Georgia is among the countries which have fresh groundwater distinguished for significant resources and naturally high drinking quality. This is evidenced by years of hydrogeological exploration works and monitoring researches conducted in the country to identify, assess, and protect fresh groundwater. Considering the intensive technogenic load on the environment, the assessment and protection of fresh groundwater resources have become a pressing issue for the government. After a hiatus, Georgia has started to take significant efforts from 2013 to restore the national network for fresh groundwater monitoring. Enhancing the groundwater monitoring network and improving the relevant data processing are the obligations set by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (Title VI, chapter 3, article 306; article 306, annex XXVI “Water quality and resource management including marine environment” - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:22014A0830(02)), as well as being linked to the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on the management of water resources and sanitation.

LEPL National Environmental Agency (NEA), with support of donor organisation, has installed modern hydrogeological monitoring equipment on the existing wells. These measures have been followed by the gradual connection of water points to the central monitoring network, and currently, it covers 56 water points countrywide – 50 wells and six natural springs. Twice a year (in June and December), NEA performs chemical and bacterial laboratory analysis of groundwater. However, the hydrogeological monitoring network enlarges every year and the database on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fresh groundwater is being expanded based on the information received from water points, fieldwork results, laboratory analyses (chemical and bacteriological), and on the processing and generalising of the collected actual materials. Concurrently, the monitoring network's improvement, the amount of statistical information (geological, stratigraphic, hydraulic, hydrodynamic, qualitative, technical and other hydrogeology data) to be processed is also increasing, which is a severe challenge to NEA. Specifically, it is necessary to produce groundwater databases and modelling using a specific computer program for a groundwater modelling system that will support the efficient management of fresh groundwater resources, elaborating relevant water policies and implementing modern water management methodologies in Georgia. Moreover, the introduction of a groundwater monitoring system and its methodology should be in full compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:5c835afb-2ec6-4577-bdf8-756d3d694eeb.0004.02/DOC_1&format=PDF) and the principles of integrated water resources management.  

Selection and introduction of the above-mentioned modelling system is a challenging task for NEA since the responsible department lacks the relevant expertise and knowledge of the specificity of different programmes because of the necessary data and characteristics. Accordingly, MEPA has requested UNDP to provide support and technical assistance through an international consultant to introduce the methodology of groundwater modelling system, recommend the most applicable programme due to the existing circumstances, and strengthen the Agency’s staff capacity in applying for the modelling programme. This will enable NEA to rapidly process, visualise and analyse the research results, which lead to efficient policy development.

The overall objective of the consultancy is to provide support to NEA in introducing a methodology of groundwater modelling system, recommend the specific modelling programme for further develop digital monitoring abilities and data processing mechanisms and familiarize the Agency staff with practical training about the groundwater modelling system specifications. The international consultant should review the existing groundwater monitoring practices and types of available data and present the deliverables in full compliance with the WFD, the EU standards and modern methods.

The scope of work for the international consultant will include, but may not be limited to:

• Desk review of the legislation, general situation and current practices of groundwater monitoring/modelling with the available information and the methodology of groundwater assessment, the monitoring parameters;
• Conduct consultations with key stakeholders (the relevant governmental institutions, independent experts and non-governmental organizations, if applicable) in order to identify the most pressing challenges regarding water monitoring system in Georgia;
• Conduct field visit in cooperation with NEA’s relevant staff to assess the monitoring practices on site;
• Analyse findings and recommendations gathered during desk reviews and consultations and prepare a report;
• Study good international practices (from countries more or less similar to Georgia) of groundwater monitoring in order to identify major steps to be covered during the preparation of the programme;
• Develop the most applicable monitoring methodology in accordance with WFD, the EU standards and modern practices;
• Prepare the recommendations about the best suitable monitoring software taking into consideration the current data on groundwaters and parameters;
• Prepare a training module and conduct up to five-day training course up using a free or temporary study program which applies the existing data, practically perform groundwater modelling software training for NEA staff (8 staff members);
• Training should cover: flow modelling with MODFLOW & MODFLOW-USG; creating conceptual models using GIS objects; Integrating GIS data into groundwater models; calibrating groundwater models using PEST; Analysing simple transport problems with MODPATH; modelling transport with MT3DMS; Creating stratigraphy models from borehole and other subsurface data. According to the above, hands-on training should be provided to study the following software functions:
  • Groundwater Modelling Concepts (Conceptual Model Development, boundary conditions 2D vs. 3D, steady state vs. transient parsimony, code selection, model calibration, crediction);
  • Modelling case studies (MODFLOW overview, MODFLOW-USG, file formats, importing models – ascii, VM, GW vistas, PMWIN, exporting native text, solvers, troubleshooting MODFLOW models);
  • Working with regional MODFLOW models (Base maps, conceptual models, conductance);
  • 2D Geostatistics (MODFLOW layer elevations, interpolation methods);
  • Site characterization (borehole data, user-defined cross-sections);
  • Site characterization via horizons;
  • Arc Hydro Groundwater (Data model overview, web applications - well permitting, water level mapper);
  • Model calibration (Importing observation well data, calibration basics, point observations, flow observations, plotting calibration statistics);
  • Parameter Estimation with PEST (Introduction to inverse modelling, parameterization, defining zones with key values, PEST options);
  • Parameter Estimation (Pilot point method, regularization, pilot point placement)
  • MODPATH (Applications of particle tracking, transport modelling concepts, advection, dispersion, diffusion, sorption, decay);
  • MT3DMS (Governing equation, packages;
• Facilitate a workshop to discuss the collected information with NEA’s relevant departments, MEPA and key stakeholders;
• Compile a final consultancy report, including the accomplishments undertaken during the consultancy period.

Deliverables and payment modality

The payment schedule is given below and will be made upon competition, submission and approval of deliverables by the supervisor:

40% of the consultancy fee

• Situation analysis report including the information gathered during the field visit and recommendations;
• Review of the international good practices of conducting groundwater monitoring based on WFD, the EU standards and modern practices;
• Workshop with key stakeholders to present the main findings of the first mission;
• The first draft of the methodology of groundwater monitoring modelling/programme

60% of the consultancy fee

• Final draft of the methodology of groundwater monitoring modelling/programme;
• Recommendations about the best suitable monitoring software taking into consideration the current data on groundwaters and parameters;
• Prepared training module and conducted trainings using free or temporary groundwater modelling study software for NEA staff
• Final consultancy report covering the activities undertaken, the completed accomplishment and recommendations for future implementation.            

Management Arrangements:

The International Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Governance Reform Fund (GRF) Project Manager and the direct supervision of the GRF Environmental Coordinator. The expert will have close working relations with the representatives of NEA and MEPA to make sure that the overall vision and priorities of the Ministry are taken into consideration. The service provider will be directly responsible for, reporting to, seeking approval from and obtaining a certificate of acceptance of outputs from the above-mentioned person(s). In addition, the respective GRF team will be responsible for sharing relevant documents, contact details and other necessary information with the service provider.

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Understanding of the mandate and the role of UNDP would be an asset;
• 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.

Functional competencies:

• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated skills in drafting reports;
• Ability to work under pressure with several tasks and various deadlines;
• Actively generates creative, practical approaches and solutions to overcome challenging situations;
• Excellent writing, presentation/public speaking skills;
• A pro-active approach to problem-solving;
• Computer literacy.

Leadership and Self-Management skills:

• Builds strong relationships with the working group and with the project partners
• Focuses on impact and results for the project partners and responds positively to feedback;
• Cooperates with the working group effectively and demonstrates strong conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, positivity and a constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates strong influencing and facilitation skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good-humoured under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change, new ideas and ability to manage ambiguity;
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates the ability to transfer knowledge and competencies;
• Is able to work independently and hurdle competing priorities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrogeology/Geology/Water resources management/Environmental study/groundwater software modelling or other relevant fields (minimum requirement: Bachelor’s degree - 13 points, Master’s degree – additional 1 point; PhD – additional 1 point).

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in groundwater software modelling (minimum requirement: 5 years - 12 points, more than 5 year - additional 3 points)
• At least five years of proven working experience with government agencies and/or international organizations implementing or supporting the integrated management of water resources, introduction of modern methodologies for sustainable management of groundwater (minimum requirement: 5 years - 5 points, more than 5 years - additional 5 points)
• At least two years of experience of monitoring and evaluation systems of groundwater (minimum requirement: 5 points)
• Experience of field hydrogeological survey will be an asset (5 points)
• Experience in working with the public-sector organization will be an asset
• Experience of working in Georgia and/or knowledge of the region’s context is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Evaluation:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis method: Offerors will be evaluated against combination of technical and financial criteria. Maximum obtainable score is 100, out of which the total score for technical criteria equals to 70 and for financial criteria – to 30. Offerors that do not meet Minimum Qualification Criteria will be automatically rejected, while the rest will form up the long list. The offerors who obtain minimum 35 points as a result of the desk review will be invited for the interview. Offerors who pass 70% threshold, i.e. obtain minimum 14 points, as a result of the interview will be requested the financial proposal.

Financial Proposal:

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the ToR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount. Maximum 30 points will be assigned to the lowest price offer. All other price offers will be scored using the formula (inverse proportion):  Financial score X = 30* the lowest price offer/suggested price offer. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal as well.