Contract LOCAL WATER EXPERT
Job Description
The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) is seeking to engage the Service of a Water Expert for an initial period of 12 months to provide technical expertise and support in the design and installation of small community water supply systems with a focus on sustainability and reliability of water network in selected communities in the Country.
The mandate of the Authority under the URA Act includes maximizing access to regulated services throughout Vanuatu while ensuring that these regulated services are safe, reliable, and affordable.
The Authority is now exploring the opportunity to work with small communities in Vanuatu to install small water systems and to provide minimal regulatory support to ensure their sustainability. This is in line with Objective 5 of the URA Five Years Strategic and Operational Plan, which is to increase assess to sustainable and more robust water supply systems throughout the country.
Given its limited resources, the Authority therefore wishes to hire the service of a Local Water Expert to undertake this service.
1. Scope of work
The selected Water Expert will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the targeted communities to identify water source options, existing infrastructure, and community needs.
- Develop detailed technical designs and specifications for small community water systems, considering local environmental and geological conditions, water quality standards, and future scalability.
- Prepare cost estimates and budget projections for the implementation of each water system, including sourcing and pricing of materials and equipment.
- Provide guidance on appropriate technology and equipment selection for water treatment, storage, and distribution.
- Oversee the installation and construction of the water systems, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and timelines.
- Develop operations and maintenance manuals for the community water systems and facilitate training for local operators and maintenance personnel.
- Promote community engagement and participation throughout the project, ensuring that the systems meet the specific needs and preferences of the communities.
- Provide support to URA staff during on-site visits and inspections of other small water systems.
2. Qualifications and Requirements:
The Water Expert should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
- Extensive experience in the design and installation of small-scale water supply systems in rural communities, preferably in Pacific Island nations or similar environments.
- A proven track record of successfully managing and implementing similar projects, with demonstrated results in improving water access for communities.
- Technical expertise in water engineering, including knowledge of water source development, treatment, and distribution systems.
- Strong project management skills, including procurement, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with local communities and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of local regulations and environmental considerations in Vanuatu would be an advantage.
3. Duration and Deliverables:
The Water Expert will be hired under a 12-month service arrangement, with the possibility for extensions, and will be paid according to the number of days on which a service is rendered. Deliverables will include feasibility reports, technical designs, supervision of works, installation, operation and maintenance manuals, training materials, and any other documents or outputs as required during the project.
1077 total views, 1 today