National Consultancy: Water Safety Plan Consultant (Phase 1), Lilongwe, Malawi (Open to Nationals of Malawi Only)

Contract

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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, clean water

Currently 69% of Malawi’s population has access to at least basic water supply, with the rural population at 65% and urban at 86%1. Majority of the communities and institutions rely on groundwater, mostly from boreholes installed with hand pumps. Currently Malawi has about 57,344 boreholes, 11,458protected shallow wells, 243 protected springs and 32,151 taps from rural piped water supply schemes. In addition to these, Malawi also has numerous taps connected in urban areas by the 5 Water Boards, i.e. Lilongwe Water Board, Blantyre Water Board, Southern Region Water Board, Central Region Water Board and Northern Region Water Board. All these water sources need continuous water quality surveillance. Traditionally water quality monitoring has been done by Government and water utilities periodically collecting and testing samples at conventional field laboratories. However, with the large number of water sources and limited water quality monitoring capacity, the conventional approach is not viable, and it is important to supplement these efforts with routine risk management approaches like Water Safety Plans.

The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development (MoIWD) with sector development partners has decided to join other countries in implementing the WSP approach in water supply services. A roadmap for implementation of the WSP approach in Malawi was developed in 2015 based on conventional urban water supply systems but was not fully operationalized. And an action plan was developed in 2018, but also not fully implemented.

How can you make a difference?

A clear framework for operationalizing WSP will assist Malawi to more effectively address its obligations under SDG 6. UNICEF Malawi has agreed to support the Government (MoIWD) in developing and rolling out a WSP approach nationally. This is an undertaking that requires substantial input over time, with substantial movement across the country. With the current travel limitations arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not viable to undertake the whole exercise together, and therefore it will be undertaken in two parts:

(i) Desk study

(ii) Field study

When the WSP approach has been fully developed and adopted, it will then be rolled out nationally for application at all levels.

The terms of reference is hence developed to guide the recruitment of a national consultant to undertake the first part of the exercise.

The main objective of the current assignment is to undertake a detailed desk study to inform and guide the field study and full development of the National Water Safety Plan approach.

The main output of the assignment is:

A clear framework for development of a Water Safety Plans approach for Malawi applicable in different contexts.

The consultant will identify and engage with key actors in water quality and review current initiatives towards WSP. The information collected will then inform the exploration of models for WSP, leading to a standardized climate resilient approach to WSP for adoption in different contexts nationwide (such as types of water sources, size of piped water system, urban and rural areas). The recommended WSP approach shall address the following key areas, to be included in the “final report”:

(a) Definition of a climate resilient M&E protocol, considering KPIs to be monitored and recommendation on how these can be fitted into the sector MIS platforms;

(b) identification of key actors and stakeholders and their role in the planning (including financing), implementation, monitoring and reporting of WSP; and

(c) Development of a standard checklist for rolling out WSP across the country, such as types of water sources, size of piped water system, rural and urban setting etc.

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

Academic qualification:

• An advanced degree in water and sanitation, public health or environment related field. A good basic degree with relevant professional experience related to the assignment may exceptionally be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work experience:

• At least eight (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience at national and/or international levels in water, sanitation or hygiene and environmental management programs.

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge and experience on water safety planning and drinking water quality (operational guidance, national plan, strategy).

• Knowledge and experience on climate resilient WASH is an asset.

Language requirement:

Fluency in English is required.

Click here ToR WSP (Desk Study).pdf to access the full Terms of Reference.

How to Apply….

Applications shall be submitted online. Only applications submitted using this channel will be considered. Interested consultants should provide the following:

1. Cover letter (including contact details (physical address, phone numbers)

2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae

3. Copies of the academic certificates

4. Samples of previous similar work completed

5. Brief technical proposal (no longer than five pages) demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment

6. Financial proposal (click here Financial Proposal for Consultancy.xlsx) including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees (including professional fees, travel, living cost, visa and other costs). Complete the attached form.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) 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 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.