Cosultancy: Water supply management model and supply chain of water filter

Oxfam in Nepal

Oxfam has been working in Nepal since the early 1980s undertaking various development initiatives addressing the poverty and injustice faced by women and other socially and economically excluded groups. The level of Oxfam's engagement increased substantially after restoration of democracy in 1990 as it became easier for civil society to work in the new political environment. Over the years, Oxfam has worked in partnership with local civil society organisations and the government to promote rural livelihoods, and vulnerable communities' resilience to climatic shocks and disasters. It has also significantly contributed to empowering community people, especially women, to; negotiate with people in power, influence decision making processes, claim rights and essential services to which they are entitled, demand accountability on the part of duty bearers and engage larger masses in advocacy efforts. Oxfam also worked closely with UNHCR in providing assistance to Bhutanese refugees during the 1990s. Oxfam and its long term programme partners believe that the underlying structural causes and drivers of poverty must be addressed if improvements in peoples's lives are to be broad and lasting. Poverty is not one-dimensional; nor is it purely local in its causes and solutions. Therefore, Oxfam's work addresses not only material and technical change, but also the related economic, social, institutional and policy changes which are necessary to end poverty and achieve development and wellbeing. The Oxfam Nepal Vision is: The people of Nepal are empowered and work together to attain a life of dignity with justice and equal rights for all. The Overall Nepal Programme Goal is: to improve the well being of vulnerable people through strengthening their participation in development and governance processes and reducing poverty and suffering.

Details / requirements:

  Terms of Reference for

Water supply management model 

  

1.Background

Nepal has made a significant progress in last five years in accelerating water and sanitation coverage. DWSS reports say that around 81% people have now access to toilets, and 86% population has access to basic water supply facility as of mid- 2015 (Sector Development Plan, SEIU 2016). However, the report also indicated that only 25% of the existing water supply schemes are functioning well and 36% need minor repair. More than 39% of the schemes have been identified needing major repair, rehabilitation or complete reconstruction. Thus it is realized that though there is the dramatic increase in the coverage following community led demand-driven approach, the qualities of services provided by WUCs are largely in question (ibid). These include a failure to generate sufficient tariff, a failure in accountability & transparency, and a lack of capacity for preventative and curative maintenance. In addition to that 65% to 90% water schemes are damaged in earthquake affected districts. 

OXFAM has been providing various relief and rehabilitation supports in earthquake affected area in Nuwakot, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk, Gorkha and Kathmandu districts. To ensure functionality of water supply schemes and safe drinking at point of consumption, OXFAM is conducting a study on water supply management model filters to identify potential entrepreneurs for private sector engagement as an alternative option. 

 

2.Research Objectives

The overall objective to promote market based approach for functionality of water supply schemes and safe drinking water  in Dhading, Nuwakot and Gorkha districts. It will be implemented in two phases within a year: 1) Research and study to develop water supply management models and and 2) test appropriate water supply management models . 

The following aspects could be considered but not limited to:

1)Functionality of water supply schemes and management model for full cost recovery:

Demand Side

a.What is the current situation of O&M in selected water schemes?

b.What are barriers to, and enablers of, sustained functionality of water schemes? What have been the primary reasons for the ineffectiveness of WUCs to sustainably manage water systems?

c.What is the tariff that HHs willing to pay for safe and reliable drinking water systems?  

d.What is the economic status of beneficiaries (Wealth ranking in quantiles’)? What are HH expenditure and income patterns of different poverty quantiles?.

e.What are the factors to be considered to ensure poor and marginalised group also get the service.

 

Supply side

f.Are current tariff structures sufficient to support sustainable operation and maintence of rural water systems?

g.Which aspects of O&M should be considered for business development or external intervention in the water schemes? 

h.What would be the potential scale or size of water supply schemes to engage private sector for full cost recovery?

i.What are the motivators and drivers for HHs to invest in improved water system operation and management?  

j.What are the barriers and motivations for private sector to engage in O&M of water systems? 

k.Opportunities for existing enterprises and/or civic organizations to engage in service provision of water schemes? 

l.Current activities and projects of WASH enterprises/organizations in OXFAM’s areas of work 

m.Identification of financing requirements (and alternative financing models) to support sustainable operation and management of water systems.  Are sustainable subsidies available for areas where cost recovery may not be possible? 

n.Required capacity building and/or mentorship to support alternative operation and management models

 

The findings of study will define a scope of work and develop potential business models for test in second phase. 

 

3.Methods

3.1.Site selection and sampling of respondents.

The study area will be conducted mainly at sub-district market hub and selected water schemes in Nuwakot, Dhading and Gorkha districts. Stratified random sampling method will be used to derive desired sample size representing demand and supply side:

 

Demand side 

•At least eight water users committees and at least two having coverage between 200 – 500 households and above 500 households;

•Sample households, who are users of the same water systems, will be selected for HH survey.

•At least two women groups;

Supply side (in each district)should include, but not be limited to:

•Four existing retail hardware shops, entrepreneurs or vendors at sub-district market hub (at least one female headed SME in each district, if existing);

•Ten local trained masons and plumbers at least 10% female;

•Two petty contractors of construction works;

•Two bio-gas companies, if available;

•One Federation of Chambers and Commerce – district chapter representative; 

•At least two transport/automotive garage owners; 

•Active cooperatives in each of the assessed villages/towns; and

•At least 3 micro-finance and banking institutions

 

Other key informants

•VDC, DDC, Water Supply and Sanitation Division Office, WASH Coordination Committee representatives, and relevant government agencies; at least two in each district representing village and district level. 

 

3.2.Formulation of questionnaire and analysis 

Questionnaire and check list will be developed for Key Informant Interview (KII), Pair Interview (PI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and other tools or methodologies as appropriate to the local context. The questionnaire and tools will be modified based on the field test, applicability and appropriateness in the local context. 

The overall research protocol will be consulted and agreed with OXFAM focal person before conducting field study.

 

4.Deliverables and timeframe

The assignment expects the following deliverables:

•Outline of the report and detailed time frame within 3 days of assigning contract.

•Develop tools (both in English and Nepali) for potential market mapping and value chain analysis within 2 weeks for review; 

•Develop clear assignment and provide necessary orientation to field staff to collect field information within 4 weeks; 

•Draft report with potential water supply management models and partnerships based on the field information within 8 weeks;

•Validation meeting/workshop within 10 weeks; and

•Final report incorporating all the relevant comments and feedback to OXFAM within 12 weeks.

 

5.Team composition, competency and reporting

The study will be conducted jointly by OXFAM team and the selected agency. Field study will be conducted by OXFAM and implementing NGO staff based in the district. The selected agency will design and develop research protocol, provide orientation to field staff, consolidate field information, make analysis, identify potential private agency and develop appropriate business model. However, mobilization of OXFAM and implementing NGO’s field staff would be discussed and negotiated after final selection of an agency based on their proposal.

The study team of selected agency must be comprised of TL, WASH specialist and Socio-economist, who have experience on WASH services and market/value chain analysis drinking water supply functionality issues and management of water supply systems in rural settings. 

 

The team leader must have the following qualification and experience:

•At least Master’s degree in relevant field;

•At least 5 years experiences in conducting research in rural areas;  

•Experience in conducting training and capacity development activities; and

•Proven track records of carrying out market analysis or similar assignments in Nepal; 

•Experience in the development of small and medium-sized business enterprise models.

 

The team leader will work in close consultation with a senior staff assigned by National WASH Technical Lead. 

 

6.Contracts and organizations

An agency will be selected based on the quality of the technical proposal, CV of proposed key personnel and financial proposal. After negotiation, a contract will be signed as per the OXFAM contract guidelines. 

Deadline for receiving applications is within one week of publication of notice to submit proposal.

 

7. Budget Breakdown

Programme activities

Unit

No. of units

No. of Times

 Unit rate

Total NPR

Total GBP

(in NPR)

VCA/Total

 

 

 

           

0

0

Remuration to the team leader

Person/days

1

40

 

 

 

Remuration to the consultants

Person/days

3

30

 

 

 

Communication

Lumpsum

4

1

 

 

 

Stationary + photocopy

Lumpsum

1

1

 

 

 

Travel to the districts

Person/day/times

4

6

 

 

 

local travel in Ktm

Person/day/times

4

12

 

 

 

Accommodation/ lead consultant

Person/nights

1

25

 

 

 

Accommodation/consultants

Person/nights

3

25

 

 

 

Perdiem (food/snacks)

Person/days

4

25

 

 

 

Report generation

Lumpsum

1

1

 

 

 

other cost ( if any)

Lumpsum

1

1

 

 

 

VAT %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Submission requirements

Proposal submissions are to include:

1. A technical proposal for the planning workshop and strategic planning support 

2. A schedule for delivery of outputs

3. A cost proposal (budget)

 

RESPONSE

The Consulting VAT Registered Individual/Firm should submit a proposal to Oxfam by 5 March 2017 via mail to recruitment_nepal@oxfam.org.uk, clearly mentioning the title of assignment in their email subject line with following attached documents:

  • Company registration certificate
  • A technical proposal 
  • A schedule for delivery of outputs
  • A cost proposal (budget)
  • VAT Registration Document
  • TAX Clearance Certificate
  • CV of the lead consultants
  • Total Budget Breakdown (as per the breakdown given above)

 

 Note: The interested Firms/Insitutes will be kept in our rooster of OXFAM for similar future consultancy requirement.

 

 DISCLAIMER

Oxfam GB reserves the right to alter the dates of the timetable.

OXFAM GB may cancel or postpone the Call for Proposal but notice will be provided to bidder.

Oxfam GB does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any Call for Proposal.

Oxfam GB is in no way responsible for the cost of preparation of the Call for Proposal response.

 

Overview

Category Consulting & Professional Services
Openings 1
Experience Please check details below.
Education Please check details below.
Posted Date 28 Feb, 2017
Apply Before 09 Mar, 2017
City Lalitpur