Re-advert: National Individual Contractor/Secretariat between PIG & PIU ADB funded Additional Financing Urban WASH Project (Dushanbe Vodokanal), 11 months, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for Tajik na

Consultant Programme & Policy Medical & Health

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,

Access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and suitable hygiene

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

UNICEF Tajikistan has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the additional financing component through technical assistance modality targeting institutional strengthening and building the enabling environment (EE).

The additional financing component will be targeting;

1. the rehabilitation of water supply network in the remaining 12 DMAs established in the Shohmansur district under the ongoing project and construct additional facilities at water source locations (wells, pumping stations) as well as rehabilitation of existing reservoir, etc.; and
2. replacement of further portions of the main sewerage pipeline (Ayni and Muhammad collectors) and expansion of the network to unserved areas such as Karotegin and Zebunisso areas. Climate-proofing measures identified during project design will increase resilience of water supply services and sanitation systems

The additional financing will provide additional support to the ongoing institutional strengthening activities to improve the O&M and financial management, billing, and commercial practices. It will continue supporting the establishment of a performance-oriented management information system with the use of SCADA system for operational efficiency and geographic information system (GIS) for asset management and for efficient monitoring of DMAs and improved operational and business efficient service delivery by the State Unitary Enterprise Dushanbevodokanal (DVK).

The additional financing will improve network management and leak detection practices and foster the use of performance-based interventions for asset inventory, leak detection, and small replacement works carried out by both VDK teams and small private service operators. It will also build the capacity of DVK on COVID-19 Emergency response and immediate actions and WASH awareness and WASH targeted programs and measures for vulnerable people and women. The establishment of a women's training and empowerment center is proposed as a specific project gender-focused output. The center will provide vocational, leadership, and business skills trainings to create the necessary opportunities to help women realize their full potential and improve employment opportunities for women working in VDK, City Administration, and other groups. It will also encourage the education and skills training of young women. Moreover, the center will provide counseling, rehabilitation, and shelter services for victims of gender-based violence.

UNICEF will mainly be supporting the institution strengthening component through Technical Assistance modality and specific activities as planned and agreed with ADB.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall oversight of the WASH Specialist, the Consultant will act as Secretariat for monthly coordination meetings chaired by DVK between the PIG & PIU (and quarterly meetings chaired by the City Administration with other projects) to address overlaps, and identify gaps, and at the same time be the T/A provider of last resort. Additionally, the consultant will also work closely with DVK, City Government and all consultants as per the planned schedule of activities in close coordination with the UNICEF WASH Team.

DUTY STATION/DURATION:

Estimated duration******: 180 days (applicable between Jan-Dec 2023)

Duty station******: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

On-site working days: 180 (15 work days per month for 12 Months)

Supervisor: WASH Specialist (OIC), UNICEF Tajikistan

Reporting to******: WASH Specialist (OIC), UNICEF Tajikistan

1. Coordinate on regular basis with DVK, PIU, PIG and Dushanbe city administration to ensure smooth delivery of the planned project, to minimize overlaps between stakeholders involved and identify key gaps.
2. Follow up on identified gaps and identify suitable mitigation strategies and solutions in close coordination with UNICEF.
3. Conduct regular progress review and share reports with relevant stakeholder.
4. Work with UNICEF focal point on the progress of all planned activities under the KSTA and liaise with relevant stakeholder involved with the overall delivery of the additional financing component.
5. Liaise closely with the focal point at the UNICEF regional office to provide support on coordination in the other targeted countries with guidance of the Head of WASH program.
6. Provide inputs for the preparation of other consultancies as specified in the work plan and work with the consultants while maintaining a close collaboration with the DVK and City Government. Key activities of the KSTA include:

• Carry out a city-wide inclusive sanitation (CWIS) assessment, leading to the generation of a shit flow diagram for the city and prioritization of the faecal exposure risks to be addressed.
• Assessment of water quality lab for DVK and development of a costed improvement plan
• Development of internal policy and protocols on water safety for DVK that are in line with the national water safety strategy
• Carry out a water safety risk assessment in Dushanbe
• Development of a water safety plan for the city of Dushanbe.

1. Work Assignments, Deliverables & Payment Schedule:

Nos.

Deliverables

Timeframe

Payment schedule (details in budget

1

Coordinate on regular basis with DVK, PIU, PIG and Dushanbe city administration to ensure smooth delivery of the planned project, to minimize overlaps between stakeholders involved and identify key gaps.

Jan-Dec 2023

Payment will be made on Monthly Basis based on satisfactory performance and deliverables (15 working days per month)

2

Follow up on identified gaps and identify suitable mitigation strategies and solutions in close coordination with UNICEF

Jan-Dec 2023

3

Conduct regular progress review and share reports with relevant stakeholder.

Jan-Dec 2023

4

Work with UNICEF focal point on the progress of all planned activities under the KSTA and liaise with relevant stakeholder involved with the overall delivery of the additional financing component

Jan-Dec 2023

5

Liaise closely with the focal point at the UNICEF regional office to provide support on coordination in the other targeted countries with guidance of the WASH Specialist.

Jan-Dec 2023

6

Provide inputs for the preparation of other consultancies as specified in the work plan and work with the consultants while maintaining a close collaboration with the DVK and City Government. . Key activities of the KSTA include;

• Carry out a city-wide inclusive sanitation (CWIS) assessment, leading to the generation of a shit flow diagram for the city and prioritization of the faecal exposure risks to be addressed.
• Assessment of water quality lab for DVK and development of a costed improvement plan
• Development of internal policy and protocols on water safety for DVK that are in line with the national water safety strategy
• Carry out a water safety risk assessment in Dushanbe
• Development of a water safety plan for the city of Dushanbe.

Jan-Dec 2023

UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered, or for failure to meet deadlines.

Due to COVID19, the work and deliverables are subject to change. Consultancy company need to be flexible to adjust to any unforeseen adjustments that might occur during the implementation.

Upon completion of the deliverables, all documents specified in the deliverables shall be developed and submitted to the UNICEF in soft copy:

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

The evaluation of the results will be based on:

1. Technical and professional competence (quality of the products delivered to UNICEF);
2. Scope of work (Including methodology)
3. Quality of work (quality of documents submitted);
4. Quantity of work (completing the tasks indicated in the table above within the set timeframe)

In addition to the above, an interview will also be scheduled.

Furthermore, such indicators as work relations, responsibility, drive for results, and communication will be taken into account during the evaluation of the Consultant’s work.

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

1. Qualifications or Specialized Knowledge/Experience Required (Indicate skills and qualifications requirement)

• Education: An advanced University degree environmental studies, public health, business management and development, engineering, water resource management and other relevant field of study. Relevant experience could be used in lieu of relevant degree
• Work Experience: At least 6 years proven experience in similar work especially engagement in the WASH sector is required. Experience in Urban WASH projects is preferred. Additionally, extensive experience in coordinating with the government is highly regarded. Past work experience with UN and ADB financed projects is advantageous
• Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of the Urban WASH is required. Knowledge of IFI financing modalities and understanding structural bureaucracy in such projects is preferred.
• Competencies: Strong coordination skills, analytical and conceptual thinking. Ability to work with the government and ability to effectively coordinate and show progress. Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills with stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to tight timeframe.
• Language: Fluency in Russian and Tajik is required. Knowledge of English is an added advantage.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter specifying suitability for the position demonstrating experience and qualifications
2. CV/Resume
3. A technical proposal with proposed approach to managing the consultancy deliverables, showing understanding of tasks
4. Financial quote for the consultancy per day rate in TJS inclusive of costs related to travel within the city by specifying it.
5. Examples of previous, relevant work related to the deliverables.
6. References
7. Applications without a financial quote will not be considered.

Queries can be sent to dushanbe@unicef.org with the subject line “Re-advert: National Consultant to act as secretariat between the PIG & PIU as part of the ADB funded Additional Financing Urban WASH Project led by Dushanbe Vodokanal (DVK) (with extended deadline - 7 December 2022)”

Applications must be received in the system by 7 December, 2022 on our website.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org