WASH Sector Coordinator National Consultant with UNICEF Iraq, Baghdad

Contract

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National Consultant: WASH Sector Coordinator with UNICEF Iraq

Purpose of Activity/Assignment:

National WASH consultant, supporting essential WASH coordination platform at federal level, support in resource mobilization for WatSan projects in selected governorates and master planning in Iraq.

Scope of Work:

WASH-ICO is recruiting a consultant, working jointly with UNICEF Iraq to provide support to the Government of Iraq, mainly to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities and directorates in targeted governorates, the Ministry of Health and its directorates as well as the Mayoralty of Baghdad in strengthening WASH coordination platform and development of master planning in Iraq. Additionally, he is responsible for providing technical support “capacity building” to the Iraqi Government, comprising sector partners from line ministries and directorates at federal and governorate level, respectively. Support in mobilizing potential financial resources from the local government bodies to finance water and sanitation projects in their respective governorates. This is super essential to leverage more resources for the sake of children and their families, hence, ensure safe drinking water and proper sanitation services. Promoting the sustainability of existing and newly created steering committee at federal level by facilitating their stronger participation and improving their knowledge and skill base and under the supervision of WASH Specialist, ICO Baghdad.

Based on close consultations with high-ranking government officials, such as the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Water Resources, and constantly raising demand due to Iraq’s pressing water crisis, the United Nations Iraq Water Task Force (hereinafter called the “Water TF”) was founded early this year (2023) to effectively respond to the country and its people’s needs in terms of water challenges.

UNICEF has been asked to assign a Water TF Secretariat who shall be responsible for:

• Logistical arrangements required to facilitate group meetings, including the preparation of the agenda, minutes, VTC/communications connections with all members as needed, sharing information on behalf of the Co‐chairs, distribution of documents, etc.

• Assistance to the co-chairs in following up on group actions and decisions, and in communicating important milestones; and,

• Liaising with Government officials from respective line ministries

The consultant will report to the WASH Specilaist, UNICEF Iraq Country Office

The consultancy is for a duration of 300 working days ending on 31 December 2024

Work Assignment Overview:

Tasks/Milestone:

Deliverables/Outputs:

Timeline

Support UNICEF and government officials in strengthening sector coordination body at federal and governorate level

• Sector coordination platform achievement report.
• Master planning achievement report.

50 days

UN Water TF Secretariat to support WTF co****-chairs in following up on group actions and liaising with Government officials from respective line ministries.

• UN Water Taskforce work plan.
• UN water taskforce actions report

50 days

Support UNICEF and government officials in developing tool for effective monitoring and evaluating WASH Emergency Programmes.

Monitoring tool development report

30 days

Support UNICEF and the government officials through establishment of an office inside the MoCHPM, undertake regular sector coordination meetings with the sector coordination body

Interministerial meetings report.

20 days

Provide technical guidance and advisory to government officials and implementing partners to identifies training needs for capacity building and sustainability of programme/projects and plan, organize and/or facilitate capacity building programmes.

Training materials methodologies

30 days

Coordinates regularly follows-up on WASH working group work plan and reports any actual or possible deviation from the plan (i.e. standard and schedule) and recommends course of corrective actions.

WASH working group work plan report

20 days

Support in performing financial and economic analysis and creates a capital works procurement strategy

Progress report on economic analysis and draft capital works procurement strategy

20 days

Support UNICEF and sector coordination body in assessing environmental and social impact risks for selected projects

Environmental and social impact assessments report

20 days

Support UNICEF and sector coordination body in performing a water supply, wastewater, and reuse treatment facilities feasibility study

Submission of report on water supply, wastewater, and reuse treatment facilities feasibility study

20 days

Support UNICEF and government officials in behaviour change communication with sector coordination body

Monthly reports BCC and recommendations for course of correction

20 days

Develop and share comprehensive report on the main outcomes of sector coordination, master planning and main lessons learnt

Final comprehensive report in sector coordination, master planning and main lessons learnt

20 days

Minimum Qualifications required:

Master’s degree in Electro-Mechanical/ civil engineering, management or any relevant degree backed by relevant work experience.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• Experience in sector coordination and master planning
• Proficiency in use of common computer software like MS Office, web-based tools, and other management tools.
• Background knowledge of UNICEF mandate and mission as well as development programmes an asset.
• Knowledge of the Iraq context, very good relationship with line ministries will be an added advantage
• Ability to work and follow up (on daily basis) in often stressful time-critical situations
• Proficiency in English required; knowledge of the local language/s are strong assets.
• Interpersonal persuasion skills.
• Familiar with national government structures Cultural and Gender awareness and sensitivity.

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.