Team Leader- Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines Consultancy 61 views0 applications

USAID Tanzania Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Adaptation Activity (USAID T-MELA)

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 Team Lead to support T-MELA with the review of the Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines. The Team Lead shall be an English speaker with a deep understanding of the water sector especially in Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment. The Team Lead will play a key role in providing technical leadership of the review and provide input for water quality standards and facilitating stakeholders’ workshops to review the guidelines​. This is a consulting position with an estimated performance period of November 2024 – July 2025. The Team Lead’s estimated level of effort (LOE) will be 65 LOEs.

Responsibilities:

The Team Lead shall have the following responsibilities:

• Oversee the comprehensive technical review of the National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018), ensuring that the revised guidelines reflect current best practices in water quality monitoring and incorporate advancements in technology.
• Lead the Overall Project: Oversee the entire assignment, ensuring smooth coordination between the Water Sector Expert, Water Quality Expert, and Professional Translators, while managing timelines and ensuring all milestones are achieved.
• Provide strategic leadership in conducting an in-depth review and revisions to all relevant guidelines, including the National Guidelines on Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting (2018), Water Safety Plans, and the National Operation Guidelines on Optimization of Chemical Dosage of Drinking Water (2020) ensuring they align with proper standards for managing and controlling water treatment chemicals, particularly the effective and safe use of coagulants and disinfectants.
• Ensure that the documents reflect the latest advancements in water quality monitoring, safety planning, and treatment technologies.
• Guarantee that all reviewed guidelines meet Tanzanian national standards (such as the Water Supply and Sanitation Act and Water Resources Management Act) and align with international benchmarks, including WHO guidelines on water safety.
• Ensure that the revised guidelines are technically accurate, clear, and maintain sector-specific terminology. Oversee quality assurance throughout the review processes.
• Work closely with Water Sector and Water Quality Experts to incorporate their input into the guidelines, ensuring technical accuracy and regulatory compliance. Facilitate their involvement in addressing key content areas, such as chemical dosage, risk management strategies, and water safety.
• Ensure that the reviewed guidelines incorporate the latest scientific and technological advancements in water quality testing, chemical dosing, and treatment processes, ensuring forward-looking, adaptable guidelines.
• Ensure that all stakeholder feedback is addressed and incorporated into guidelines.
• Take full responsibility for delivering high-quality, reviewed, guidelines. Ensure all final documents are prepared with clear, precise, and technically accurate content.
• Maintain detailed tracking of team progress to ensure adherence to project timelines, efficient resource use, and timely completion of deliverables.

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 Team Lead must have-

· Master’s degree (minimum) or Ph.D. in Water Quality Management, Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or a closely related field.

· At least 10 years of professional experience in water quality management, with specific expertise in water treatment processes, water safety plans, and water quality monitoring.

· Proven experience reviewing and developing guidelines for water quality monitoring, water safety, and water treatment.

· Strong knowledge of global and Tanzanian water sector regulations, including the Water Supply and Sanitation Act (2009), the Water Resources Management Act, and the National Water Policy (NAWAPO).

· Familiarity with national and international water quality standards, such as the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

· Hands-on experience with water quality monitoring systems, including applying physicochemical and bacteriological testing techniques.

· Technical expertise in water quality monitoring, treatment processes, chemical dosage optimization, and risk management.

· Strong compliance review skills, ensuring guidelines align with national and international standards.

· Attention to detail in reviewing scientific data and guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness in the revised guidelines.

· Ability to apply the latest technological advancements in water quality monitoring and management.

· Excellent communication in English and report-writing skills, capable of translating complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

Skills

· Leadership and team management: Ability to lead a diverse team of technical experts and translators, ensuring collaboration and coordination throughout the project.

· Strong organizational skills: Ability to manage multiple project components, ensuring the timely completion of tasks and adherence to deadlines.

· Problem-solving skills: Ability to address challenges in both the review and translation processes, ensuring technical accuracy and quality.

· Attention to detail: Ability to ensure technical precision in reviewed and translated documents, maintaining consistency and clarity.

· Effective communication: Ability to facilitate discussions with team members and stakeholders, and provide clear, concise updates and reports.

· Project management proficiency: Experience with managing large-scale projects, including tracking progress, setting milestones, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.

· Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

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.