Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. To advance development effectiveness, we provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.
USAID T-MELA Description:
On January 19, 2023, USAID/Tanzania awarded International Business Initiatives (IBI) and SI a four-year contract for the Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA). This activity is to assist the USAID/Tanzania Mission with strategy- and activity-level performance monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This activity will also provide data gathering and verification, data visualization (including Geographic Information Systems), data quality Studies, impact and performance evaluations, Studies, organizational learning, and collaboration among USAID’s implementing partners and DO teams.
Background:
The Ministry of Water developed the National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water in 2020 to standardize water treatment processes across Tanzania. These guidelines were designed to address variations in the types and quantities of chemicals, such as coagulants and disinfectants, used by Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) and Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities (WSSAs). However, challenges remain in the management and control of water treatment chemicals, leading to inconsistencies that impact water quality. To address these challenges, the Ministry has prioritized the review and finalization of the Guidelines for the Management of Water Treatment Chemicals. This review will ensure that the procurement, usage, and quality of these chemicals are standardized, cost-effective, and sourced from reliable suppliers, safeguarding public health and ensuring efficient use of public funds.
Additionally, significant changes in science and technology, as well as regulatory reforms in the water sector, have occurred since the operationalization of several key guidelines. These changes include updates to the Water Supply and Sanitation Act, the Water Resources Management Act, and the WHO guidelines. As a result, the Ministry will also review and translate into Kiswahili the WATER QUALITY MONITORING, WATER SAFETY PLAN, AND WATER TREATMENT GUIDELINES to ensure they align with the latest standards and best practices. The guidelines targeted are National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018), Guidelines for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plans for Urban and Rural Water Supply Utilities/Services and National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020).
The review of these guidelines is critical for improving water quality monitoring, water safety planning, and water treatment practices across Tanzania, ensuring that they reflect advancements in technology and align with updated regulatory frameworks.
Rationale and Statement of Purpose:
This assignment aims to review, update and translate into Kiswahili the existing water quality monitoring and assessment guidelines to ensure the provision of clean and safe water to communities across Tanzania, but also to finalize the preparation of Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals. The Ministry of Water aims to improve its procedures for water quality monitoring and assessment, ensuring they are cost-effective and supporting the sustainability of water supply services in both rural and urban areas. This review will align the guidelines with current best practices, advances in science and technology, and updated regulatory frameworks to enhance the management of Tanzania’s water resources.
Specific Objectives:
i. Comprehensive Review of National Guidelines on water quality monitoring and assessment based on relevant literatures and stakeholder consultation workshops.
ii. Comprehensive Review of two Guidelines(Rural and Urban) for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan into Swahili version based on relevant literatures and consultation workshops
iii. Review of the National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020)
iv. Translate into Kiswahili the four reviewed guidelines.
v. Finalize Preparation of the Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals; and
vi. Dissemination of the reviewed guidelines to ensure long-term sustainability.
Position Description:
SI is seeking a Water Sector Expert & Facilitator to support T-MELA with the review of the Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines. The Water Sector Expert shall be fluent in both English and Kiswahili, with a comprehensive understanding of Tanzania’s water sector, particularly in Water Safety Planning, Water Sector Policies, and Water Supply Systems. The Water Sector Expert will play a critical role in facilitating stakeholder engagement, organizing workshops, and contributing to the technical review of the guidelines. While not primarily focused on water quality standards, the expert will collaborate with technical specialists to ensure that the guidelines are practical, compliant with regulatory requirements, and align with best practices in the Tanzanian water sector.
This is a consulting position with an estimated performance period from November 2024 – July 2025. The Water Sector Expert’s estimated Level of Effort (LOE) will be 75 LOE days.
Responsibilities:
- The Water Sector Expert shall have the following responsibilities:
- Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement: Organize and facilitate multi-stakeholder workshops to gather feedback on the reviewed water sector guidelines, ensuring active participation from government bodies, community organizations, CBWSOs, WSSAs, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate the Review Process: Collaborate with technical experts, including the Water Quality Expert, and Team Lead to ensure a smooth review process, with all feedback and suggestions integrated into the guidelines in a timely manner.
- Contribute to Technical Review: Participate in the technical review of national guidelines, such as the National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018), Water Safety Plans, and other related documents, ensuring that the guidelines are practical and align with broader water sector policies and standards.
- Ensure Policy Compliance: Oversee the compliance review of the revised guidelines to ensure alignment with Tanzanian water sector regulations, including the Water Supply and Sanitation Act (2009), Water Resources Management Act, and National Water Policy (NAWAPO).
- Incorporate Sector-Wide Best Practices: Ensure the integration of the latest best practices and technologies relevant to the Tanzanian water sector, including operational and governance aspects of water supply systems (urban and rural), into the guidelines.
- Review and Finalize Guidelines: Contribute to the finalization of revised guidelines, ensuring they are clear, practical, and reflect the needs of both rural and urban water supply systems, especially for CBWSOs and WSSAs.
- Ensure Inclusivity in Review Process: Facilitate discussions during stakeholder meetings, ensuring that diverse voices, including women, marginalized groups, and local communities, are heard and their perspectives are included in the review process.
- Report Preparation: Support the preparation of final dissemination report and documentation related to the review process. This includes summarizing key stakeholder inputs, ensuring that all revisions to the guidelines are clearly documented, and providing insights from facilitated workshops.
- Review and recommend cost-effective approaches to water quality monitoring and the use of water treatment chemicals, ensuring that the guidelines promote sustainability while safeguarding public health.
- Promote Sustainability and Scalability: Ensure that the revised guidelines promote sustainable water management practices and are scalable for implementation across diverse regions in Tanzania, from large urban utilities to rural water schemes.
- Translation Review: Taking lead in reviewing the accuracy and technical integrity of translations for critical documents and guidelines from English to Swahili, ensuring that the translated materials retain clarity and are contextually appropriate for Tanzanian stakeholders.
Deliverables:
With support from USAID/T-MELA and Team members, Team Lead will be expected to support the production and management of the following deliverables:
- Revised National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018) and translated into Swahili
- Revised Guidelines for Preparation of Climate Resilient Water Safety Plan and translated into Swahili
- Guidelines for the Preparation of Water Safety Plans – Resilient to Climate Change for Urban Water Supply Utilities (2015)
- Guidelines for the Preparation of Water Safety Plans – Resilient to Climate Change for Rural Water Supply Services (2015)
- Revised National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020) and translated into the Swahili
- Finalized Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals
- Training and dissemination of the guidelines to ensure long-term sustainability – Dissemination report
Qualifications and Skills:
The Water Sector Expert must have-
- Master’s degree (minimum) or Ph.D. in Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Water Supply Management, or a closely related water-focused field.
- At least 10 years of professional experience in the water sector. Strong background in water quality management, water treatment processes, water safety planning, and water quality monitoring is preferred.
- Proven experience in reviewing and developing government guidelines for the water sector in Tanzania.
- Strong knowledge of Tanzanian water sector regulations and policies, including the National Water Policy (NAWAPO), Water Supply and Sanitation Act (2009), and Water Resources Management Act.
- Familiarity with both Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) and Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities (WSSAs) in rural and urban settings in Tanzania.
- Proven ability to organize and lead workshops, facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, and ensure productive discussions with clear objectives.
- Experience reviewing translations of technical documents to ensure technical accuracy and clarity, particularly between English and Swahili.
- Strong attention to detail in reviewing guidelines to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with national and international standards.
- Knowledge of water quality management, drinking water monitoring systems, and water safety planning, enabling meaningful contributions to technical reviews and discussions.
- Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili, with strong report-writing abilities and the capacity to simplify complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, community organizations, and international partners.
- Demonstrated project management skills, with experience in coordinating and executing workshops, ensuring adherence to timelines, and delivering quality feedback and results.
- Ability to ensure inclusive participation in workshops, with consideration for gender balance and marginalized groups in water sector planning.
Expected timeline: November 2024– July 2025
The closing date for application is October 21, 2024 at 05pm EAT. The selection and interview will be performed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter into two different PDF files and submit it through the online portal.
Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.
SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.
More Information
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