Contractor - Conduct Hydro-Geographical survey and selection of drilling sites - Dhahar, Saanag region, Somalia (Open to Somali nationals only)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Water

www.unicef.org/somalia

How can you make a difference?

SCOPE OF THE WORK:

The consultant should carry out detail hydro-geophysical survey of various sites in Dhahar town and surrounding areas. The Consultant is expected to use both secondary and primary data in the exercise, secondary data will involve desk study of available information/data on existing boreholes, drilling logs, water quality analyses results, reports and maps while primary data will be obtained by carrying out hydro-geophysical measurements within the study area using the necessary hydro-geological surveying equipment, the new ABEM Terrameter SAS 1000, which distinguishes between clays and fresh water by use of Induced Polarization (IP) measurements is recommended for this assignment.

The scope of works includes:

• Site visits to familiarize with the project areas. Identify any issues that might hinder the implementation of works in any of the areas.
• To obtain, study and synthesize background information including the geology, hydrogeology and existing borehole data including water quality data, for the purpose of improving the quality of assessment and preparing comprehensive hydrogeological reports,
• To carry out hydrogeological evaluation and geophysical investigations of five alternative sites for the selected location in order to determine prioritized sites for groundwater and appropriateness of drilling boreholes.

The outcome of the consultancy will be a detailed hydro-geological survey report giving details of the findings and recommendations.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY AND APPROACHES:

The hydro-geological/geophysical investigations will be carried out in a multi-step approach:

• Desk study: Review of existing data, topographical maps, satellite images, existing studies and borehole site investigations in the area, water quality analysis reports, geological reports and maps (if available), borehole and surface water records, etc.
• Hydro-geological fieldwork: Detailed reconnaissance survey of project area. (GPS co-ordinates/P-codes, water level measurements, condition of these boreholes, usage and performance where applicable) inspection of geological, geo-morphological and structural characteristics of the investigated area; verification of existing data and findings.
• Geophysical measurements: resistivity/IP profiling and vertical electrical/IP soundings.
• Analysis of hydro-geological/geophysical data.
• Compilation, analysis, and evaluation of the gathered data and information.
• Site selection and reporting.

BOREHOLE SITING:

At least three to five borehole drilling sites shall be sited with the aid of combined a hydro-geological, geophysical and water quality survey. Prior to the field investigations, a desk study shall be made of the available relevant information on hydrogeology, climate, existing water sources, drilling records and other sources for the proposed area.

The field investigations MUST be undertaken by a senior hydro-geologist, who will be responsible for planning, execution and interpretation of all geophysical data, reporting and selection of the most suitable site for drilling.

The site for selected development shall be marked with a concrete marker, shown in a picture plate and indicated on a sketch map to be included in the final report. Moreover, the approximate areal distance of three prioritized sites should be provided.

REPORTING:

The final report to be submitted to UNICEF will be a comprehensive account of the whole of the Consultancy; it will review the existing literature and other relevant information, such as drilling logs, satellite images, etc. The report shall include all field data, interpretations and justifications, hydro-geological evaluations, conclusions and recommendations relating to the investigated area. In addition, appropriate maps, diagrams and data plots shall be presented. Of considerable importance will be an objective assessment of the applicability and success of the methods applied. The outline table of contents of the final report will be as follows:

1. Background information of the assignment
2. Location and description of study site
3. Details of climate
4. Details of geology and hydrogeology
5. Details of existing boreholes, including location, distance from the town, number and construction details, age, current status and use, current abstraction and use, water quality data of existing boreholes.
6. Description and details (including raw and processed data) of prospecting methods adopted, e.g. remote sensing, geophysics, geological and or hydrogeological cross sections. Hydrogeological characteristics and analysis, to include but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
7. Aquifer transmissivity
8. Borehole specific capacities
9. Storage coefficient and or specific yield
10. Hydraulic conductivity
11. Groundwater flux

12. Estimated mean annual recharge, and sensitivity to external factors

13. Assessment of water quality and potential infringement of WHO standards

14. Assessment of availability of groundwater
15. Analysis of the reserve
16. Impact of proposed activity on aquifer, water quality, other abstractors, including likelihood of coalescing cones of depression and implications for other groundwater users in any potentially impacted areas
17. Recommendations for borehole development, to include but not limited to, the following:
18. Locations of recommended borehole(s) expressed as a coordinate(s) and indicated on a sketch map
19. Recommendations regarding borehole or well density and minimum spacing in the project area
20. Recommended depth and maximum diameter
21. Recommended construction characteristics, e.g. wire-wound screen, grouting depth

22. Anticipated yield

23. Any other relevant information (e.g. need to monitor neighbouring boreholes during tests).

The report also includes maps, diagrams, tables and appendices as appropriate. Recommendations will be given on the most suitable sites for borehole drilling, the required depth, water quality, design and installation details, and other relevant aspects. Based on the available hydro-geological and geophysical data, an assessment of the anticipated chances of success shall be made for each individual site.

The hydro-geological report will give a detailed map delineating the investigated area, geology, aquifer properties (where known), location of measurements, and recommended drilling site. In addition, pictures taken during the actual field activity shall be included in the report. All geophysical data, including its interpretation will be produced as an appendix to the final report.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced University degree in geology, hydrogeology, groundwater mechanics or related technical field (A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree).
• A minimum of 7 years working experience in ground water exploration, including borehole drilling and supervision.
• Knowledge of use of ground water exploration software, with demonstrated borehole drilling supervision, monitoring and reporting.
• Remote operations supervision and contract management experience.
• Excellent computer skills in word, excel and related software
• Excellent writing skills and communication skills
• Knowledge of local language

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS REQUIRED:

The tools and methodologies outlined in the following sections will be employed by the consultant to carry out the studies as per the Terms of Reference.

• Electrical Resistivity Equipment e.g. ABEM SAS 1000 Terra meter with accessories or equivalent;
• Geophysical interpretation software;
• Conductivity meter;
• GPS; Digital Camera;
• Topographic map of the area; and
• Any other relevant tools and software
• The consultant also needs to organise its own transport to conduct the assignment

DELIVERABLES:

At the end of the investigations, the following outputs will be provided by the Consultant:

• Hydrogeological and geophysical Survey Draft Report covering all the areas surveyed showing and describing the surveyed points to be submitted to UNICEF in hard and soft copies for comments to be incorporated by the Consultant.
• Three copies of the Final Hydrogeological and Geophysical Survey Report (hard copies and soft copy) to be submitted to UNICEF after incorporation of the UNICEF comments and feedback.

• GPS locations of sites selected for borehole drilling including proposed drilling depth, drilling diameter.

  PAYMENT SCHEDULES:

1st Instalment - 50% of the cost after completion of desk review, field survey and submission of draft hydrogeological and geophysical survey

2nd Instalment- 50% after Final Report including details of selected drilling sites as indicated in the ToR and certification by UNICEF WASH Chief/WASH Manager.

Application Process:

The Consultant is required to provide the following:

• Summary technical proposal on how the assignment will be conducted (max 2 pages)
• Workplan with appropriate timelines to perform the assignment
• Financial proposal indicating the cost rates and other charges applicable. The financial proposal should include all costs of the consultant including professional time, filed allowances, equipment rent, transport, stationary, security and all other costs related to the assignment
• CVs of the lead Consultant and other assisting hydro geologists.
• Proven field technical and field experience of Consultant.
• Consultancies performed in the last 3 years especially in the region with reference letters for each hydro-geological survey consultancy.
• List of tools and Equipment owned by the consultant

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Core Values:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Core competencies:

• Communication - Level III
• Working with People - Level III
• Drive for Results - Level III

Functional competencies:

• Formulating strategies and concepts (I)
• Analyzing (II)
• Applying technical expertise ((II)
• Learning and researching (II)
• Planning and organizing (II)

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.