Call for consultancy for feasibility study for the construction of sand dams and artificial underground aquifers in the south of madagascar, 45 days

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For every child :

The southern regions of Madagascar have the country’s lowest water supply coverage and is experiencing major impacts from climate change; e.g., warning of temperatures and high irregularity in the spatial distribution and timing of rainfall. A significant consequence is the increase in frequency and intensity of droughts, and a chronic lack of water primarily affecting 8 of the 16 districts in the 3 Southern administrative regions of Madagascar, namely Anosy, Androy and Atsimo Andrefana, and resulting in severe food insecurity and malnutrition crises which mostly affect children. Most of the population living in this area are farmers, relying almost solely on rainfall for agriculture. The continuous degradation of water resources is increasingly affecting access to safe drinking water, with the expected repercussions of drying rivers, depleted aquifers, and deteriorating ecosystems which are essential to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water. The population living in this area is known to be among the most vulnerable groups of the Malagasy population. To provide safe drinking water to small communities in those areas, an innovative climate change adaptation solution based on the 3R concept (Recharge, Retention and Reuse) is been proposed, such as sand dam’s ad artificial underground reservoir. Sand dams are small dams build above ground and into the riverbed of a seasonal sand river. Sand accumulates upstream of the dam, resulting in additional groundwater storage capacity. They are suitable for rural areas with semi-arid climate like in the south of Madagascar to store seasonal available water to be used in dry periods for livestock, minor irrigation as well as for domestic use. They can be built with locally available material and labour but building a dam still requires relatively high investments, is labour intensive and specific expertise is needed. Artificial Underground Aquifers (AUA) are underground reservoir linked to a natural ponding water (which occurs during rain seasons in white sands) to have water available all year round. This surface water will be naturally filtered during the infiltration process and fill the reservoirs through underground pipes system. Local communities will then collect drinking water using hand pumps installed over the reservoir. These two 3R approach have the advantage of keeping rain water away from contamination and evaporation.

How can you make a difference :

Purpose of consultancy :

UNICEF and CRS are collaborating is to carry out a detailed feasibility study to identify suitable areas for the construction of sand dams and underground reservoirs to ensure the retention of rainwater, the recharge of aquifers and its reuse for drinking water, potential irrigation water and for livestock use in the eight drought-affected districts of south Madagascar. The specific objectives of this consultancy are:

– Conduct a technical feasibility study for the construction of sand dams in the regions of Anosy (Amboassary and Taolagnaro), Androy (Bekily, Ambovombe, Tsihombe and Beloha) and Atsimo Andrefana (Betioky and Ampanihy),

– Conduct a technical feasibility study for the construction of artificial underground aquifers (AUA) in the regions of Anosy (Amboassary and Taolagnaro), Androy (Bekily, Ambovombe, Tsihombe and Beloha) and Atsimo Andrefana (Betioky and Ampanihy.

 

Activities and expected deliverables:

Supervision and work conditions :

The WASH section of UNICEF Madagascar will oversee the work activities in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Water and Hydrocarbons. UNICEF is the focal point and will manage the contract and ensure that the consultancy meets all quality standards.

The duration of the consultation is 45 days (end date: 5 June 2019). A chronogram will be proposed by the consultant and it will consider all activities/expected results at each stage of the consultation.
The consultant is recruited based on a competitive process according to rules and procedures of UNICEF:

• The consultant will work with his own computer/software and be in charge of the logistic/organization of the field mission.
• UNICEF may provide the consultant with available data of southern Madagascar, such as topographic map, drainage and river systems, geological data, groundwater potential, salinity, etc.
• UNICEF may provide logistical support to the consultant as needed for the accomplishment of his duties (including a workspace).
• Before signing the contract, the consultant must provide a medical certificate of physical and mental health for the mission, a photocopy of his health insurance and insurance in case of accident.
• The consultant must submit online training certificates on “BSAFE”, Ethics and Integrity to UNICEF, Information Awareness Security Course, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority 

 

Qualify as an advocate for every child you will have :

• A master’s degree in civil or water engineer, hydrogeology, water resources management or hydraulic is required ;
• A minimum of five years field experience in the water resources management, especially in sand dams, water storage and reservoirs and harvesting of rain water in developing countries is required ;
• A knowledge of the context of the southern regions of Madagascar is required.

 

How to apply :

Interested candidates are requested to apply only online via the link: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ and attach a detailed CV, a financial offer (in USD) and a detailed work plan and methodology (technical offer), and a copy of the highest degree. Applications submitted without financial and technical offers will not be considered.

For the evaluation of the application, the technical offer counts for 80% and the financial offer 20%.

For additional information, contact hrantananarivo@unicef.org.

Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline (22nd April 2019) will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and will receive an official response to their application.

 

For every Child, you demonstrate :

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

 

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 ;
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization ;
• 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.