Hydrologist Specialist a Member of Panel of Experts for Dam Safety (POE-DS)

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCE, ENERGY, AND MINING

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES- INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

HYDROLOGIST SPECIALIST A MEMBER OF PANEL OF EXPERTS FOR DAM SAFETY (POE-DS)

Country: Malawi

Name of Project:    Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHPP)

Procurement Reference Number: MW-MOE. -516881-CS-INDV

Issued date: 13th December, 2025

1. Background

The Government of Malawi (GoM), through the Ministry of Energy (MoE), is planning the development of a 358.5 MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHPP) on the Shire River. The project consists of a 301 MW Main Dam and a 57 MW Regulating Dam. The project site is situated between Tedzani and Kapichira hydropower plants, approximately 50 km west of Blantyre. The project is designed to produce 68% of its generation during peak hours. Given its strategic importance, the MHPP must comply with World Bank Safeguards Policies and Performance Standards. In line with the World Bank Safeguard Policy on Safety of Dams (OP 4.37), a Panel of Experts for Dam Safety (POE-DS) shall be established. The Hydrologist Specialist will form part of this Panel to provide independent review and guidance to ensure the dam’s safety and long-term sustainability.

2. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to provide independent technical expertise on hydrology and water management as part of the POE-DS. The Hydrologist will review hydrological studies, dam safety designs, sediment management, and provide recommendations to ensure dam safety and compliance with World Bank requirements.

3. Scope of the Assignment

1. The Hydrologist will undertake independent reviews of the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project designs and implementation plans. Specific tasks include:
   Review hydrological studies related to inflows, floods, sedimentation, and reservoir capacity;
2. Assess adequacy of spillway, diversion, and sediment management facilities, considering climate variability;
3. Review flood hydrology methodology, reservoir routing, and spillway sizing;
4. Assess sediment yield, reservoir sedimentation and flushing/management strategies;
5. Review design of spillway, diversion works, and energy dissipation facilities;
6.  Review dam instrumentation systems and related safety monitoring plans;
7. Contribute to the review of dam safety plans, including Construction Supervision & Quality Assurance Plan, Instrumentation Plan, Operation & Maintenance Plan, and Emergency Preparedness Plan; and
8. Participate in site visits, technical workshops, and POE meetings; prepare written reports with findings and recommendations.

4. Deliverables

1. Participation in POE-DS missions and meetings;
2. Technical reviews and recommendations incorporated in POE reports;
3. Written reports, meeting minutes, and debriefing notes;
4. Contributions to dam safety plans as per World Bank requirements; and
5. Support to Government of Malawi and Strategic Sponsor in addressing dam safety and hydrological issues.

5. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment will initially be for two (2) years (covering the development and construction phases).

6. Qualifications and Experience

The Hydrologist shall have the following qualifications and competencies:

1. A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in the relevant engineering disciplines and must have at least 15 years of professional experience relevant to the assignment;
2.  Experience in flood routing, design of spillway and energy dissipation structures, optimization of flow through intakes and outlets, physical hydraulic model testing, coordinated operation of multiple dams;
3. Must have Southern Africa regional experience, with a preference for previous experience of the Zambezi catchment area; and
4. Previous experience in World Bank panels is preferred, and familiarity with World Bank policies is a must.

7. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality

The attention of interested consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (February, 2025), setting forth the Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants must provide independent services and maintain strict confidentiality of project documents and discussions.

8. Selection Method

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant (INDV) selection method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

9. Submission of Expressions of Interest

Further information can be obtained at the address below during working hours (08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00 hours local time, Monday to Friday, except public holidays).

Expressions of Interest, including updated CVs and copies of academic and professional qualifications, must be delivered in written form or via email by 23rd December, 2025, before 14:00 hours local time.

Address for Information and Clarifications:
The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Ministry of Natural Resource, Energy, and Mining.

Department of Energy
Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP)
Private Bag 309, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Email: kondwanishaba2010@gmail.com copy: khumbolawo.lungu25@gmail.com

For Expressions of Interest Submission:
The Chairperson, Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Ministry of Natural Resource, Energy, and Mining

Department of Energy
Mpatamanga Hydropower Storage Project (MHSP).

Lilongwe, City Centre, Capital House, Room number 205.
Private Bag 309, Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Emails: kondwanishaba2010@gmail.com copy: khumbolawo.lungu25@gmail.com