Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”. UNDP/PAPP is a responsive development agency that works together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their aspiration for sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality and freedom.
Context
The bulk water supply and distribution system in the West Bank face significant challenges, including shortage of water supply, which consequently has a negative impact on access to sufficient, safe and affordable water for Palestinian communities, households and individuals in the West Bank. Against this backdrop of the constant water shortage affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank, and in line with the national water sector reform plan, UNDP – in partnership with the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) and the West Bank Water Department (WBWD) intends to enhance the management of Bulk water distribution in West Bank, reduce the non-revenue water through improving water supply monitoring system and exploring additional water resources. This project will support the establishment of an effective and efficient online monitoring system for bulk water supply in the West Bank, along with developing the institutional set-up and capacities needed to ensure accurate real-time monitoring of water flow and to promptly respond to any water leakage that may emerge. Establishing an online monitoring system for bulk water supply and distribution in the West Bank will support the PWA in achieving the following objectives: To provide real time-data regarding the flow rate, pressure, and losses at specific routes of the bulk water supply system. Data will be accessible by the field engineers, water distribution managers and other related staff via their computers or mobile phones. This will enable quick actions and immediate responses when problems regarding the water supply emerge and reducing NRW at bulk level. To link the monitoring system with the Billing and Water Supply and Distribution Information System (WSDIS). This will reduce both the financial and human resources efforts and the time needed to generate the invoices to the service providers. It will, also, help PWA and WBWD to quickly define the water supply related problems and solve it immediately. To reduce the cost of installation of electromagnetic meters. In this project and based on the local experience, mechanical meters will be used to transfer data automatically using the available data transfer technology. Under this project, UNDP intends to hire an information management specialist who will play a major role in following up to achieve the above-mentioned objectives..
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV information management specialist will undertake the following functions: 1) Technical Support Review tender documents and specifications regarding the digital solutions that will be installed on bulk water supply flowmeters and provide relevant recommendations. Follow up with the company that will install the digital solutions and play the role of quality assurance together with the focal point from PWA Follow up the testing of the solution and support in identifying gaps and possible improvements. Provide technical support to the project manager in monitoring implementation of the project activities. 2) Coordination and follow up: Coordinate, regularly, with PWA, WBWD and with other project staff and contractors. Conduct regular field visits to gather data and follow up on progress. Identify changes and challenges in the external environment and promptly suggest necessary actions/corrective measures. 3) Stakeholder Engagement: Support the project manager in conducting follow up and project progress meetings with stakeholders, mainly, PWA, WBWD and contractors. Support the project manager in conducting digital capacity assessment of WBWD Identify synergies and complementary with other related initiatives regarding online monitoring such as the existing SCADA system. 4) Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Participate in the preparation of procurement processes, Review of reports submitted by technical assistance providers. Draft monthly workplans, minutes of meetings, field visit reports and factsheets. Document lessons learned, best practices and success stories to contribute to learning. 5) Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisors.