TERMS OF REFERENCE for Consultancy Services of Bioengineering Scheme

TERMS OF REFERENCE

                                                                           Consultancy Services of Bioengineering Scheme

INTRODUCTION

SAHAMATI in collaboration with WWF Nepal is implementing the “Nature Based Solutions- The Triple Benefit Program”. The program is funded by WWF Denmark under the aegis of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark (DANIDA).

The project aims for a climate resilient Lower Narayani River Basin with improved ecosystem services that supports community well-being and thriving biodiversity. The project will support local communities to implement Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to protect, restore and manage freshwater and forest ecosystems and to diversify their livelihoods so that their dependency on natural resources is reduced. The project will also support duty bearers to internalize the impacts of unsustainable natural resource use and importance of NbS.

The project will be implemented within the Gindri and Khageri watersheds of the Lower Narayani River Basin. The project interventions in these watersheds have been prioritized based on the societal challenges identified during stakeholder consultations. The major societal challenges identified are inadequate water availability, riverbank cutting, forest fires, open grazing, limited livelihood opportunities and lack of representation and participation of marginalized groups.

Purpose:

The purpose of this services is to develop Nature-based Solutions as well as green skills and capacities using nature-based solutions (e.g., bio-engineering works, bio-dykes, conservation ponds, wetland and spring water resources protection, irrigation canal and other indigenous local technologies, etc.).

Additionally, the consultancy firm will:

       Support the SAHAMATI team in implementation of good practices on landslides hazards and risks; assess the risks to formulate the appropriate plans, and strategies; and adopt necessary mitigation measures at the community level.

       Support project to apply Nature-based Solutions in the implementation of activities.

       Feasibility study, design, drawing, estimate, construction supervision, progress measurement in line with nature-based solutions standards and norms for construction, protection, restoration and treatment sites.

       Introduce bio-engineering technologies to protect, restore and treatment.

       Design the preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitor the management of risks.

       Take lead on the implementation of project policies, standards, norms and practices related to nature-based solutions ensuring compliance with WWF Nepal and SAHAMATI policies, procedures, guidelines and operations.

       Take the responsibility of procurement plan and procurement/ material tracking (MTS).

       Prepare generic specification/ standards for quality assurance so as to make sure that they are consistent throughout all schemes.

       Prepare the overall health, safety & Environment (HSE) plan and ensure its implementation.

       Prepare and submit the final evaluation and monitoring report after completion.

 Timeframe and estimated level of effort:

The services are required indicatively from 1 March 2024 to 30 June 2024. SAHAMATI estimates a level of effort of approx. 25 workdays according to the scheme within one month.

Qualifications of consultant/firms:

       A Bachelor/Masters high level of degree in civil engineering/ engineering geology/ environmental engineering or relevant academic field with bioengineering.

       A minimum of 3 years’ experience in planning and designing the projects.

       Preference given to experience in technologies for bio-engineering, bio-dykes, wetlands, conservation ponds and spring water sources protection.

       Familiarity with Auto CAD, structural design and bio-engineering technology.

       Good command of spoken and written English and Nepali.

       Flexibility, honesty and transparency.

Selection Criteria

Procurement committee of SAHAMATI will assess applications on the basis of the following general criteria:

       Valid documents

       Length of experience

       Relevance of experience

       Financial and technical Proposal

Mode of Payment

Payments will be made after the submission of complete and final report of the schemes as approved by SAHAMATI, and upon provision of evidence of the work carried out to achieve the deliverable.  

Application process

Applicants are requested to provide the following information:

       Cover letter

       CV of the proposed human resource person

       Financial and technical proposal

       Tax Clearance Certificate of financial year 2079/80 

       VAT registration Certificate. 

       Company registration Certificate.

       Experience certificate related with above mentioned project (if any)

       For Details TOR Please see the  http://www.sahamati.org/notice

Applicants are required to submit their applications to the SAHAMATI Centre Office, situated in Gaindakot Municipality-5, Nawalparasi (East), or send them via email to procurement@sahamati.org  with the subject line "Application for Engineering Consultancy Services." The submission deadline is 18th February 2024. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.