Water Systems Consultant – STTA

Intervention Number: 1.15

SOW Title: Enhance Water Provision through Reducing Water Wastage.

Estimated LOE: (100) working day

Job Classification: (1) Local STTA    

Reporting to: Service Improvement Lead               

Estimated Start Date: 16 February 2024

Estimated End Date: 10 September 2024

Duty Station:  Baghdad with frequent travel to the other locations in Anbar, Najaf, and Karbala. 

A. Background:

The USAID Iraq Together/Ma’an (معاً) activity (Ma’an hereafter), supports select Iraqi government entities at the national, regional, provincial, and district levels to improve service delivery performance through the use of technology and process standardization while increasing the availability of and access to information, particularly related to public services. Ma’an also fosters improved and inclusive relationships and engagement between the Government and the communities they serve. Ma’an’s goal is more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services.

Ma’an’s objectives are:

 1- Targeted Iraqi government entities improve and are more inclusive in service delivery. The government improves service delivery through responsiveness to citizen needs, consultation with citizens, improved transparency, and use of green practices technology.

2- Strengthened democratic and participatory governance of targeted Iraqi service delivery institutions. Citizen perception of government changes through increased participation in governance, improved access to government information, and stronger role of Iraqi NGOs in advocating for communities as well as increased public education regarding citizen roles and responsibilities.

3- Response to windows of opportunity for change. Gaps in expertise and information required to improve government service delivery and increase citizen participation are addressed.

Ma’an utilizes an Accountability ecosystem approach grounded in inclusion and localization to improve service delivery and build trust. The approach mobilizes Iraqi government entities, civil society organizations, emerging civic movements, issue-based groups, media, and the private sector to co-create interventions. This approach allows diverse local partners to exercise their rights and responsibilities, learn by doing, analyze performance data, and scale what works.

B. Problem Statement:

According to service providers in Ma’an target areas, most potable water distribution networks suffer from leakages leading to significant waste of large volume of treated water before it reaches the end-user, in addition distribution networks are aging and have not been adequately maintained, which worsens the extent of leakage. Also, leaky pipes not only lose water but can also allow contaminants from the surrounding soil or groundwater to infiltrate the potable water supply, especially if negative pressure is created. This infiltration increases the risk of introducing bacteria, chemicals, and other harmful agents into the water which causes diseases among citizens. These issues arise from downtrodden networks, improper installations not meeting required specifications, and illegal connections made by many residents.

C. Objectives:

1. Reduce water wastage by identifying and repairing leaks in the water distribution networks of the target districts.
2. Empower the community with knowledge and tools to actively participate in water conservation and leakage prevention.
3. Strengthen the capacity of local water directorates to respond quickly and effectively to water leaks through improved equipment, training, and community engagement.
4. Foster a collaborative environment between the community and government to ensure the sustainability of water management practices, maintain water service infrastructures, and prevent illegal connections.

D. Intervention Summary / Description:

Ma’an will engage one local STTA water systems consultants to provide technical support to the targeted provincial Water Directorates in the 3 targeted provinces (Anbar, Najaf, and Karbala) to provide support to reduce water leakages in water distribution networks through promoting an effective community-government collaboration, ensuring sustainable water management and health improvements.

Through intervention 2.6, under Objective 2, Ma’an will implement and design a Social Behaviour Change that will be used by a selected subcontractor to conduct an awareness campaign in selected provinces. The awareness campaign will be designed to ensure that the messages in campaigns represent the different public service needs of diverse social groups across target sectors to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of these campaigns. Ma’an will provide training to staff at the water directorates on community engagement and effective communications with citizens.

Objective 1 will be responsible for developing and promoting a user-friendly mobile application for citizens through intervention 1.6 enabling them to report leakages and track repair progress. Conduct pilot testing of the app in selected areas and gather feedback for improvements. To ensure wide promotion, the application will be promoted through community events, social media campaigns, and local influencers, maximizing awareness and engagement among citizens.

Under Objective 1, Ma’an will build on intervention 1.7 and the related water audits of potable water networks in the targeted districts, including leakages identified by citizens. Concurrently equipping the water directorates with the necessary equipment and materials to repair leakages while empowering local community water monitoring groups to follow up on repairs will pave the way for a sustainable and more efficient process. Ma’an will facilitate collaboration between the community and the water directorates to ensure timely and effective repairs of leakages.

Through the Localization Fund, Ma’an will equip communities with the necessary materials and resources to promptly address reported leakages and will create a joint task force, including community representatives and water directorate officials, to oversee the implementation of repairs and maintain accountability.

Through the integrated Objectives 1 and 2 interventions, Ma’an aims to enhance and support this initiative in 2025 in Habbaniya, Najaf, and Karbala districts. Based on identified successes and lessons learned, Ma’an will then be poised to expand this initiative in Ramadi, Kufa, and Hur. Additionally, throughout 2026, Ma’an will continue to support and encourage the community to enhance implementation in cooperation with the water directorates in Mahmudiya, Adhamiya, Kut, and Basrah districts.

This intervention aims to create a sustainable and collaborative effort between the community and the government to tackle water leakages, which is aligned with Ma’an’s goals. By empowering citizens with knowledge and tools, providing strong government support, and leveraging technology, this approach ensures effective participation and long-term success in improving water management and reducing water wastage and contamination…

E. Responsibilities and Key Tasks of the Consultant:

Under this Scope of Work, the consultant shall perform the following tasks:

Task 1: Hold an Introductory Meeting to Introduce the intervention.

In coordination between objectives 1 & 2, Ma’an will hold an introductory meeting with targeted water directorates and community leaders to introduce the interventions and the results that will be achieved upon the completion of the intervention and get a commitment to apply it.

Task 2: Commernce the Data Gathering Phase

Build on intervention 1.7 and the related water audits of potable water networks in the targeted districts, including leakages identified by citizens.

• Conduct data gathering in the target pilot districts to identify existing leakages and the condition of potable water networks.
• Gather data on water wastage, illegal connections, and contamination levels.
• Identify key areas for immediate intervention, including downtrodden networks, improper installations, and illegal connections.

Task 3: Work with Objective 2 Team to Engage Community through Awareness Campaigns

Through the coordination between objective 1 & 2:

• Through intervention 2.6, Objective 2 will implement and design a Social Behaviour Change that will be used by a selected subcontractor to conduct an awareness campaign in selected province.
• Organize the first round of workshops to educate citizens about water conservation, leakages, and their impact. Engage local leaders, influencers, and respected community members in the campaign.
• Objective 1 will be responsible for developing and promoting a user-friendly mobile application for citizens through the intervention 1.6 to report leakages and track repair progress. Conduct pilot testing of the app in selected areas and gather feedback for improvements. Promote the app through community events, social media, and local influencers.

Task 4: Develop RFQ

• Objective 1 will provide the BOQ of necessary tools and materials to repair leakages for the first 3 districts and check if EMMP is required.
• Localization Fund Department will develop the RFQ, announcement, quotations received, technical analyzing, and awarding.
• Equip Water Directorates and the communities with necessary tools and materials to repair identified leakages through subcontractor.
• Develop and sign an MoU with all Water Directorates.

Task 5: Infrastructure and Technical Support (Objectives 1 & 2):

• Forming local community water monitoring groups to follow up on repairs.
• Facilitate training for Water Directorate staff on community engagement and communication.

Task 6: Promote Community-Government Collaboration

• Create a task force comprising community representatives and water directorate officials to oversee the implementation of repairs and ensure accountability.
• Facilitate regular meetings between the task force and the community to review progress and address any challenges.
• Through an integration between Objective 1 and 2, and through 2.12, Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the impact of repairs and the reduction in water wastage.

Task 7: Provide Feedback on the Water Wastage and Improvement in Water Quality.

• Launch the mobile app and track the number of reported and repaired leakages in the first three pilot districts.
• Conduct periodic assessments of water wastage reduction and improvements in water quality.
• Hold follow-up workshops and meetings to gather feedback and share progress with the community.

Task 8: Scaling and Expansion

• Complete the implementation in the first three pilot districts.
• Document lessons learned and best practices from the initial phase.
• Sharing the findings with stakeholders.
• Prepare for expansion to the additional three districts to be completed throughout 2026.

Task 9: Work with Ma’an staff to ensure the sustainability of the intervention

• Continue to support and monitor the efforts in the initial three pilot districts throughout 2025.
• Encourage ongoing community involvement and collaboration with Water Directorates.
• Evaluate the overall impact on water wastage and contamination reduction at the end of the project period through the water audit process. Samples will identify the number of losses and water quality before and after repair and repair.
• Transfer the knowledge to Ma’an field staff so that they can take the lead on tracking success and ensuring sustainability.

Task 10: Final Evaluation and Reporting

• Conduct a comprehensive final evaluation of the intervention’s outcomes, specifically measuring reductions in water wastage, level of community engagement, and effectiveness of collaboration efforts.
• Compile a final report summarizing the intervention’s impact, challenges, and recommendations for future initiatives.
• Present the final findings to stakeholders, utilizing the data to inform policy development and guide future actions.

– Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience working in all aspects of drinking water systems.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in applying the water audit methodology.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of rehabilitation of the drinking water systems.
• Prior experience working with the provincial water directorates in conducting an assessment and improving the drinking water systems.
• Minimum three (3) years experience with USAID or other donor-funded projects is strongly preferred.
• Overall Iraq contextual knowledge with demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• Clear and concise communication approach both orally and in writing, and lead presentations, trainings, and effective meetings with stakeholders.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Full proficiency in Arabic is and English language skills is desired.

– Duty Station:

The Local STTA water systems consultants will be based in Baghdad with travel to various locations in Anbar, Najaf, and Basrah. Under this SOW, Ma’an will cover all other indirect implementation costs, including air and ground transportation, and phone communications. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Iraq.

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: Iraq Together Job Application Form (smartsheet.com)

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high volume of applications received.”