Individual Consultancy: REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-USE SOLAR DRIVEN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN MOZAMBIQUE AND DOCUMENTATION OF LESSONS LEARNT AND GOOD PRACTICES

Despite the growing emphasis in implementing solar driven systems, there has not been any systematization on the technical approach, designs and overall recommendations that can inform the WASH sector in Mozambique, so the use of this technology can be widen, to support the expansion of water supply coverage in the country. To attend the identified need for documentation of the experiences in implementing of solar driven water supply systems in rural areas of Mozambique, UNICEF is looking for a consultant to review, analyze and document the existing experience in the design, construction and operation and management of these systems, with the objective of inform and provide guidance to WASH sector partners. Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results The main objective of the consultancy is to identify, and document lessons learnt and best practices, through a field reviews, of the implementation of water supply systems powered by solar panels in previous years in Mozambique, so to inform WASH sector for future interventions. The specific objectives are: - To identify the best practices of various designs used in the construction of solar driven water supply systems and propose standard designs for its various components. - To record and analyse short-comings / difficulties faced by users in the operation of the above indicated systems and recommend measures to overcome these. - To document the modalities in use for the operation and maintenance of these systems, highlighting the good practices and providing recommendations for replication.

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Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results

The main objective of the consultancy is to identify, and document lessons learnt and best practices, through a field reviews, of the implementation of water supply systems powered by solar panels in previous years in Mozambique, so to inform WASH sector for future interventions.

The specific objectives are:

• To identify the best practices of various designs used in the construction of solar driven water supply systems and propose standard designs for its various components.
• To record and analyse short-comings / difficulties faced by users in the operation of the above indicated systems and recommend measures to overcome these.
• To document the modalities in use for the operation and maintenance of these systems, highlighting the good practices and providing recommendations for replication.

METHODOLOGY AND TECHNICAL APPROACH.

• SCOPE OF THE REVIEW

The review of implementation of multi-use solar driven water supply systems will include projects implemented in the context of the PRONASAR in the last 5-10 years.  The review will aim to cover solar driven water supply systems in at least four provinces throughout the country, covering the southern, central and northern areas (exact locations to be confirmed during the desk review).

• METHODOLOGY

To undertake the review the Consultant will rely both on documentary information as well as on information to be collected through site visits and interview with stakeholders and beneficiaries.  The following summarizes the sources of information to be considered during the review.

• Review of documentary information, such as
• Terms of Reference / Contracts,
• Technical designs, specifications, blueprints, etc.
• Monitoring reports (from Engineering Consulting Firm / Fiscal),
• Other technical documents produced for the implementation of works, to be made available by stakeholders.
• Interview with stakeholders, including:
• Implementing agencies,
• Provincial and District water departments,
• Engineering Consulting Firms (fiscal),
• Contractors / Designers,
• Suppliers / other technical support,
• Site visits and technical inspection of selected systems.  These are aimed to confirm technical conditions of the systems and its various components, and to gather information on issues related to the operation and user satisfaction of the system.  Site visits will include on site discussions with water committees, community management groups and / or operators in charge of running of systems and with beneficiaries (for selected systems).

Following the site visits and review of technical documentation, Consultant should present preliminary sketches and schematics for designs to be reviewed by UNICEF and partner through a consultative meeting to receive feedback for the development of final products. 

Preliminary findings and draft final products are to be submitted for a final review and validation by UNICEF and partners. Final review and validation will include a which will include presentation to WASH partners through a validation meeting.  Feedback from such meeting is to be documented on a specific report and included in the final version of the products (see below on description of deliverables).

• ELEMENTS OF ANALYSIS

The following presents the various aspects to be included in the review.  Complementary questions could be developed at the early stages of the consultancy, however the below delineates the main elements for analysis.

1. PREPARATORY PROCESSES

• Criteria for selection of targeted communities.  How these were determined (or influence) the type of systems installed;
• Selection process for implementing agencies / contractor.  Are there specific criteria related to solar powered systems required for selection;
• Technical specifications for components, materials and equipment.  To identify components that require detailed specifications and what these should be.
• Contracting modality:  To identify pros and Cons of modality used during implementation (Turn-key, Design and Construction, etc.).

2. IMPLEMENTATION

• Approach to the design of the systems.  Key features (including sizing of systems, modular components, security, multi-use features, etc.) and their impact on scope of works, construction time, system operation and usage,
• Constraints faced during design and construction of the systems, and identification of mitigation measures.
• Analysis of unit costs (and drivers for cost increase/decrease) and cost per beneficiary vs. level of service provided.
• Tools and materials used for training on Operation and Maintenance of solar water supply systems to the designated operator

3. MANAGEMENT AND USE OF SYSTEMS

• Actual utilization of installed capacity of the systems.  Correlation number of beneficiaries and systems’ maximum capacity and operation time of systems.
• Operation and management modalities (by whom, how were they selected) and level of operation performed to date (identification of main constraints for operation / failures on the systems experienced so far and how these were addressed).
• Other uses of the system besides water for human consumption (cattle, gardening, etc.) and how are these managed.
• Beneficiary / users perceptions on the impact of the systems over their day-to-day use, including:
• Usage of water (quantity) per family
• Water tariff
• Improved hygiene practices due to better water availability
• Effect of increased water over drainage / waste water
• Others perceived by beneficiaries and local stakeholders.
• FIELD WORK

The review will include a technical inspection of selected systems.  Specific location of systems is to be determined at the early stages of the consultancy, however these are to include:

• At least four provinces, covering the south, centre and northern region.
• At least two systems per province, in two different districts (one per district).
• Systems from various implementing agencies to be included
• Final list of sites should include:
  1. 1. systems with various modalities of management and operation,
     2. at least 50% of systems being multi-use (water for cattle, gardening, others),

Final schedule for field visit will be subject to approval of the Inception Report where Consultant should propose the final list of systems and rationale for selection.

Travel logistics are to be arranged by UNICEF.  Perdiems will be paid to

• DOCUMENTATION / SYSTEMATIZATION OF GOOD PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNT

The following documents are to be produced as part of the consultancy:

• Main report on the overall findings and recommendations, highlighting specific areas of importance based on good practices and lessons learnt from the implementation of projects under review;
• Recommendations for design and construction, including specific criteria or methods to be used during implementation.
• Proposed terms of reference for procurement of services for:  A) design and B) construction
• Modular designs for the components of a typical solar driven water supply system, including blueprints, design tools, sample bill of quantities and technical specifications as required.
• Outline for a manual for operation and maintenance, including list of key tools and other materials required;
• Identification of good practices for management of systems under review, including recommendations from specific mechanisms implemented at community level (engaging of individual operator, modalities for payments, etc.)
• Documentation of specific cases highlighting best practices and lessons learnt (using format to be developed at the beginning of the consultancy).

ACTIVITIES AND TASKS.

See attached Terms of Reference

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENTS.

Payments will be processed upon acceptance of the corresponding deliverable and against an invoice that will reference the contract and deliverable numbers. Payments will be approved by the Chief of WASH.

Deliverable 1:

Delivery timeframe:  3 weeks

Deliverable/product(s): Inception report

Payment: 20%

Deliverable 2:

Delivery timeframe:  6 weeks

Deliverable/product(s): Intermediate report

Payment: 40%

Deliverable 3:

Delivery timeframe:

Deliverable/product(s): Final report, and associated documents

Payment: 40%

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

• QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE.

  Consultant should have a proven experience in the design and implementation of rural water systems, including experience in solar driven water schemes.  Candidates should cover the following aspects:

  Academic qualifications.

  University degree in Public Health, Civil / Mechanical / Hydraulic Engineering or other WASH related area.

  Work experience.

  • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in Civil and Hydraulic engineering, including design, construction, and /or oversight of construction of water supply systems.  Specific experience on solar powered water supply systems is required.
  • Minimum of five years of relevant experience in technical support for management, operation and maintenance of solar powered rural water supply systems, including community management.

  Specific knowledge, competencies, and skills required.

  • Proven experience in review and documentation of lessons learnt and good practices of development interventions in the WASH sector

  Language skills. Fluency in Portuguese and English.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

 Annex3 3 - Review of implementation of multi-use solar systems.docx

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.