UNICEF recruits 01 Consultancy / Provision Services for Quality Assurance and Certification of WASH Infrastructure
Consultancy – Provision Services for Quality Assurance and Certification of WASH Infrastructure
Job Number: 521032 | Vacancy Link
Locations: Africa: Zambia
Work Type : Consultancy
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Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
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UNICEF works to uphold the rights and well-being of all children in Zambia, across health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), protection, social inclusion, emergencies, disabilities and adolescent development.
In Zambia, UNICEFs Country Programme aims to reach the most disadvantaged children. UNICEF works with the Government on policy to improve basic social services, as well as on the ground to make sure that these services reach all children, especially the most vulnerable.
To find out more about UNICEFs work in Zambia, please visit https://www.unicef.org/zambia/what-we-do.
How can you make a difference?
Background
UNICEF is supporting the Government of Zambia in improving access to safe water and sanitation in line with the provisions of Vision 2030. Since 2015, UNICEF support to the Government of Zambia has resulted in provision of access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services to over 3.9 million people across the 10 provinces of Zambia. In addition, over 1,250 schools and 72 health centres were also provided access to improved WASH services.
As part of continued efforts to support the Government of Zambia in improving the coverage of WASH services, UNICEF is currently assisting in implementation of interventions aimed at strengthening enabling framework as well as provision of WASH services in communities, schools and health centres. Moreover, assistance is also being provided to support construction and maintenance of emergency WASH infrastructure in the refugee settlements.
In this context, it is planned to engage an individual consultant to provide expert services for monitoring/quality assurance and certification of the WASH infrastructure being constructed with support of UNICEF.
Justification
In order to assure their quality, the construction works for water supply systems and sanitation facilities need be closely supervised. Given the lack of in-house specialised expertise for construction supervision works, external support is required to ensure continuous technical supervision, as well as certification, of these works mentioned. Accordingly, it is planned to engage a qualified consultant to provide these services.
Objectives / Target
The main objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the water and sanitation works being carried out with UNICEF support are in line with the best engineering practices. There are two elements to the consultancy to allow that objective to be achieved:
To provide expert advice and assistance including for technical assessments for civil works as well as equipment (e.g. chlorinators, pumps, pipes, water tanks) and preparation of BoQ for water and sanitation infrastructure; and
To ensure that the construction works adhere to quality standards, designs, BoQs and specifications through regular supervision of construction work and reporting back to UNICEF on progress and challenges.
Description of the assignment (Scope of work) / Specific Tasks
Specific Tasks
Depending upon the needs/demand, the following specific tasks will be undertaken by the consultant:
Carry out a technical assessment/feasibility for water and sanitation infrastructure;
Prepare on the basis of the above, (a) detailed specifications for supplies and equipment, where required). (b) detailed designs and detailed drawings/schedules, and (c) BOQs/cost estimates for the most appropriate technical options; and
Monitor the progress and quality of the works;
Prepare monthly reports, minutes of site meetings, draft payment certificates and draft variation orders for UNICEF review/approval, on need basis; and
Undertake final inspection upon completion of the works.
Expected Deliverables
The key deliverables under this consultancy are shown in Table 1 below. Given the nature of the assignment, however, the construction sites to be visited every month will be agreed to and approved by UNICEF in advance on monthly basis. No travel to sites will, therefore take place prior to agreed monthly workplan and issuance of e-mail instruction to the Consultant in this regard. Moreover, any changes to that monthly plan will have to be agreed in advance in writing. The Consultant will, therefore, not be paid in case travel takes place without prior written (e-mail) approval from UNICEF.
Expected Deliverables
Table 1: Expected deliverables:
| Tasks | Expected Output | Deliverables | Timeline |
| Undertake regular field visits to, depending upon specific needs, for carrying out technical assessments/feasibility, preparation of specs/designs/cost estimates and monitoring of the works | The quality of UNICEF supported WASH infrastructure complies with the agreed specifications and quality standards. | Monitoring/assessment reports are timely prepared and shared with UNICEF, depending upon specific needs, and focussing on (i) technical assessment; (ii) supervision findings for the agreed works; (iii) detailed specifications for supplies and equipment; (iv) detailed designs; (v) BOQs/cost estimates for technical options. |
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Reporting requirements and Taking Instructions
The consultant will prepare a monthly work plan each month and subsequently submit monthly progress reports against the approved work plan. The format for reporting shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties within ten (10) days after signing of the Agreement.
Project Management
The Consultant will report to the Chief, WASH Section, or his designate who will monitor and issue instructions on the expected deliverables and timelines.
Location and duration
The Consultant will be required to travel throughout Zambia on need basis. The total/maximum duration of the consultancy will be 10 months. However, the services of the consultant will only be used on need basis. The consultant will not travel to the sites unless a travel plan for each visit is agreed to and approved by UNICEF in writing.
Payment Schedule
Payment will be made to the consultant on monthly basis following submission and approval of monthly reports in respect of the monitoring reports provided as per agreed plan.
Qualification/Specialized knowledge and Experience
A Master’s degree in civil engineering, geology, hydrogeology, groundwater engineering or a related field;
At least eight years’ relevant experience including in design/supervision of water and sanitation infrastructure including piped water supply, boreholes and sanitation infrastructure;
Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written);
Proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and multi-cultural settings and teams, and to deliver high-quality results within expected time frames; and
Experience of working in African countries, especially in Zambia.
Administrative Issues, including Consultant’s Workplace and Travel
Consultant will provide an all-inclusive cost in the financial proposal, factoring in all cost implications for the required assignment.
Consultant will include cost of travel and accommodation for field trips. Other general conditions to be apply are as follows:
The consultant shall arrange his/her own work space, office equipment, supplies, etc.
Expected expenses should be part of the submitted quotation/estimates
Except for the costs included in the financial proposal, UNICEF will not pay for any other expenses incurred when implementing this assignment.
The contract will not commence the works unless issuance of written instruction in this regard.
The Form ‘Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary’ must be completed by the selected consultant at a later stage.
Confidentiality:
The documents produced during the period of this consultancy will be treated as strictly confidential, and the rights of distribution or publication will reside solely with UNICEF.
The contract will include other general terms defined by UNICEF.
The selected consultant shall sign the Declaration of Impartiality and Confidentiality Form at a later stage.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEFs core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
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:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date Wed Apr 10 2019 22:55:00 GMT+0100 (Afr. centrale Ouest)