International Expert (Water and Wastewater Reuse)

During the last years, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) initiated an ambitious program for the investigations of its major surface and groundwater resources, for the monitoring of these resources, for the study of hydrological resources (research side), and for the management of the resources (management side). While most of these tasks have been completed or are about to come to an end, the implementation of most of the necessary measures is in its very early stages and hampered by the increasing workload in the ministry. The still rapidly increasing population mainly counteracts the successes the Saudi government and MEWA have achieved in sustainable resources water management through its reforms.  In addition, newer and more precise predictions of the effects of climate change indicate that Saudi Arabia will be affected more than had been assumed only a decade ago.

To make a transition from the current patterns of water administration to sound water management mode, two things must happen.

First, there is strong need to strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of the MEWA to deal with the triple challenge of water exploitation and distribution (operational side), research for additional resources and cutting-edge technologies to satisfy the increasing demand (research side), and rigid control and administration of all water-related aspects (control side).

Second, a sound information base covering data on groundwater availability, quality, withdrawal, and usage is about to be put in place. 

The transformation of this information into an all-encompassing water resources management requires sustained long-term efforts, especially since the MEWA has limited capacity and experience in this field. An UNDP program has been designed to initiate a systematic process of capacity development to help in sustainable development of water resources and management of water-related affairs the Kingdom to ensure permanent and sufficient supply.

https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=64565

SCOPE OF WORK AND DELIVERABLES

Objective within the Framework of the UNDP Project

Water Supply in the Kingdom is presently based dominantly of fossil groundwater and desalination; wastewater and surface water harvesting presently play a minor role, but are strongly promoted. Management of the Water Supply Chain in the Kingdom requires the following tasks of prime importance:

1) Expansion of the water supply network towards 100% coverage through vectorized designs;

2) Integration of surface water and wastewater into the supply chain; and

3) a profound analysis of all the risks that may affect the individual components of the water supply chain and a mitigation plan (Resilience Management).

The National Water Strategy promotes the reuse of wastewater from presently around 17% to 70% over the next years. To achieve this goal, a masterplan for “renewed water” has to be established and the overall legal and regulatory framework has to be set. In this context, MEWA has asked UNDP for assistance in the selection of a qualified and competent International Expert for Water and Wastewater Reuse.

Scope of Work of the UNDP Expert within the Framework of this Project

The tasks and responsibilities of the UNDP Expert are to:

• Assess the present status of TSE generation and reuse across the country.
• Model the TSE generation up to the year 2050
• Estimate the potential demand of TSE up to the year 2030 for the agricultural, industrial, public, and

       domestic sectors.

• Evaluate the current legal and institutional setup for TSE and recommend modifications.
• Develop a master plan for optimization of TSE use based on technical and economic criteria and under

       consideration of risk factors, Vision 2030 goals, and the National Water Strategy.

EXPECTED KEY DELIVERABLES

Masterplan for Treated Sewage Effluent.

Expected Output 1st year

RFP for Masterplan for Treated Sewage Effluent.

Reporting requirements, frequency, format and deadlines

The Consultant will report directly to the CTA. Together, they will develop a mutually agreed upon quarterly work plan with key milestones and KPIs. The Consultant will submit a quarterly progress report against these milestones.

Competencies:

Core Competencies:

• Strategic planning
• Innovation
• Organizational Awareness
• Developing and Empowering People / Coaching and Mentoring
• Works effectively in Teams
• Clear and concise communication
• Ethics and Values
• People Management

Functional Competencies:

Technical/ Functional:

• Strong knowledge and expertise in civilian policing aspects
• Builds support and good judgment
• Strong analytical capacities and ability to synthesize complex inputs into coherent documents
• Change agent including the ability to convince, convey and advocate.

Managerial:

• Focuses on impact and result for the client
• Coordinates/collaborates with all key stakeholders and build strong networks/ partnerships
• Effective team leadership with strong conflict resolution skills
• Establishes priorities for self and other members of the team; schedules activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills

Behavior:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats people fairly without favoritism
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS 

• Education:  MSc. or PhD. in Wastewater Management or a related discipline; a multi-disciplinary background is of advantage;

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the wastewater and water resources management sector;
• Comprehensive list of successfully completed projects and international best practices in treated

       wastewater reuse;

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of standard practices within field of expertise, as well as of

        international applicable codes and regulations;

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of standard practices within field of expertise, as well as applicable

       codes and regulations;

• Good (and demonstrated) organizing and leadership skills, preferably with development project

       management competency;

• Excellent and demonstrated communication, consultation, negotiation and drafting skills;

Languages:

• English, excellent communication and writing skills in English; as the position implies frequent contact

       with local authorities, also excellent communication and writing skills in Arabic are required.