- Job Opening ID: 264850
- Job Network : –
- Job Family : HST
- Category and Level : Consultants, CON
- Duty Station : MEXICO CITY
- Department/Office : United Nations Human Settlements Programme
- Date Posted : Sep 24, 2025
- Deadline : Oct 7, 2025
Result of Service
This assignment will require the consultant to map the water distribution networks, identifying key challenges in its design and operation, and evaluating information that is publicly available.
Work Location
Ciudad de Mexico
Expected duration
6 months
Duties and Responsibilities
Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN Habitat, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipatory (GESDA), through the Open Quantum Institute (OQI), are collaborating with Mexico City on a pilot project for the Improvement of the Efficient and Innovative Management of Water Resources in Urban Areas, through the use of emerging technologies that contribute to efficient water management. This project is a pioneering initiative that integrates quantum computing and water management in one of the largest cities in the world. With strong institutional, academic, and international support, the project seeks to position Mexico City as a leader in the application of emerging technologies for water management. This assignment is designed to scope out a wider long-term project by collecting data and designing an intervention strategy, to ensure the long-term security of water supply to Mexico City citizens. In terms of addressing the inequities in supply, water savings made will enable supply expansion to the underserved and vulnerable. To achieve the pilot, it is critical to first accurately calibrate the water resources and water distribution network of Mexico City. Accordingly, the pilot is now looking for an expert (Individual consultant) in hydraulic plant to support the current need. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will be based in Mexico City (CDMX) and report to the Senior Programme Officer responsible for the project in UBSS/OED, and the head of the Mexico office. This assignment will require the consultant to map the water distribution networks, identifying key challenges in its design and operation, and evaluating information that is publicly available. The consultant is expected to work in close collaboration with government stakeholders from the three levels of government in the water sector, and, where appropriate, communities and community-based organizations. The work to be undertaken will be based on these specifications: I. Collect and analyze data from public sources and the three levels of government to provide a detailed overview of a water distribution network, including an analysis of potential losses. II. Provide an in-depth analysis of the water distribution network of a selected borough, or section of a borough. This will include gathering information on the physical design of the network and documenting design details such as pipe networks, sizes, and materials of construction. The consultant will assess hydraulic performance and identify equipment and investments needed to pursue studies. The assessment will also cover needs related to bulk meter calibration and installation (to create a “closed system”), quality checks on maps, instrumentation, and data on the vulnerability of the water network, as well as scoping maintenance and repair optimization. III. Consolidate the findings into a detailed report, which will include a 10-year roadmap for improved and sustainable water management, together with a reasonable estimate of funding requirements. IV. Support the identification and proposal of potential project opportunities in Mexico aligned with national policy priorities. This will involve: • Reviewing policy frameworks and strategic plans from the federal, state, and municipal levels to identify priority areas for investment. • Highlighting opportunities for projects that contribute to efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in water management. • Recommending areas where international cooperation, innovative financing, and technical assistance could add value. • Suggesting synergies with existing or planned initiatives at the local and national levels to strengthen coherence and impact. At the outset the consultant will develop a workplan, which will be approved covering the following outputs Output 1: Project Work Plan I. Develop a comprehensive project work plan for a hydraulic mapping in collaboration with key stakeholders. This foundational document will outline the complete methodology, timeline, and coordination framework for executing the entire 3-month consultancy. Output 2: System-Wide Network Overview I. Provide a detailed analysis of the a water distribution network, working closely with government stakeholders to collect comprehensive data and information. This output includes: • Mapping of the water distribution infrastructure • Comprehensive analysis of actual and potential water losses throughout the system • Assessment of the overall network performance and critical vulnerabilities • Identification of system-wide inefficiencies and distribution gaps Output 3: Detailed Borough-Level Analysis I. Provide an in-depth detail of the water distribution network of a selected borough, or section of the borough using available plans and metering information: a. Physical Infrastructure Mapping: Detailed documentation of pipe networks, sizes, materials of construction, and physical design specifications b. Hydraulic Performance Assessment: Current system performance evaluation and operational analysis II. Identify equipment and investment needed to pursue studies, including: a. Calibration of bulk meters b. Installation of bulk meters to create a “close system” c. Quality check on maps and instrumentation III. Scope the needs for optimization of maintenance and repair a. Vulnerability Analysis: Assessment of network weaknesses and maintenance optimization needs Output 4: Strategic 10-Year Roadmap I. Define a 10-year roadmap for improved and sustainable water management, including: • Reasonable funding schemes and investment strategies • Implementation timeline and milestone framework • Long-term sustainability recommendations and resource requirements Output 5: Portfolio of Potential Collaborative Projects in the Water Sector of Mexico I. Exploration of collaboration and project options in other cities and urban municipalities across the country, aligned with national water and urban development policies. This oput includes: a) Metropolitan collaboration scoping and identification of potential joint initiatives in the Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México. b) Recommendations for projects that strengthen coherence with federal, state, and municipal strategies in sustainable water management. c) Identification of areas where international partnerships, technical assistance, or financing could support innovative water solutions in metropolitan and urban contexts.
Qualifications/special skills
University degree (Baccalaureate degree or equivalent) in Civil, Hydraulics, Environmental, Chemical Engineering, or in a closely related field. • A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in water network system, including public sector projects related to potable water distribution networks. • Deep understanding of CDMX water distribution network and existing strategic connections with local stakeholders • Experience in the United Nations is regarded as an asset. • Experience in preparing scientific analysis on issues related to water distribution networks • Experience in the use of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and in monitoring, data and data management, and capacity development • Strong understanding of technical issues in the area of water management
Languages
Spanish is the working language in Mexico. For this post, fluency in written and oral Spanish is required. A good knowledge of English is preferable.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
