Expertise: Water Supply Systems
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: water supply
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The National Water Supply Specialist (NWSS) will support the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Royal
Government of Cambodia in the preparation of the proposed Climate Resilient and Water Secure Cities
Investment Program (CRWSCIP). This program will use the multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) modality,
with the initial tranche expected to start in 2025.
The proposed MFF is designed to finance priority short- to medium- term capital investments and
associated institutional strengthening activities, needed to expand disaster and climate-resilient urban
services and ensure water security of cities in Cambodia. It will prioritize cities and districts
located in 14 provinces in the Mekong and Tonle Sap basins and coastal areas, where majority of Cambodia’
s populations reside, and which are considered the most vulnerable to climate and disaster risks.
The proposed MFF will include the following outputs (to be further determined and finalized in
consultation with the government and stakeholders):
• Output 1: Climate-resilient urban development plans developed
• Output 2: Water supply services improved and water stress reduced, including diversification of source
and groundwater management – with climate and disaster resilient, and sustainable O&M, including
potential Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
• Output 3: Sanitation services improved – drainage, sewerage, fecal sludge management, urban flood
management, solid waste management, town enhancement – with climate and disaster resilient, and
sustainable O&M, including potential PPP
• Output 4: Institution, governance and capacity for urban climate action strengthened
The proposed MFF builds on past investment loans and technical assistance (TAs) provided through nine
ADB urban investment projects (see Annex 1 for the full list) across 18 provincial cities and towns in
Cambodia. These investments include drinking water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and
treatment, stormwater drainage and solid waste management, institutional capacity building and
regulatory support, at both central and subnational levels. ADB has also supported the rural water and
sanitation sector in Cambodia for the past two decades, resulting in significant positive impacts in the
sector. In addition to financing and constructing assets, ADB’s support has included technical
assistance and grants for institutional reform and capacity building, focusing on preparing cities for
asset operation and revenue generation through billing.
The Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI), which notably oversees urban water
supply; the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), responsible for the construction of drainage,
wastewater and solid waste management infrastructure; and the Ministry of Land Management, Urban
Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) in charge of urban master plans, will be the key counterparts in the
preparation and implementation of the proposed investment program.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) will be the main counterpart in the supervision of the program
preparation. Other ministries involved in project collaboration include the Ministry of Environment
(MoE) for solid waste management and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals; and the Ministry
of Interior for e-government, decentralization, and domestic revenue mobilization. The proposed MFF and
associated loans aim to enhance collaboration among relevant government ministries in the design and
implementation of the program, addressing the cross-sectoral nature of water and climate challenges.
Scope of Work
The NWSS will be recruited as an individual consultant but will work as part of a team of experts
(“project consultant team”, PCT) to assist ADB and the Government in conducting due diligence and
preparing the documents required for the processing of the proposed investment program until its
approval by the ADB-Board of Directors. Under the supervision of the International Water Supply
Specialist, the NWSS will assist in the preparation of the water supply component of the proposed
investment program, in close coordination with the PCT, MISTI and Project Implementation Assistance
Consultants (PIAC). The NWSS will be recruited for 6 person-months (intermittent) from November 2024 to
September 2025. S/he will report to the International Water Supply Specialist, PCT team leader and ADB
project management team.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The consultant will assist the International Water Supply Specialist in:
(i) Reviewing the scoping report, detailed engineering designs (DED) and bidding documents prepared by
the current PIAC, including quantity and cost estimates, drawings, and technical specifications.
(ii) Preparing a due diligence report and three feasibility study reports, which involves a
comprehensive review of existing data, establishing planning standards, population projections, demand
forecasts, design criteria, multi-criterion option analysis, beneficiary details, preliminary designs,
and quantity and cost estimates.
(iii) Developing hydraulic models of the existing water supply system and planning for
integration/augmentation to meet future demand, including the bulk water supply system.
(iv) Assessing the need for additional technical surveys and, if necessary, developing and overseeing
the implementation of the survey program.
(v) Conducting field visits and synthesizing findings, identifying key project issues, trade-offs,
bottlenecks, and risks, and preparing presentations with recommendations.
(vi) Engaging with stakeholders in the water supply sector, such as private water operators (PWOs),
public water utilities, relevant ministries, provincial departments, and sub-national administrations.
(vii) Assessing adequacy of detailed cost estimate and identifying appropriate procurement packaging and
procurement plans for the project component in close coordination with the financial specialist and
procurement specialist.
(viii) Assisting ADB’s processing team in finalizing the documents and providing technical advice during
loan fact finding and negotiations.
(ix) Contributing to the preparation of the RRP and linked documents relevant to program processing.
(x) Identifying capacity-building needs for implementing agencies and other stakeholders and preparing
necessary technical training to enhance water supply system. These training sessions will be delivered
by a consultant to be recruited under Tranche 1.
(xi) Collaborating with the PCT team leader to manage all interfaces with government counterparts.
(xii) Translating local documents to English language, as necessary.
(xiii) Performing other relevant tasks necessary for the successful processing of the proposed MFF.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
(i) A degree in civil engineering, environmental science, climate science, natural resource management,
or any other related fields.
(ii) At least 7 years of general experience in water and urban infrastructure development projects with
at least 5 years of professional experience in water supply, sewerage, storm drainage, and experience in
hydraulic modelling.
(iii) Preferably with experience in ADB financed projects or other development partners-financed
projects.
(iv) Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
Minimum General Experience: 7 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 5 Years
