Request for Expression of Interest at RTI International

Request for Expression of Interest - For Short term Technical Assistance for urban household & customers water use, demand side analysis and ab ility to pay for improved water services studies in five states water boards – Abia SWSC (LOT 1); Delta USWB (LOT 2); Imo SWC (LOT 3); Niger SWB (LOT 4); Taraba SWA (LOT 5)

Background
The USAID Effective Water Sanitation and Hygiene (E-WASH) is a 4-year program with the main objective of strengthening the governance, financial and technical viability of five (5) State Water Boards (SWBs) in Nigeria. The six SWBs are as follows: ABIA SWSC (LOT 1); DELTA USWB (LOT 2); IMO SWC (LOT 3); NIGER SWB (LOT 4); TARABA SWA (LOT 5)
The project is working towards achieving the following four objectives:

• Create professionally managed and commercially oriented SWBs
• Improve the financial and operational viability of SWBs
• Strengthen policy, institutional, and regulatory frameworks for improved WASH services
• Build national and state WASH advocacy, coordination, and communications for reform The project is being implemented by RTI International (www.rti.org), which is an independent organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multi-disciplinary research that improves the human conditions. E-WASH to this effect is inviting interested, eligible and competent Consultancy Firms and Service providers via this Expression of Interest (EOI) to respond on their willingness to be shortlisted to the following consulting services:  For Short term Technical Assistance for urban household & customers water use, demand side analysis and ab ility to pay for improved water services studies in five states water boards – Abia SWSC (LOT 1); Delta USWB (LOT 2); Imo SWC (LOT 3); Niger SWB (LOT 4); Taraba SWA (LOT 5)

The cardinal objectives of the assignment are:

• To conduct sector wide Demand-Side analysis and Ability to Pay studies using surveys, questionnaires and appropriate tools on which basis the consultant shall, recommend strategies the SWB management could adopt for improving water demand;
• To review the current socio-economic status of the respective urban areas served; this will also include the review of whatever existing tariff instrument or policies are in current use and comment on their age, relevance and justification as may be necessary;
• To Develop a practical and effective water demand-side management (DSM) strategies for the SWBs;
• To undertake an assessment and evaluation of the ability to pay for urban water services across the target service areas.

Eligibility/Criteria for selection

Applicants shall only be considered if:

• The Firm should have Consultant with a minimum of a post graduate degree in Civil Engineering/Water Resources/Business/Accounts/Sciences/Social Sciences with a minimum of 10 years post qualification experience in engineering, finance, socio-economics or business management with long track record of conducting Research studies and providing research based advisory service assignment on urban water utility management and demonstrate familiarity with the Water and Sanitation Sector in developing countries especially in Nigeria.
• The firm should have experts in Data gathering and analysis, socio economic survey and demand side analysis of water utilities
• The consultant shall also have appropriate experience in socio-economic survey bordering on demand-side analysis, ability to pay or similar. Relevant skills and competencies in financial modelling and operations are also required.The Consultant should have completed at least 3 assignments in the last 10 years in demand- side or market analysis; tariff determination in respect of water, energy, or experience of similar assignments involving analysis of tariff, order/regulations.
• The consulting firm in order to be considered shall demonstrate knowledge of relevant Acts, Policies, Regulations as well as operational & commercial aspects of water supply in developing countries, and African Countries in particular. The Consultant should submit documentary evidence in this regard
• Demonstrate credible experience in works of similar nature, complexity and value for utilities like water and/or electricity
• Sector-specific experience on similar assignments and working in a donor-funded environment would be an advantage.
• The Firm shall be required under the assignment to mobilize an Activity Team Leader, WASH Urban/water Utility Operations Expert and a Statistician & Socio-Economic Survey Expert who shall support, assist and bring the advantage of synergy of ideas.
• The IT Expert/Assistant must possess a minimum of BSc/HND in IT/Computer Science and demonstrate a minimum of seven (7) years in database management, hardware maintenance and software development including billing and collection system installation and computer networking.
• Applicants are required to note that shortlisted candidates shall be given a Request for Proposal that contains the detailed Statement of Work.