeholders and establish alliances with key stakeholders.
Duties and responsibilities:
UNDP Energy and Environment Programme seeks a qualified candidate to support Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MoH) of Tajikistan to develop Sanitation Development Plan with primary focus on waste water disposal of drinking water supply in rural Tajikistan, thereby contributing in enabling environment for economic and financial sustainability of drinking water supply and sanitation subsectors, as well as viability of service providing organization in the mid- to long-term perspective.
The Consultant will work in close cooperation and coordination with MoH Thematic Working Group, under direct supervision of the Project Analyst and Energy & Environment Programme Manager. S/he will maximize efforts to achieve expected results, by providing strategic guidance and technical advice for the improvement of national sanitation policy in Tajikistan.
Specifically, the Consultant will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:
- Prepare a detailed overview of existing legislation and policy frameworks, as well as institutional arrangements that are relevant to sanitation in Tajikistan and identify gaps in the current legislative and regulatory basis, as well as institutional arrangements on sanitation;
- Prepare terms of reference for inputs required from national institutions/consultants for development of Sanitation Development Plan, including MoH Working Group, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders and international community;
- Overview of current methodologies, approaches and practices utilized in implementation of sanitation related activities by international and national civil society in Tajikistan (including INGOs and NGOs), with analyses of benefits and drawbacks for each;
- Based on findings and inputs provided by experts from TWG, develop overarching Sanitation Policy at the national level. It is expected that this Policy will emanate from stakeholder consultations, and will cover:
- In close corporation with MoH ensure a transparent and consultative process over development of document by facilitating national level round table;
- Supervise and guide the work of MoH Working Group;
- Conduct regular stakeholder consultations during the preparation of the Sanitation Policy;
- Analyse and provide possible risks for implementation of new of Sanitation Policy;
- Collaboratively establish simple benchmarks and indicators for evaluation of effectiveness of new of Sanitation Policy.
To do this more effectively and ensure some level of sustainability, the Consultant will work with group of experts.
For detailed information, please refer to the Terms of Reference of the the below link.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- 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 favoritism;
- Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
- Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Functional Competencies:
- At least 10 years of proven relevant work experience in the field of social health, drinking water supply and sanitation;
- Knowledge of participative policy development and/or consultation processes in complex political environment;
- An independent, reliable, responsible self-motivator able work under pressure;
- Excellent communication, team-building and diplomatic skills to develop partnerships;
- Proven ability to develop high level policy briefs, policy recommendations, analysis and plans;
- Working experience in the region of Central Asia or CIS is an advantage.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- University degree in Epidemiology, Social Health or relevant field..
Experience:
- At least 10 years of proven relevant work experience in international organizations, ministries and agencies related to drinking water and sanitation policies;
- Proven skills in Government-led policy dialogue and development of efficient and effective institutions, including excellent knowledge in national policy and strategy development;
- Professional experience in developing programme/ project documents on sanitation policy in developing countries.
Language:
- Required language English, knowledge of Russian is an advantage.
Application Procedure:
Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice:
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.