Position: Consultancy for conducting a water audit at UNICEF Zimbabwe offices

Location:  Belgravia – Harare, one site in Strathaven - Harare and one small sub-office in Bulawayo.

Region: Africa

Type of contract : Individual OR Institutional

National/International:  National

Duration : 1 month

Supervisor:  Chief of Operations

1.   Purpose of Assignment:

To conduct a comprehensive water audit at UNICEF country offices at three sites in Belgravia – Harare, one site in Strathaven - Harare and one small sub-office in Bulawayo.

2.   Background

Water scarcity is a recognized global problem, with demand for water projected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030[1]. By the same year, half the world’s population will be living in areas of high water stress. Most water (97%) is in the oceans, which cover 71% of the Earth’s surface. 3% is freshwater, two-thirds of which is tied up as ice in glaciers and at the poles. This leaves approximately 1% as freshwater in rivers, lakes and the atmosphere and in groundwater. However, with demand rising rapidly due to a growing global population with expectations of higher living standards and resource-intensive farming, that 1% is under threat. Climate change is adding to the problem because our weather patterns have become less predictable and more pronounced.

In February 2016, Zimbabwe and the surrounding region was declared to be in a state of disaster due to drought[2]. This regional drought worsened by the El Niño weather phenomenon has affected South Africa, Malawi and Zambia as well as Zimbabwe, leaving tens of thousands of cattle dead, reservoirs depleted and crops destroyed. “Overall, the food insecure population has since risen to 2.44 million – 26% of the population”[3]

Water use at the UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office is significantly high. The Environmental Footprint Assessment (EFA) for 2015 indicated this as a cause for concern. Therefore, there is a need to conduct a rigorous analysis of this water usage and to install water monitoring devices as well as introduce water saving behaviour and technologies which shall result in more conservative water use for the future.

It is against this background that UNICEF Zimbabwe is seeking to engage an individual Consultant/Institution to conduct a comprehensive water audit that will inform its decision going forward in establishing a Water Use Efficiency Improvement Program at its offices.

3.   Scope of Work

The assignment is from 1 August 2016 to 31 August 2016 and the consultant/institution will work only during the week days on the following:

1) Review UNICEF’s historical water usage from institutional records available

2) Examining utility bills and estimating daily water use per property/site and per each staff member

3) Measure/Estimation of specific water quantities used in the garden, toilets, bath rooms, canteen, swimming pool, fish pond etc

4) Identify water leaks, areas of excessive consumption

5) Assessment of all meters condition and recommend for calibration if needed. Also recommend possible locations, quantities , sizes/types and prices of new metering devices required

6) Provide a benchmark for measuring water efficiency based on the findings

7) Identifying On-Site Alternative Water Sources

8) Identify and Recommend potential water savings and efficiency improvements that can be implemented

4.   Major tasks and deliverables

Major tasks

1) Inception work plan

2) Conducting a water audit at UNICEF Offices (5 sites)

3) Compile a bill of quantities for the devices, equipment and other requirements for installation at the sites to enhance water efficiency. Quotations of the equipment should be attached to the bill of quantities

4) Submit a final report on the findings (with recommendations)

Deliverables

1) A work plan outlining a schedule of activities and deliverables is submitted to UNICEF (1 to 3 August 2016)

2) A draft audit report on the water use status at UNICEF with analysis of water equipment, recommendation on what equipment is required and possible ways to enhance water efficiency at the UNICEF country office (4 to 15 August 2016)

3) Bill of quantities and quotations produced and submitted to UNICEF (16 to 22 August 2016)

4) A final audit report on the water use status at UNICEF with analysis of water equipment, recommendation on what equipment is required and possible ways to enhance water efficiency at the UNICEF country office (23 to 31 August 2016)

5. Payment schedule

Deliverable 1 – 25% of total contract value

Deliverable 2 – 25% of total contract value

Deliverable 3 – 25% of total contract value

Deliverable 4 – 25% of total contract value

All deliverables will have to meet expected quality and standards as assessed by the supervisor of the assignment. Should the consultant fail to deliver as per expected quality and standards, UNICEF reserves the right to amend the payouts accordingly, or to delay them until satisfactory submission has been received.

6.   Type of supervision that will be provided:

The Chief of Operations (working closely with the Climate Change Office) will provide overall operational and administrative supervision of this consultancy on a day-to-day basis.

7.   Entry qualifications

· An Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, Water and Sanitation or Environmental Engineering or a closely related discipline from a recognized University

· Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in Water Audits, Water Resources Management/Conservation, Water and Sanitation Programmes or Integrated Water Resources Management.

· Knowledge of Institutional Water conservation programs

· Experience in working with an International organization or the UN System

· Fluency in English, verbal and written

· Excellent report writing skills

8. Competencies of successful candidate

· Ability to exercise sound technical judgment.

· Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment and a high sense of integrit

9.   Administrative issues

· The Consultant/Institution will be provided administrative support to perform the tasks as per the TORs.

· Regular meetings with the supervisor of the consultancy.**

10 Conditions

· The Consultant/Institution is expected to work in Harare during the consultancy period and may travel to the Bulawayo office if necessary

· The Consultant/Institution selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual/institutional contracts.

[1] Fry, Carolyn The Impact of Climate Change: The World's Greatest Challenge in the Twenty-first Century 2008, New Holland Publishers Ltd

[2] http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/05/zimbabwe-declares-state-of-...

[3] Ibid. l

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested and qualified Consultants/Institutions are encouraged to submit their application together with an Expression of Interest no later than 21 July 2016 to email address:

hararevacancies@unicef.org

In the subject line of the email, please write:  Water Audit Consultancy

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our Organisation.

Apply at organization’s website

Region: Africa

Taxonomy

• Job Function
• Water
• Consulting & Services
• Water