Job Title: Associate expert for WASH, Uganda
TERMS OF REFERENCE ASSOCIATE EXPERT WETLAND INTERNATIONAL FOR WASH-ORIENTED OPPORTUNITIES IN UGANDA Wetland management in WASH with particular reference to and rainwater harvesting and catchment approaches
Description of service Assess the relationship, risks and opportunities when linking WASH interventions in the areas of Kawempe, Ntoroko, Soroti, Rwambu ( and possible others) to the wetlands concerned. Advice on to what extent the wetlands can handle waste disposal (carrying capacity) from WASH interventions, how can this be optimally managed, how wetlands work as floodwater protection. Assess and advice on the risks to the sustainability of the WASH intervention itself when integrating wetlands or implemented them next to a wetland. Identification of innovative solutions to issues identified and advising how these can be integrated in related project proposals, plans and monitoring during 2013. Provide ecological and hydrological knowledge on wetland management and advice on improvement of program development and proposal writing. Type of service Accompaniment, capacity building and co-learning for RAIN, URWA, JESE, AMREF NL, AMREF Uganda and Wetlands International (WI) Africa based office(s). The Associate Expert will undertake a major part of the work of participation in (monitoring) missions, partnership development, exploring funding opportunities, proposal writing contribution, networking, planning and negotiation. Products expected
Participation in a joint DWA monitoring mission of AMREF NL and RAIN in April 2013
Mission report within 10 days upon returning
Wrap-up meeting with WI Africa Regional Director (Ibrahima Thiam) in WI-Kenya office
Participation in feasibility study (Ntoroko)
Partcipation in Rwambu project documentation regarding wetland component.
Write-up – together with URWA/JESE – proposal for upscaling Rwambu project
Write-up – together with RWA/JESE – funding proposal for Ntoroko)
TBD alike products arising from other opportunities
Constructive cooperation / communications with RAIN, URWA, JESE, AMREF NL, AMREF Uganda as necessary
Around 5 briefing Skype calls with Project Manager WASH (Susanne Boom) at WI-HQ in the Netherlands Number of days available for this service Between 30-60 days in 2013 can be funded by WI for this service. During the time of engagement, the Associate Expert will be covered for all related travel and other direct costs. Reporting During the time of engagement, a progress report will be provided on a monthly basis consisting of 1-2 pages in length. Principal point of contact The consultancy position will be contracted by WI Headquarters in the Netherlands. Principal point of contact will be Susanne Boom (Project Manager WASH) who will further supervise the Associate Expert and be the liaison between the Associate Expert and the Netherlands based organisations AMREF and RAIN. The WI Africa Regional Office Director Mr. Ibrahima Thiam will be fully engaged on decisions and progress. 1/3
Wetlands International commitment Susanne Boom, and where necessary Chris Baker (Policy & Strategy) and Kate Pearson (Resource Development) will dedicate time to supporting the Associate Expert. This is an approximate commitment of 3 hours per 2 weeks of telephone conferencing, document reviewing and written and verbal feedback. WI commits to providing timely and precise information to the Associate Expert as required to carry out the deliverables outlined in this Terms of Reference. Sites, organisations or donor visits Visits to the sites, organisations and/or donors by the Associate Expert will be considered under this service, to be decided jointly by the WI Team and the Associate Expert and depend on available resources. Expenses related to travel are reimbursable per prior agreement by the parties. Preferred experience, skills and competencies
Uganda-based, available from end March 2013 in a stand-by manner; available to engaged when called-upon for the remaining of 2013
Wetland (hydrology) expert with interest in (WASH related) development issues (incl. sound understanding of ecosystems-WASH linkages)
Excellent English language skills, both speaking and writing
Ability to work in a multicultural environment (i.e. Dutch-Ugandan) with good communication skills
Ability to and proven experience with proposal writing
Existing relevant (wetland) network in Uganda with sound understanding of Ugandan wetland policy
Familiar with RAMSAR Information System, GIS, satellite imaging Background In Uganda, Wetlands International (WI) engages in the 2011-2015 DIGIS funded Dutch WASH Alliance (DWA) Programme (http://www.washalliance.nl). The program aims to empower people by building and strengthening an enabling environment for sustainable WASH1 solutions achieving increased sustainable access for women and marginalized groups in developing countries. The programme will be implemented along three strategic approaches: adopt an integrated WASH approach, consider all five FIETS sustainability principles (Financial, Institutional, Environmental, Technical and Social) and strengthen CSOs to cooperate and play facilitating role. Currently WI supports an Environmental (E) sustainability pilot project in Uganda, implemented by Ruwenzori based NGO JESE2 which focuses on the integration of wetland management, water harvesting and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) issues by taking a landscape approach within the Rwambu catchment in Rwenzori region (more info, see http://akvo.org/rsr/project/439). Environmental Sustainability (E within FIETS approach) For the Dutch WASH Alliance the element of environmental sustainability implies placing WASH interventions in the wider context of the (natural) environment and implementing an approach of integrated and sustainable management of water and waste(-water) flows and resources. Key actors of civil society, public and private sector are aware of the linkage between WASH and the natural environment and are capable of balancing environmental and development aspects and needs into their strategies and interventions. The WASH Alliance works towards ensuring integrity and functioning of the natural ecosystem in which WASH interventions take place and upon which local livelihoods (both rural and urban) depend. Within DWA, WI jointly with RAIN Foundation (http://rainfoundation.org/index.php) guide and support on the E element with knowledge base, tools, services, lobby and pilot projects.
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Water supply, sanitation provision and hygiene education Joint Effort to Safe the Environment; http://www.jese.org/home1.html
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Uganda E sustainability context and WASH project development opportunities Particularly in Uganda, circumstances are favourable when it comes to integrating wetland ecosystem services approach into WASH projects. This as on the one hand there exists extensive wetland system knowledge and understanding and recognition of the role wetlands can play in f.e. water supply and purification (i.e. Nakivubo case). Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa who has specific wetland focused policy and legislation in place. On the other hand there are development players appreciating the environmental angle of looking for solutions to problems they want to fight. African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF; http://www.amref.org/where-we-work/our-work-in-uganda) is a good example in this. Next to the ongoing pilot project, both AMREF and RAIN have identified project development opportunities in areas that have wetland related issues at its base that need to be taken into account for sustainable WASH intervention planning and implementation. Below a short outline of the involved areas are listed: KAWEMPE AMREF has received fund for an urban sanitation project in Kawempe area which is situated in a wetland area close to Kampala. AMREF recognises that in the absence of adequate sewerage systems in this area, the wetland needs to deal with waste and untreated wastewater which is posing both a threat to the conservation of this wetland area as well as for public health. AMREF Uganda might be open to explore with RAIN Foundation and WI on a content-focused contribution to this project especially how to work with the occurring landscape features in order to do (better) WASH planning. NTOROKO Local NGO JESE will work with RAIN Foundation and URWA in another area in Rwenzori region in Uganda. This is Ntoroko, an area having problems with water storage and flood water management. Both RAIN and JESE feel that they can use the expertise of WI for this location. No funds are available yet to finance a project in this area but RAIN supports the development of a feasibility study. SOROTI RAIN has explored with CordAid on collaboration; Soroti f.e. is a location where RAIN sees need for WI to engage in case RAIN and CordAid start linking 3R (water recharge, retention & reuse) concept with WASH. RWAMBU CATCHMENT E-PILOT The current Environmental Sustainability pilot project in Rwambu Catchment area needs monitoring and guidance from the wetland perspective (too). Currently RAIN is monitoring the project.
How to Apply:
IN CASE OF INTEREST AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ASAP MRS. SUSANNE BOOM AT susanne.boom@wetlands.org WITH PROVISION OF CV AND MOTIVATION