Wash Consultant

The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is a Humanitarian Organization established in 1966 by an Act of Parliament CAP 307 of the laws of Zambia as an auxiliary institution that augments government’s efforts in developmental works and humanitarian assistance. ZRCS is part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). In line with its mandate, ZRCS partners with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in responding to both man-made and natural disasters, including epidemics.

As part of the multisectoral mechanism for eliminating cholera in Zambia, ZRCS is implementing various cholera prevention activities as intermediate and long-term interventions, focusing on WASH hardware. To help with technical supervision of the construction of WASH Infrastructure, ZRCS is seeking the services of a dynamic, qualified, and experienced WASH Consultant.

Purpose of the Consultancy

Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) is implementing a water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) programme with support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its partners; have two emergency WASH interventions running simultaneously. These are: cholera and drought response programmes both of which have new borehole construction, upgrading of handpumps to solar powered water systems, construction of new toilets, strengthening of operation and maintenance, community engagement and stakeholder coordination mechanisms.
This position is required to provide strong oversight and facilitate the processes and networks that will ensure a well-coordinated, coherent, innovative, strategic, and effective WASH programme in both the cholera and drought response operations. This will support efforts to strengthen the quality WASH infrastructure and services for improved preparedness and response to the cholera and similar health emergencies in the future as well as reducing the community stress on WASH related drought effects.

FOCUS

The primary role of this consultancy is to ensure robust technical supervision of the construction upgrading and rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure (boreholes, toilet blocks) to assure high-quality outputs, considering that even when competent drilling contractors are engaged, the lack of close technical supervision, may compromise the quality of works. Many as 60% of groundwater sources are not working which can be attributed to poor borehole construction. ZRCS intends to construct 19 new boreholes in locations where previous attempts by other organizations yielded dry boreholes. The aspect of good supervision of the drilling works is therefore paramount. Further, ZRCS is supporting the construction of new toilet blocks for the schools and markets in selected institutions. The construction works will be done by contractors and thus calling for an experienced and competent consultant to provide robust technical supervision at all the sites.
The technical supervision will also focus on ensuring that all the works comply with the approved plans and specifications, as well as local building codes and regulations. This will help to maintain high-quality standards necessary for the safety and longevity of the facilities. The consultant will ensure quality control at all stages so that that the final product aligns with the predefined standards, specifications, and client expectations. In summary, expected value of this consultancy in this undertaking include but not limited to the following

a) Monitoring Work Quality: Site supervisors have a hands-on role in inspecting the work performed, ensuring it meets the quality standards.
b) Compliance Assurance: By supervising onsite activities, site supervisors can ensure all processes comply with regulations and industry standards.
c) Error Mitigation: Through ongoing supervision, potential issues can be identified early and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of costly rework.
d) Schedule Adherence: Site supervisors help manage tasks and workflows to ensure that project milestones are met.
Planned timelines
The works by local contractors are expected to start within a month from now and to be finished before the onset of rain season (October – November 2024). Therefore, the consultancy is expected to run as follows.
•Start date: August 2024
• End date: December 2024

Scope of Work

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Under the direction of the Cholera Operations Manager (COM) and in coordination with the WASH Officer, the WASH Consultant shall work in a coordinated effort with relevant provincial and district WASH authorities, District Red Cross Officers, as well as key internal and external stakeholders with the following outputs and deliverables

WASH planning

Deliverables

Using the borehole siting and pump testing results, come up with a prioritized list of sites for call of contracts for actual drilling and upgrading works
Updated report on progress, challenges and bottlenecks with possible suggestions/solutions on what is impacting implementation of WASH in selected schools, health facilities and Market in Lusaka and Copperbelt Provinces.
Updated report on coordination between recipient institutions (Health/Education/Local Government) and Engineers from the government line ministries.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Actively undertake site supervisory and monitoring during drilling, pump testing and pump installations as well as construction of water borne toilets works in critical phases.
Update draft operational framework for the coordination and implementation of WASH in selected health facilities, schools and Markets.

Networking

Facilitation of meetings including site, district and provincial focal points, partners and key stakeholders.
Consult with key WASH stakeholders (internal and external) to understand current operation and maintenance needs and future WASH programming opportunities
Identify potential partnerships with organizations/institutions to provide support to resource gaps e.g MHM or Soap for handwashing etc

Capacity Building

Identify skill gaps in Red Cross Volunteers, Field Officers as well focal persons in selected schools and health facilities and provide tailored training/inductions to support quality assurance of the works.
Support community and respective recipient institutions in Operation and Maintenance as well management of the infrastructure and WASH facilities.

Technical outputs

Other outputs as discussed and agreed such as presentations, briefing notes and other documents.
Progress reports
Document all field activities, prepare and submit quality weekly progress reports (up to the end of the contract) with well presented success stories from the field.
End of contract report.

Reporting lines & Relationships

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of Cholera Operations Manager

Relationships

Internal:

• WASH Officer
• WASH Surge Delegate – IFRC

Members of the IMS for Cholera Response

• External: Partners such as UNICEF, Water Aid, Line Government Ministries/departments e.g. MOH: DHO, PHO, ZNPHI, MWDS, MLGRD, MoE, representatives from NGOs, and other stakeholders, Civic and traditional leaders

Specific requirements

Qualifications required:

• Relevant university degree in Civil Engineering, Public Health or Professional technical experience matching the above-mentioned duties and responsibilities.
• Diploma in water engineering with extensive experience hardware WASH coupled with other requirements stated below, would be considered

Experience required:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in management of borehole construction contractors and supervision of civil works

Desirable:

• Familiarity with WASH in emergencies, WASH in Schools (WinS) and WASH in Health Facilities (WASH FIT).

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge of WASH, public health and/or international development
• Proven record of effective project management
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills
• Strong analytical skills and capacity
• Ability to independently plan and execute assigned tasks and duties.
• Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to build good relations both internally and externally.
• Flexible, adaptable and able to work well under pressure and in response to changing needs.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences, and the ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly integrate technical information.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent organizational, team and interpersonal skills.

Language requirements:

• English (reading, writing, speaking)

Competencies

• Communication
• Practical experience with Microsoft word, excel, PowerPoint presentation
• Promoting innovation and organizational learning
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Team player
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Place of assignment

The WASH Consultant will be based in Lusaka at HQ with frequent travels to the fields

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply through the link provided here.

The Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) unequivocally emphasize its commitment to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process. Our organization upholds the principles of fairness and equal opportunity, and we strongly discourage any individual or entity from making payments in exchange for job opportunities within the Zambia Red Cross Society. It is our firm policy to ensure that all our recruitment processes are free of charge, and any claim or request for payment should be considered fraudulent. Any financial transactions related to the recruitment process are unauthorized, and individuals engaging in such practices are not affiliated with Zambia Red Cross Society. We remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of our recruitment procedures and appreciate the cooperation of all stakeholders in maintaining a fair and transparent process. We encourage all potential applicants to rely on official communication channels and verify the authenticity of any information related to job opportunities with the Zambia Red Cross Society.