Bangladesh nationals: Water Supply Specialist

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Dhaka, Bangladesh 🇧🇩

Company Description

This consultancy is conditional subject to donor’s award of the fund.

Introduction                                                     

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. For more information, please refer to our website: www.snv.org.

Background

SNV started its work in Bangladesh in 2006, designing impact-oriented and future scalable programs that help turn poverty into prosperity. As the private sector in Bangladesh is recognized as a strong partner in economic growth and development, we focus on private sector engagement, institutional development, and local ownership of programs.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, with 160 million people, 24.3% of whom live in poverty. We support people to access and develop the capabilities, services and opportunities needed to live a fulfilling life while sustainably using the natural resources they depend on. SNV supporting the resourcefulness of development actors. Together, we make markets work for people living in poverty.

In Bangladesh, SNV had initiated urban water (primarily in Sanitation) programme from 2014 in southern cities and have been proactively engaged in National level to support urban sanitation initiatives. This initiative was first supported by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in three cities (Khulna City Corporations, Kushtia, Jhenaidah Paurashavas) and later by the Netherlands Government in another three cities (Gazipur City Corporations, Jessore and Benapole Paurashavas). This initiative addresses the service delivery challenges in sanitation and advance the sector development as a whole, through strategic engagement with Government Agencies and partnering with other experienced civil society and private sector organisations working in the sector. In continuation of this SNV is heading towards a new approach of promoting Sustainable Urban Water Cycle in Bangladesh. With support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, SNV has initiated a new project titled “Transitioning to sustainable urban water cycles in Bangladesh” in twelve cities in Bangladesh.

SNV seeks the opportunity to contribute to national initiatives aligned with its work strategy, which is a common denominator to contribute to universal access to safe, innovative, inclusive and efficient water supply, without sewage, sanitation, solid waste, hygiene (climate and disasters, resilience) and services at the city level. Aiming this, SNV is preparing for a project on water supply, sanitation, solid waste management and hygiene in seven Paurashavas in Bangladesh. Hoping to contribute this technical expertise, and local knowledge through the national team.

Job Description

Context and purpose of the job

The Water supply Advisor specialist will collect and analyze all water supply-related data, perform demand calculation, undertake the water sector review in each project town, conduct the initial service level assessment and oversee all surveys concerning water supply infrastructures (specifications, quality control, output analysis). He/she will prepare the outline scheme designs, support the option comparison process and prepare the preliminary design (including equipment specifications) of the water production / distribution facilities.

Job Responsibilities

Collect and Analyze Data:

  • Collect and compile relevant data on water supply systems, including existing infrastructure, water sources, population data, and water demand projections.
  • Analyze the collected data to identify trends, patterns, and gaps in the water supply sector.
  • Conduct demand calculations based on population projections and consumption patterns to determine the required water supply capacity.

Water Sector Review:

  • Undertake a comprehensive review of the water sector in each project town, including an assessment of existing policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities related to water supply, taking into account the specific context of each town.
  • Provide recommendations and strategies for improving the water supply sector in line with project objectives and the City-wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) approach.

Service Level Assessment:

  • Conduct an initial assessment of the current service levels of water supply in each project town, considering factors such as coverage, reliability, accessibility, and quality.
  • Identify areas requiring improvement and develop action plans to address the gaps.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the assessment incorporates local perspectives and community needs.

Survey Oversight:

  • Oversee all surveys related to water supply infrastructure, including specifications, quality control measures, and output analysis.
  • Ensure that surveys are conducted in accordance with established protocols and standards.
  • Review survey findings, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of water supply infrastructure projects.

Scheme Design and Option Comparison:

  • Prepare outline scheme designs for water production and distribution facilities, considering factors such as source selection, treatment methods, distribution systems, and storage requirements.
  • Support the process of comparing different options and. technologies for water supply infrastructure, considering technical, financial, social, and environmental aspects
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance in selecting the most suitable options for the project, ensuring alignment with project objectives and sustainability principles.

Preliminary Design and Equipment Specifications:

  • Develop the preliminary design of water production and distribution facilities, including the layout, dimensions, and required equipment.
  • Prepare equipment specifications, considering factors such as quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance requirements.
  • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the preliminary design meets the project’s technical specifications and requirements.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

  • Degree in civil engineering with a post graduate qualification in civil, environmental or public health engineering;

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:

  • At least 10 years of overall experience of which at least 6 years in developing like water supply specialist.
  • Substantial experience in relevant projects in similar cities, ideally with government agencies and on donor funded projects. Should the proposed individual be international, experience of working in Bangladesh will be considered an advantage;
  • Significant experience in feasibility studies and preliminary designs in the water supply sector, on both surface and groundwater schemes; and
  • Relevant work experience in water particularly in the context of water management, preferably in urban areas.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, are also essential for the position.
  • Creative, practical, and systematic professional.
  • Experience and management of gender equality and social inclusion issues, as well as their applicability according to the context of Bangladesh.
  • Flexibility to handle varied and demanding tasks and ability to balance priorities, thrive under pressure and juggle a multitude of details in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as member of a team, and to be flexible to accommodate the needs of stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead the assignment and the team with remote supervision.
  • Ability to write report in English and Bangla.   
  • Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills both in English and Bangla.

Additional Information

Total Posiion                   :   01 

Duty station                    :   Dhaka with frequent travel to project cities  

Contract Duration           :  7 (seven) months under Consultancy Agreement conditional subject to donor’s award of the fund)

Expected Joining Date    :   01 December 2023.

Working Hours               :   Full time (minimum of 40 hours per week)

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

How to Appy

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by submitting a brief letter of motivation (1 page) and your CV (not more than 3 pages). Your CV should highlight your prior work achievements; it should not be a list of your current or prior job responsibilities. Please apply through SmartRecruiters link below by 07 August 2023.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of solicitation by phone or other means will be treated as disqualification of the candidate. SNV is an equal employment provider.

I’m interested


POSITION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

LANGUAGE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development