UNICEF recruits 01 Consultancy
Consultancy for Development of an Operations and Maintenance Model and Manuals for the Juba South Sudan Water Supply Scheme
Job Number: 525332 | Vacancy Link
Locations: Africa: South Sudan
Work Type : Consultancy
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Title of Assignment CASE STUDY: Development of an Operations and Maintenance Model and Manuals for the Juba Water Supply Scheme
Section WASH SSU
Location Home-based work; travel to Nairobi and South Sudan
Duration Sixty (60) days spread over four (4) months
Start date From: 12 August 2019
To: 10th December2019
1. BACKGROUND
Juba is serviced by unreliable water service delivery modalities, dominated by private sector provision through water trucking. Although a public piped water supply system exists in the old city of Juba, the existing public infrastructure, constructed in 1937, is rapidly aging and its under-maintained piped network is limited to central city coverage.
The South Sudan Urban Water Corporation (SSUWC), which is public utility holds the mandate for the provision of water to urban communities including the city of Juba. However, the SSUWC is only able to serve about 17% of the city’s population with piped water. At least 70% of households in Juba fetch water for domestic use from unimproved water sources such as water vendors and/or surface water like rivers.
Due to resource constraints, SSUWC has traditionally struggled to maintain water services across the city and has no capacity to extend services to underserved areas without external support. This leaves communities to rely on private or communal managed systems.
The private sector also plays critical role in provision of water to Juba and currently there are eight private firms also supplying water to Juba through treatment of water from the Nile followed by tankering. Preliminary estimate done in 2019 indicate a production capacity of about 40,500 m3 /day by all eight private operators as well as SSUWC whilst the water they distribute via water tankering is on average 19,700m3/d. This represents approximately 28% of the estimated water demand in Juba. However, it must also be noted most of public institutions, hotels, the UN and International Non-Governmental Organisations have their own private source of water.
Since January to May 2019, the unit cost for 1 m3 of water at the water filling station has been constant among all private sector at 0.59 USD whilst the price offered by SSUWC is 0.51 USD. There are wide variations in the cost of water collected at water filling stations across Juba, ranging from 10 to 20 times across different areas.
At household level, the cost of a 20-litre jerry-can is 30 to 60 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) (equivalent to 0.23USD per litre). This is far more expensive compared to the same amount of about 4 SSP at a filling station. A socio-economic survey conducted in 2018 indicated that about 50% of household surveyed were willing to pay about 10 SSP for 20 liter of water for 24/7 water availability with no waiting time and near the households’ location.
The same survey indicates that for the project area, 93.8% of the households are residents, 5.2% are IDPs from other parts of South Sudan and 1% are returnees. Proportion of water access type is as follows; 40.7% of household use borehole, 26.2% use the river directly, % use tankering services, 5.4% use household connection whilst the remaining 14.7% use a host of other sources
Given the limited capacity of SSUWC to provide water to households in Juba coupled with the high costs households pay for water services from private vendors, UNICEF in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan and support from KfW, commenced implementation of the project “Water Supply and Sanitation for poor Communities and IDPs Camps in Juba” in 2017 to improve access to water in Juba.
The project outputs aimed to reduce the water trucking burden and cost for water supplied to IDPs living in the UN House Protection of Civilians (PoC) site as well as the population in the peri-urban area of Juba called Rajaf and Kator payams. The communities living along the pipeline will be supplied with safe water through water kiosks and water filling stations installed at the water kiosk sites.
Once infrastructure construction is completed, a model of management of the water system will need to be implemented. The Guiding Principles for Urban Water Supply and Sanitation as outlined in the South Sudan Water Policy (2007), which states that the ‘responsibility for regulation, delivery and management of UWSS services shall be decentralized to the lowest appropriate level, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and “Efficient management practices shall be required so as to ensure the operational sustainability of UWSS systems.” This ToR aims aim is to develop a management model, aligned to the policy, for the Juba Water Supply Scheme..
2. JUSTIFICATION
The lack of institutional capacity, poor implementation of policy on water regulation and management, low cost recovery for water supply services, low ability and willingness and economic profit drivers for private water firms and vendors all contribute to a weak and fragile waters services supply system. This hinders the ability to provide effective, equitable and sustainable services to vulnerable groups and the general population of South Sudan.
UNICEF would therefore like to further understand and gain insights into the various management options available and feasible for the sustainable operation of the infrastructure under construction through the Water Supply and Sanitation for poor Communities and IDPs Camps in Juba project, with a focus on leveraging the existing strengths of private players and communities whilst at the same time developing the capacity of government institutions to provide sustainable and quality water services.
3. PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK
3.1 Purpose
UNICEF requires the services of an individual consultant to development of an Operations and Maintenance Model and Manuals for the Juba Water Supply Scheme
Based on the review and analysis, a suitable model for managing the UNICEF constructed water supply system in Juba will be developed including relevant operational and management guidelines.
3.2 Scope and Activities
The scope of the assignment will comprise the UNICEF funded water supply system for Juba whilst lesson learnt from other locations within South Sudan, including Yei, Yambio and Torit as well as international experience will further inform the final management model.
The selected international consultant will undertake three field visits to South Sudan as follows:
• Scoping Visit to South Sudan for a period of 4 days to Juba and at least one other town
• Data Collection visit for a period of 12 days to Juba and at least one other town with UNICEF water supply intervention to conduct expert consultation
• Validation visit of 3 days to Juba to undertake workshop for validation of the final management model
During the visits, the consultant will: –
• Conduct expert consultation with Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI), State Ministry of Physical Infrastructures, Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development (MCRD), Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities (MHLPU), SSUWA, Private Sector Water Service Providers, and NGOs to understand the current practice and policy of operation and maintenance of water supplies,
• Review of existing literature on the management of urban water supply schemes in South Sudan, including the role of the South Sudan Urban Water leading to recommendations on the best model to take forward.
• Establish capacity and constraints of SSUWA and other parties in actual activities of water abstraction, treatments and distribution of water
• Analyse the current role of the Water Users Associations (WUA) in the operation and management of water kiosks and how this can be incorporated into the operational models
• Collect relevant data from stakeholders through questionnaires, FGD, KII and semi structured interview
• Undertake site observation in at least 3 locations in Juba on current management practices including a SWOT analysis of the involved stakeholders, systems and processes
• Undertake a high-level review of current operations, management and water supply activities in the two towns of Torit and Yambio including a SWOT analysis of the involved stakeholders, systems and processes.
Based on information gathered on current experiences and good practice, the consultant shall: –
o develop options of models for water services provision and determine requirements for establishment.
o Justify the most feasible model for operation and maintenance of water supplies from source to households
For the feasible water services model, develop initial requirements for establishment of the management model including: –
– preparation of a dummy business plan and methodology for tariff setting for water supply schemes reflecting capital and operational expenditure / capex and opex
– recommendations on minimum staffing requirements and job descriptions for each staff role, with adequate consideration of equal gender representation in decision-making roles.
– drafting of dummy MoU that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the management body, local authorities and supply zones including the social accountability of the management body to the community, and management of environmental impact.
– recommendations on the minimum training package (documentation, financial management) for the management body for effective operation, maintenance and management of the system including environmental and social safeguards as well as gender inclusion.
– Recommendations on the minimum annual maintenance requirements for the scheme (including system diagnostic tools and regularity of maintenance including spare parts required to be stored at local level)
– Determine the water utility’s performance requirements and recommend a web based/mobile system of reporting against performance benchmarks
3.3 Methodology
The assignment will include literature review, data collection and field visits. The analsysis part of the consultnacy is designed to provide direction to practical ways of utility development and strengthening for effective management of the UNICEF/KfW Investments.
A mix methods approach will be deployed which includes primary collection of qualitative data through semi structured interviews and focus group discussions and a collection of quantitative data from secondary sources (including a meta analysis of existing data). The analysis will provide information that will serve as a baseline for the utility establishment phase of the project.
It is expected that all deliverables will undergo several iteration by UNICEF prior to final approval. The consultant is thus expected to factor the reveiw periods into his/her proposed timelines
• Desk Review: Review of the relevant literature and resources that are available.
• Meetings with key Sector and Programme Partners: Undertake consultations with the key line government agencies in Juba and the regions/ districts. Meetings with the Government of South Sudan, SSUWA, local authorities and current water service providers will be required. Closely liaise with KfW, and other relevant development partners active in WASH and resilience related activities in South Sudan.
• Field Observations/Visit: including interviews with programme staff, NGO partners and community leaders. Focus group discussions with various stakeholders and target populations, including women, children and the most marginalized groups among communities will be done
3.4 Schedule of tasks and timelines
The overall assignment is expected to be completed within 4 months. The contract is planned to be started on 1 September, 2019 and will be completed by the 31st December2019. It is expected that a maximum of 19days will be spent in South Sudan (three visits:4 days for Scoping, 12 days for interviews/field visits and 3 days to facilitate the workshop and present the findings). The specific tasks and preliminary schedule of activities is indicated in the following table.
No Task Anticipated Timelines
1. Inception report including scoping mission and findings, data collection tools, detailed methodology and work plan (maximum 10 pages excluding annexes)15 days
2. Field data collection in South Sudan 12 days
3. Diagnostics report, preparation of management model, management tools and O&M manuals 30 days
4.Travel to South Sudan and, facilitate validation workshop 1 days
6. Submit final management model with tools and manuals incorporating workshop feedback 2 days
TASKS EXPECTED OUTCOME DELIVERABLES DAYS REQUIRED Payment
Inception Phase
Scoping mission undertaken and all relevant literature reviewed.
Work plan, timeframe, methodology and instruments/tools for data collection Inception Report, including data collection tools as annex and work plan – maximum 10 pages excluding annexes 12 Days
(8th October 2019) 20% on submission of Inception Report
Fieldwork on Data Collection Field work undertaken Qualitative and quantitavie information obtained from stakeholders
Field data report within 64 days of contract signing 12 days in South Sudan
Report due on 24th October 2019) 20% on submission of Field data report
Developement of Management Model, tools and manuals Draft of management model,tools and manuals developed Diagonostic report including recommendation of proposed managment model, management tools and O&M manuals-maximum 30 pages
30 days for analysis and writing (Due 2nd December 2019
40% on submission of diagnostic report, draft management tools and maintenance manuals
Stakeholder Workshop Facilitate a key stakeholder validation workshop (on Final Management tools and model incoporating Operation, maintenance and management manual for water supply schemes (including
annexes of MoU, management structures, job descriptions, tariff formula, model business plan, maintenance schedule and forecasting) and feedback from the validation workshop, – maximum 50 pages
3 days comprising 1 day for workshop and 2 days for incoporating workshop feedback
(16th December , 2019) 20% on submission of final management model, tools and manuals
2. APPLICATION SUBMISSION & EVALUATION PROCESS
Consultancy will be advertised via UNICEF’S Talent Management System (TMS). Interested applicants are invited to submit their technical and financial proposals through the TMS.
The documents for the Technical Proposal should include:
– Resume/CV including relevant experience/specific role in undertaking similar performance evaluations, education/other trainings, knowledge of local languages, references, etc. – no more than 4 pages
– Description of other similar assignments undertaken during the last 5-10 years including name of the project, location, name and contact details (e-mail and telephone) of the client, implementation period, cost of the project, cost of services provided and scope of services – no more than 4 pages. UNICEF reserves the right to contact referees provided.
– Proposed approach, methodology and workplan in response to successful complete this consultancy (including proposed number of days required to complete expected deliverables) – no more than 5 pages
– The consultant is free to make inputs into the TOR which in his/her view will add value to the assignment.
Technical Proposal: Evaluation Criteria Max. Points
Proposed Approach, Methodology and Workplan:
– Is the proposed approach and methodology feasible in the South Sudan context?
– Will the suggested methods / techniques meet the objectives of the Terms of Reference?
– Quality of proposed approach: What are the monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms for this assignment?
– Are the time-schedules adequate?
– Risk assessment – recognition of the risks/peripheral problems and methods identified to prevent and manage these
– Innovative approach and instructional strategies 40 Consultant Capacity and Experience
– Expertise and experience working on assignments of similar nature and complexity
– Relevant qualification and experience (including in-country, complex environment), skills and competencies 20
References from nominated contacts regarding experience working on similar assignments 10/70
The Financial Bid should comprise the full cost of delivering the task, including:
– Detailed budget including (but not limited to) consultant fees, transportation (travel to Juba; accommodation visas, daily subsistence, etc. These costs should not exceed internal UN rates.
– Other related costs, if any (please specify)
– UNICEF will cover costs of internal flights within South Sudan
All applications should include a financial proposal.
1. Expected Qualification and Minimum Experience
The following are the minimum requirements for this appointments :-
• Masters Degree in WASH related discipline with demonstrable strong experience in water supply piped systems.
• Ability to travel in South Sudan including working in a complex and challenging environment and hardship locations
• Demonstrated understanding of urban water supply management, including community and private sector participation
• Demonstrated experience of developing water management models and manuals
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant technical experience in design, planning, advocacy, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of Water Supply schemes
• Developed understanding of water pricing, tariffs, business planning, management and social accountability.
• Knowledge on cross cutting issues of gender and conflict sensitive progamming for basic service delivery
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including knowledge on use of data collection methods and tools such as participatory focus group discussions, key informant interviews etc
• Knowledge of WASH related technical guidelines, standards, and indicators
• Very good planning, organization skills, able to take initiative to solve problems with limited support / supervision
2. ADMINISTRATIVE AND TRAVEL ISSUES
– No equipment or office supplies will be provided by UNICEF
– Access to UNICEF transport in South Sudan
– Currency used must be in US dollars
– Invoicing will be in the currency of the proposal
– All outputs shall be the absolute property of UNICEF
– The consultant must be medically fit to undertake the consultancy including field work in South Sudan
– If not done already, selected candidate would need to undergo a 4 day BSAFE training before understaking the work in South Sudan.
– UNICEF will facilitate visa and work permit for the consultant but any visa or work permit fees will be borne by the consultant
Consultant will be responsible for own travel arrangements to South Sudan. In country travels will be arranged by UNICEF. The tentative travel schedule is as below
Planned travel to Timeframe Duration
(travel days inclusive) All Inclusive Travel Cost (Quote in US$)
Home Country to South Sudan Month 1 5 days
South Sudan – Field work Month 1 15 days
South Sudan – Feedback Month 3/4 5 days
3. GENDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS, INCLUDING CHILD RIGHTS:
– The Consultant will encourage women’s participation during data collection as they are both duty bearers and rights-holders of the target population. Where possible, involving children of appropriate age is also encouraged, especially when collecting data pertaining to schools.
– All data collected should be disaggregated by sex, age and location.
– The evaluation process will be guided by relevant instruments or policies on human rights, including child rights and gender equality.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The competencies required for this post are….
View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Remarks:
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date Fri Aug 09 2019 21:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)