The interaction between groundwater and surface water systems (rivers, wetlands, lakes) has not been adequately considered in most transboundary river basin management initiatives, including the Nile basin. The most pressing driver of heightened interest around groundwater in the Nile basin is the growing imbalance between water demand and water supply. This necessitates the need to look for alternative water sources. Groundwater holds the promise of closing the gap between water supply and demand, and in buffering the effects of climate variability. The other driver of interest around groundwater is the role that groundwater plays in addressing the SDG targets for drinking water (SDG 6.1) and other SDG6 targets such as IWRM SDG 6.5. To reach SDG 6 goals, groundwater delivered thorough multiple delivery mechanisms (e.g., boreholes, springs, reticulated systems, dug wells) has a vital role to play.

This project aims to overcome the different barriers limiting effective utilization and protection of shared aquifers in the upper riparian countries of the Nile. Unlike the downstream end of the Nile, which holds aquifers of continental size, the upper riparian countries of the Nile are dotted by small but numerous aquifers of enormous local, regional, and basin-wide socio-economic significance. Many recent studies demonstrate that groundwater availability (or depletion of it) in the region, has a strong bearing on poverty, migration, conflict, school attendance, and human health.

Three aquifer areas have been chosen for the current intervention, namely the Kagera aquifer shared among Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi; the Mt Elgon aquifer shared between Uganda and Kenya; and the Gedaref-Adigrat aquifer shared between Sudan and Ethiopia. The aquifers are located in diverse ecological zones. The Gedaref-Adigrat aquifers represent arid semi-arid environment with pastoral and agro-pastoral landscapes. The Mt Elgon aquifer represent humid highlands where principal water use is for ecosystem services such as for wildlife watering and as source of drinking water for rapidly growing population. The Kagera aquifer represents a typical African basement aquifer where the shallow groundwaters support drinking water sources and complex ecosystem niches

UNDP will hire an International  Individual Consultant to provide Enhancing Conjunctive Management of Surface and Groundwater Resources in Selected Transboundary Aquifers

Application Process

Applicants are requested to apply online at http://jobs.undp.org not later than Sunday 2nd October 2022.

The detailed application forms and  documents can be downloaded on the below Link:-

https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=95929. 

Candidates are invited to submit applications together with their CV for these positions. UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will consider the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send an email to:  ug.procurement@undp.org for any inquiries.

Note: UNDP is an equal opportunity Organization, Women, Youth and People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE THAT – UNDP DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES AT ANY STAGE OF ITS PROCUREMENT PROCESSES. UNDP HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FRAUD AND CORRUPTION, MEANING THAT UNDP STAFF MEMBERS, NON-STAFF PERSONNEL, VENDORS, IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS AND RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ARE NOT TO ENGAGE IN FRAUD OR CORRUPTION

Project Design:

• Review the problem addressed by the project and the underlying assumptions.  Review the effect of any incorrect assumptions or changes to the context to achieving the project results as outlined in the Project Document.
• Review the relevance of the project strategy and assess whether it provides the most effective route towards expected/intended results.  Were lessons from other relevant projects properly incorporated into the project design? 
• Review how the project addresses country priorities. Review country ownership. Was the project concept in line with the national sector development priorities and plans of the country (or of participating countries in the case of multi-country projects)?
• Review decision-making processes: were perspectives of those who would be affected by project decisions, those who could affect the outcomes, and those who could contribute information or other resources to the process, taken into account during project design processes?
• Review the extent to which relevant gender issues were raised in the project design. See Annex 9 of Guidance for Conducting Midterm Reviews of UNDP-Supported, GEF-Financed Projects for further guidelines.
  • Were relevant gender issues (e.g., the impact of the project on gender equality in the programme country, involvement of women’s groups, engaging women in project activities) raised in the Project Document?
• If there are major areas of concern, recommend areas for

Results Framework/Log frame:

• Undertake a critical analysis of the project’s log frame indicators and targets, assess how “SMART” the midterm and end-of-project targets are (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound), and suggest specific amendments/revisions to the targets and indicators as necessary.
• Are the project’s objectives and outcomes or components clear, practical, and feasible within its time frame?
• Examine if progress so far has led to, or could in the future catalyse beneficial development effects (i.e. income generation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, improved governance etc...) that should be included in the project results framework and monitored on an annual basis.
• Ensure broader development and gender aspects of the project are being monitored effectively.  Develop and recommend SMART ‘development’ indicators, including sex-disaggregated indicators and indicators that capture development benefits.

• Previous experience of working in the Nile Basin or will be an added advantage.
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrable analytical skills.

Project evaluation/review experiences within United Nations system will be considered an asset

• A Master’s degree in Development studies, Monitoring and evaluation, Project planning and Management or any other related field. Experience in evaluation natural resource management/ climate change adaptation and mitigation projects specifically in the water sector is an added advantage.

Experience

• Relevant experience with result-based management evaluation methodologies;
• Experience applying SMART indicators and reconstructing or validating baseline scenarios;

1. Competence in adaptive management, as applied to hydrogeology, water management, natural resource management or any other closely related field;
2. Experience in evaluating projects;

• Experience working in East African region or Nile Basin countries
• Previous experience related to monitoring water related projects or research on international waters is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Monitoring and Evaluation Policy
• Experience applying results-based evaluation policies and procedures

Demonstrated understanding of issues related to gender and water management and experience in gender sensitive evaluation and analysis