Application Deadline: May 3, 2022

Background

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyze actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature. See our website (www.wetlands.org) for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work.

Under WAI consortium, Wetlands International in Ethiopia is implementing the Climate Resilient WASH Component of the Netherlands WASH SDG consortium project. 

This call/ToR is designed to facilitate the recruitment of competent and interested consultants/consultancy firm to conduct “risk assessment of the WASH sector in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia”. The assignment is a short-term consultancy work.

Introduction

Understanding risk Risk-based programming in the WASH sector is essential. WASH systems that are informed by risk assessments will be more resilient and more likely to withstand shocks and stresses. Acting now to identify, manage and minimize risks will offer benefits to longterm WASH programme performance. Risk results from the interaction of hazard, vulnerability and exposure. Capacity also influences risk. There is a need to broaden the understanding of risk to encompass all the different hazards that could affect the WASH sector. Risk assessments are important because they provide valuable evidence for decision-making. By identifying and assessing all the risks to the WASH sector, the case can be made to WASH sector actors (including local/regional and national government, donors, NGOs) to take effective action. It also enables climate change adaptation and disaster risk management agendas to be integrated to inform future WASH programming to effectively address underlying climate and associated risks.

Objectives of the assignment

The overall purpose of the consultancy assignment is to identify an applicable approach for conducting risk assessments for the WASH sector, to provide evidence to support the prioritization of risks requiring action covering risks across a wide range of hazard groups that affect the WASH sector, as well as climate related risks in more detail.

More specifically, the assignment is geared towards achieving the following objectives:

• identify the major risks (potentially) affecting the WASH sector with a particular focus on the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia (West Arsi Zone).
• determine the level of risk (such as high, medium or low), either quantitatively or qualitatively. 
• Determine the impact of all possible risks, and given the scarcity of resources, prioritize those that require action in climate resilient WASH program design and implementation.
• Include a review of the major climate risk management tools for WASH and suggest the most applicable methodology that can be used to mainstream climate risks in the case of the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia.
• Identify and suggest plausible programmatic interventions to minimize risks and build the resilience of the WASH sector in the area.

Scope of the assignment

The geographic focus will be the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia in general and West Arsi Zone in particular. Thematically, the assessment is expected to cover risks across a wide range of hazard groups that affect the WASH sector, with a focus on climate change related risks. The scope also encompasses identifying risks and vulnerability of the WASH sector in both rural and urban settings with a view to promoting climate resilient development/investment in the WASH sector.

Methodology

• Include a mix of literature reviews, data collection and stakeholder consultation.
• Include a review of the major climate risk management tools for WASH.
• Include specific examples from the Central rift Valley region of Ethiopia to guide users through the processes of risk awareness, assessment, analysis and integration into WASH programming and implementation.

Job Requirements

Required expertise

• The assignment will require a multi-disciplinary and reliable team of experts. Required expertise within the team shall include experts on WASH, Wetlands, Climate change and DRM, IWRM.
• Experience in the design and or promotion of Climate Resilient Development in the WASH sector.
• Knowledge of the environmental, biophysical, socio-economic context of the CRV is advantageous.

Deliverables

• Technical and financial proposal, separately sealed envelopes
• Inception phase report: Revised technical proposal with a table of content and proposed list of materials to be reviewed
• Presentation of the inception report to WI Ethiopia Office staff.
• Draft report
• Final report
• Facilitation of a 1-day presentation in a high-level platform (to be organized by the Client).

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their proposal (technical & financial) in hard and soft copies. Hard copies should be submitted to Wetland International, located in Addis Ababa, Bole Sub-city, around Chichinya (Hayahulet) area, on the 2nd floor of Astede Tesfya Building, room 2-A, Contact Person: Daniel Degafe Tel. 0911154622 Soft copies via email: aadem@wetlands-eafrica.org & ddegafe@wetlands-eafrica.org

Note: Only applications received in both hard and soft copies will be considered.