Job Description
Unicef is looking for a Consultant
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct desk review and analysis of use of various piped water scheme technology options, including use of solar power of community managed piped water schemes with a focus on sustainability, efficiency, environmental, technical and institutional aspects of the technology in Zimbabwe and globally.
Undertake field visits to selected piped water schemes project sites and administer approved data collection tools to: (i) collect information from various stakeholders including inter-alia, user communities, service providers, through various tools and methods including, but not limited to Focus Group Discussion, Semi Structured Interview and administering relevant questionnaires; (ii) Assess the technological aspect of the piped water scheme power source focusing on the type of power source and document the various solar types installation in use Zimbabwe (sites may include existing systems not covered under UNICEF supported interventions).
Based on the desk review and field data collected, undertake analysis (including life cycle costing and environmental benefits) of the use of solar power and benchmark the assessment findings against other PWS technology options and identify best practices.
Prepare and facilitate the validation of a detailed report of the assessment findings including recommendations and framework for sustained scale up of solar piped water schemes covering but not limited to institutional arrangements, sector capacity building requirements, market analysis as well as funding models.
Ground-truth the findings through case studies of solar PWS installed over 2 years ago. The case study will focus on: (i) community aspects and the operation and maintenance of the solar powered PWS; and (ii) assessment of performance of various solar pump types and installations including effects of specification, geographic location (solar radiation levels), and age in different field and operating conditions.
Qualifications and Experience
Required
Advanced university degree in related field, technical sciences, civil/electrical/mechanical/renewable energy/water supply engineering, with demonstrated knowledge and experience in Zimbabwe’s rural water supply systems.
Minimum of 5 year demonstrated experience in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis related to WASH Service Delivery with a focus on water supply systems.
High technical expertise, knowledge and experience with solar power technology applied in water supply systems
Working knowledge of the rural WASH sector in Zimbabwe and its institutional structures at all levels
Experience in issues related to research, evidence generation and advocacy
Experience in rural community assessment, surveys and/or evaluations
Familiarity with emerging issues and inter sectoral linkages on climate change, equity, gender issues in relation to sustainability
Excellent communication skills and experience in working with a diverse range of partners including engaging government officials
Demonstrated evidence to produce high quality, objective and actionable reports suitable for use in decision making
Demonstrated ability to take initiative with a drive to achieving results
Experience in working with UN or similar agencies
Fluency in English and local languages
