Water Systems Audit Consultant-Short Term

SOW Title: Provide Support to Water Directorates to Implement the Water Audit Methodology to Determine the Losses in the Water System.

Estimated LOE: (75) working days for each local STTA

Job Classification: (2) Local STTA    

Reporting to: Service Improvement Lead               

Estimated Start Date: 02 July 2024

Estimated End Date: 31 December 2024

Duty Station:  Baghdad with frequent travel to the other locations         in Anbar, Najaf, and Basrah.  

A. Project Background:

The USAID Iraq Together/Ma’an (معاً) activity, launched in November 2023, Ma’an supports select Iraqi government entities at the national, regional, provincial, and district level to improve service delivery performance through use of technology and process standardization while increasing the availability of and access to information, particularly related to public services. The Ma’an also fosters improved and inclusive relationships and engagement between the Government and the communities they serve. The Ma’an goal is more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services. The Ma’an’s objectives are:

1- Targeted Iraqi government entities improve and are more inclusive in-service delivery. Government improves services delivery through responsiveness to citizen needs, consultation with citizens, improved transparency and use of green practices technology.

2- Strengthened democratic and participatory governance of targeted Iraqi service delivery institutions. Citizen perception of government changes through increased participation in governance, improved access to government information and stronger role of Iraqi NGOs in advocating for communities as well as increased public education regarding citizen roles and responsibilities.

3- Response to windows of opportunity for change. Gaps in expertise and information required to improve government service delivery and increase citizen participation are addressed.

 

Iraq Together/Ma’an utilizes an Accountability Ecosystems Approach grounded in inclusion and localization to improve service delivery and build trust. The approach mobilizes Iraqi government entities, civil society organizations, emerging civic movements, issue-based groups, media, and the private sector to co-create interventions. This approach allows diverse local partners to exercise their rights and responsibilities, learn by doing, analyze performance data, and scale what works.

B. Purpose:

During the stakeholders’ workshop, the participants highlighted numerous technical and commercial losses within the water network in targeted districts. Water directorates lack the necessary techniques and capabilities to calculate the water balance and determine technical and commercial losses in water systems, these losses, stemming from water leaks and illegal connections, drive up the cost of producing drinking water, resulting in increased service fees for citizens. Likewise, leaks pose a contamination risk to the drinking water supply, potentially leading to various diseases. The absence of leak detection devices further complicates matters, as locating leaks requires labor-intensive efforts, leading to unnecessary street damage. The calculation of the water balance resulting from applying the water audit methodology will determine technical and commercial losses in water systems due to leaks and illegal connections.

To implement this intervention, Ma’an will engage two local STTA water systems audit consultants to provide technical support to the targeted provincial Water Directorates in the 4 targeted provinces (Baghdad, Anbar, Najaf, and Basrah – the 4 provinces hereafter) to implement the water audit methodology and calculate the water balance to determine technical and commercial losses in water systems, as well as enhance the ability to use leak detection and flow meter devices that are necessary to apply the methodology.

C. Objectives:

The main objectives of the consultants are to:

Present the water audit methodology and its application mechanisms to the targeted water directorates’ staff and enhance their ability to apply the methodology.

Enable targeted water directorate to identify the number of leaks, and illegal connections and calculate the water balance in the systems.

D. Responsibilities and Key Tasks of the Consultant:

Under this Scope of Work, the two consultants shall perform the following tasks:

 

– Task 1: Hold an Introductory Meeting to Introduce Water Audit Methodology.

In coordination with Ma’an field team, The two consultants will hold an introductory meeting with targeted water directorates to introduce the interventions and the results that will be achieved upon the completion of the intervention and get a commitment to apply it.

– Task 2: Conduct a Three Days’ Workshop to Present Water Audit Methodology

The two consultants will conduct a three-days workshop to present to targeted water directorates’ staff the concept of water audit methodology, its application mechanisms, and how to calculate the water balance in the water systems.

– Task 3: Assist Water Directorates in Applying the Water Audit Methodology.

The two consultants will provide the following assistance to the water directorates in targeted provinces through the following items:

Provide technical support to the targeted water directorate to select an area in the targeted districts of the 4 targeted provinces.

Enhance the ability of their staff to use the water flowmeter and leak detector devices in the application.

Apply the water audit methodology to identify the number of leaks and illegal connections and calculate the water balance in the water systems of the selected area.

– Task 4: Develop Action Plan to Fix the Leaks and Remove the Illegal Connections.

The two consultants will support the water directorates in targeted locations to develop and adopt an action plan and the calculation of water balance which will lead to minimizing illegal connections significantly and the losses of drinking water.

– Task 5: Develop the Final Report.

The two consultants will develop the final comprehensive report that includes all supporting documents developed during the implementation of the intervention. the report will include a comprehensive description of the solutions and the proposed recommendations. the report will highlight achievements and results accomplished for each task, recommendations and next steps, any challenges, lessons learned, and proposed solutions. the report should be submitted in English. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in all aspects of drinking water systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in applying the water audit methodology.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the the water audit methodology and application mechanisms.
• Prior experience working with the provincial water directorates in conducting an assessment, water audit methodology, and improving the drinking water systems.
• Minimum four (4) years experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects is strongly preferred.
• Overall Iraq contextual knowledge with demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• Clear and concise communication approach both orally and in writing, and lead presentations, trainings, and effective meetings with stakeholders.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Full proficiency in Arabic is and English language skills is desired.

 Duty Station:

The two Local STTA water systems consultants will be based in Baghdad with travel to various locations in Anbar, Najaf, and Basrah. Under this SOW, Ma’an will cover all other indirect implementation costs, including air and ground transportation, and phone communications. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Iraq.

 

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: Iraq Together Job Application Form (smartsheet.com)

 

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.