Global Water Quality Consultants

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE

The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for Water Supply and Sanitation monitors and reports progress towards global targets related to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Progress towards the MDG target for access to safe water has been measured through use of a proxy indicator, ‘use of an improved sources’. However, a series of Rapid Assessments of Drinking Water Quality from 2004-2006 showed that water from improved sources often contains microbial or chemical contaminants. With the advent of new enzyme-based tests for different bacteria, it is increasingly possible to include direct measures of fecal indicator bacteria in household surveys, such as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) and Living Standard Measurement Study (LSMS). These surveys will provide critical information for monitoring of drinking water safety as part of Sustainable Development Goal 6, Target 6.1 on drinking water.

To date, surveys have included water quality testing in five countries: Ghana, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan (Sindh) and Congo. In collaboration with UNICEF MICS, the JMP is developing a standardized module for water quality testing in household surveys on the basis of the experiences from these earlier surveys. These surveys focus primarily on fecal contamination (E. coli) and include priority chemical parameters in agreement with government counterparts and in accordance with country needs. Over the next couple of years the JMP will continue to support surveys in MICS, with provisionally 10-15 surveys over the period 2016-17. The JMP provides technical and budgetary support to countries including water quality training for enumerators. The water quality consultants will be responsible for supporting the implementation of these surveys, in particular the training of household survey enumerators to accurately implement field testing of E. coli.

As UNICEF is moving towards a water safety framework for programming, water quality testing will become an integral part of the new framework. UNICEF will be looking into new guidance on water quality testing models and their integration in water safety planning processes and national frameworks.

This is a call for a pool of consultants which will form a roster that will be valid Jan 2016 through Dec 2017. Selected applicants will be trained in the water testing approach used in MICS and learn how to support countries in preparation for the inclusion of water testing in upcoming household surveys. This pool of consultants will be deployed rapidly and flexibly to work with countries. Consultants will support one or more countries on an as needed basis. The consultants will be selected by and managed by the JMP team based in New York.

PURPOSE The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical assistance for the successful implementation of water quality testing in household surveys. The consultant will be expected to travel to countries to lead the training of enumerators.

EXPECTED RESULTS: (MEASURABLE RESULTS) Specific roles and responsibilities may vary from country to country depending on the specific needs of the country; and these would be defined at the start of the engagement. It is anticipated that in general the Water Quality Consultants will guide countries by providing technical support to water quality surveys, including: a. Adaption of training and information materials to facilitate local dialogue on water quality testing alongside household surveys b. Support planning and preparations for the survey including liaison with COs on arrangements to be made for procurement, support from national laboratories and local validation against national standards c. Ensure timely deployment of technical support for water quality training for enumerators and other national counterparts, including field visit for training courses and follow-up support in selected countries. d. Produce a report for UNICEF and WHO describing the training and summarizing lessons learned and recommendations for any modifications to the module as needed. e. Support country offices and national counterparts in preparing thematic reports based on the water quality results and their programmatic and policy implications

More specific and detailed deliverables and their deadlines will vary according to each consultancy based on country needs.

DUTY STATION The consultant will be based remotely, and will be asked to travel to one or more UNICEF regions for in-country support. Initial two day training will be provided either in-country or at NYHQ/Geneva. UNICEF will pay a maximum of 2 international flights and up to 15 days DSA for pilot, training, and survey as required.

After the initial preparation, Water Quality Consultants should anticipate and agree to be available a minimum of three months, preferably more, between Jan 2016 and Dec 2017 in order to guide one or more countries through the planning and implementation phases of a household survey. The time may be spread out over the two years, to fit the implementation schedule.

TIMEFRAME

Start date: Jan 2016 End date: Dec 2017 (TBC)

DELIVERABLES DURATION (ESTIMATED # OF DAYS) Deadline Phase I: Training and assessment
Phase I: Participate in initial training on water quality testing procedure and key elements of survey design for water quality module 3 March 2016 Phase II: Country support for water testing
Assist country office and MICS coordinator in planning and preparation for water quality survey including procurement of supplies 7 July 2016 Lead training of enumerators on water quality testing and provide technical support during pilot and main survey 13 TBC Produce a report for UNICEF and WHO describing the training and summarizing lessons learned and recommendations for any modifications to the module as needed. 2 TBC TOTAL 25

The consultants will work closely together with specialized staff from both UNICEF and WHO on the completion of these tasks.

KEY COMPETENCES, TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED DEADLINE

• Advanced Degree in Engineering, Biology, Public Health or a related discipline • This is a mid-level position, consultants should have a minimum of five years’ working experience with water and sanitation preferably at both field office and headquarters levels and have extensive experience with project management. • Knowledge of and experience with water quality monitoring in low- and middle-income settings is essential • Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with Ministries responsible for water service delivery and/or regulation • Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the delivery of training courses and knowledge of household surveys (design and implementation). • High levels of computer literacy including quantitative/analytical skills and advanced proficiency with MS Excel • Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the analysis of data from household surveys (SPSS, Stata or R) • Demonstrated technical writing ability • Consultant should have good communication skills in English and, depending on the country, other languages, particularly French, Spanish or Arabic.

HOW TO APPLY:

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to send their submissions to pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line:

“Global Water Quality Consultants” by 3 December 2015, 5:00pm EST**.

Applications must include:

· Cover letter,

· CV, and

· P-11 form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc)

· Indicate where you heard about this advertisement

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons