Water Quality Expert- Reviewing Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines Consultancy 56 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 Water Quality Expert to support T-MELA with the review of the Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment Guidelines. The Water Quality Expert shall be an English and Kiswahili speaker with a deep understanding of the water sector especially in Water Quality Monitoring, Water Safety Plan, and Water Treatment. The Water Quality Expert will play a key role in providing technical aspects of the review and provides input for water quality standards and facilitating stakeholders’ workshops to review the guidelines​. Also, the Water Quality Expert will be the key technical reviewer of the Kiswahili translation of deliverables, liaising closely with the translator to ensure high-quality technical translation of outputs. This is a consulting position with an estimated performance period of November 2024 – July 2025. The Water Quality Expert’s estimated level of effort (LOE) will be 75 LOEs.

Responsibilities:

The Water Quality Expert 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 guidelines reflect current best practices in water quality monitoring and incorporate advancements in technology.
• Conduct an in-depth review of 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 reviewed guidelines meet current water quality standards, regulatory requirements, and international benchmarks, like the WHO’s drinking water safety recommendations.
• Review the Water Safety Plan Guidelines to ensure that they effectively address the “multiple-barrier” approach to safeguarding water from source to consumer. The review should integrate risk management strategies to consistently ensure safe and sufficient drinking water supply, considering recent technological and regulatory changes.
• Ensure that the guidelines include clear procedures for proactive risk assessments and continuous monitoring to manage water safety, particularly in rural and urban water supply systems.
• Finalize the review of the Guidelines for Management of Water Treatment Chemicals, ensuring that the guidelines address the procurement, usage, and quality assurance of chemicals. This should emphasize cost-effective practices and public health protection by regulating chemical dosages and sources.
• Provide recommendations to improve control and consistency in the use of treatment chemicals across Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs) and Water Supply and Sanitation Authorities (WSSAs), addressing the variations in chemical use identified in previous water quality monitoring programs.
• Ensure that all reviewed guidelines comply with Tanzanian national standards, such as those outlined in the Water Supply and Sanitation Act and Water Resources Management Act, and align with global standards for water quality monitoring, safety, and treatment.
• Integrate the latest scientific and technological advancements into the guidelines, ensuring they reflect current best practices in water quality testing, chemical dosing optimization, and water treatment.
• Ensure that the guidelines remain forward-looking and adaptable to new water safety management and treatment processes developments.
• Collaborate in preparing reports and documentation related to the review process, providing technical insights to ensure accuracy and clarity in the presentation of the revised guidelines.
• Ensure the final versions of the guidelines are ready for Ministry of Water approval, ensuring clarity, precision, and technical accuracy.
• 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.

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 Quality Expert 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 in Tanzania.

· Strong knowledge of 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.

· 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 Kiswahili and report-writing skills, capable of translating complex technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

· 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.