Irrigation Engineer

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
FOOD SYSTEMS RESILIENCE PROGRAM (P177816)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)
COUNTRY: Malawi
NAME OF PROJECT: Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)
PROJECT ID: P177816
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Recruitment of Irrigation Engineer
REFERENCE NO.: MW-MOA-450479-CS-INDV.
DATE OF ISSUE: 21 December 2024

1. Introduction:

The Government of the Republic of Malawi has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The Ministry of Agriculture – Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include consultancy services as an Irrigation Engineer for Project Implementation Unit.

2. Objective of the Assignment
The Irrigation Engineer (IE) will help in ensuring deliverables of Irrigation Services Provision under component 2 (Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agriculture and Landscape) are done according to schedule and specified standards.

3. Scope of the Services
The tasks and responsibilities of the lE are aligned to the implementation of the irrigation master plan and investment framework. The lE with coordinate / work with the Department of Irrigation and the work shall include, but not be limited to the following:

a) Data and Information Sharing and Communication:

• Ensure timely engineering information sharing among the service providers (consultants and contractors);
• Ensure that the implementation of engineering activities is done according to schedule and that the Gantt is updated regularly.

b) Planning and Coordination:

• Oversee all planning, design, technical implementation, operation and maintenance aspects of the irrigation service provision component of the project.
• Planning and coordinating the execution of all engineering activities required to achieve their respective outputs.
• Attend all project, site, and management technical review meetings.
• Facilitate procurement of private operator for the irrigation schemes.
• Facilitate preparation of ToRs for further studies and related activities.

c) Overall Monitoring of activities:

• Ensure that quality control of the project activities on all (component 2 activities) engineering aspects are adhered to;
• Be responsible for general contracts management, and inform the consultants, contractors and the coordinator on contractual issues.
• Monitoring the progress of implementation of project activities under component one and comparing it with the planned schedule and notifying the Consultants / contractors of any deviations from the planned programme.
• Provide quality assurance of the activity reports, data and information being generated and ensure that any inconsistencies in the outcomes of the deliverables are resolved at an early stage.
• Conduct supervisory visits to project areas.
• Oversee any constraints, issues or problem areas on engineering aspects and advise on appropriate action.
• Support all Consultants / contractors in the fulfillment of their assignments and assist them in overcoming any technical constraints that they may face in the implementation of their tasks.
• Prepare Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) as well as monthly progress reports, for submission to the coordinator on time.
• Provide input to preparation of Project Completion Report (PCR);
• Carry out regular inspection of construction works and provide necessary advice to the supervision consultant.
• Oversee preparation of bidding documents for both contractors and consultants and in the evaluation of the same.
• Check and review all technical aspects of the irrigation systems, structures designs and relevant data to ensure that the designs are adequate, complete and in compliance with recognized standards.
• Coordinate the preparation of feasibility studies and detailed designs, bills of quantities, tender documents and all associated drawings by consultants.
• Ensure that comprehensive Engineers reports and supporting documentation are prepared on time.
• In coordination with the Environmental Safeguards Specialist ensure that proposed environmental mitigation measures identified in ESIA & ESMP reports are implemented.
• Coordinate technical capacity building for counterpart staff and provide technical support such as manuals for engineering training activities for staff and farmer organisations.
• Analyse and vet all progress reports from contractors) and engineering consultants, before submission to the Project Coordinator;
• Vet and authenticate all payment certificates. invoices and claims originated by the contractor (s) and consultants, prior to submission to the Project Coordinator.
• Ensure that as built drawings are prepared by the contractors.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the National Project Coordinator from time to time.

4. Reporting Requirements

The Irrigation Engineer is part of a larger Project Implementation Unit (PIU), which comprises the National Project Coordinator and other specialists. The Irrigation Engineer will be reporting to the National Project Coordinator.

5. Professional Qualification and Experience
A minimum of Master Degree qualification in Irrigation/Civil or related Engineering with at least 10 years of work experience as irrigation and drainage design engineer or Bachelor’s degree in irrigation engineering/agricultural engineering/civil engineering with at least 20 years of solid work experience as an irrigation and drainage design engineer in large irrigation projects. Experience in construction supervision of large scale civil works water/irrigation related projects is a must. He/ she should have 5 years’ experience in implementing donor-funded projects. He/she must have proven track record of implementation of irrigation and drainage projects. Experience and/or familiarity with Government and World Bank procurement procedures and processes would be an added advantage. He/She must possess good computer skills in using office applications and relevant engineering packages. He/She must possess excellent communication skills and be able to write clear, concise technical reports in English.

6. Duration of the Assignment
The Irrigation Engineer shall be recruited for a period of six years, but the contract shall be renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.

7. Facilities to be provided by the Client
The Client shall provide office accommodation with normal associated services like water, electricity, office supplies and furniture, communication and internet facilities.
For all field related assignments within Malawi, the Project shall provide transport and costs and other expenses (per Diems etc.) related to the field work

8. Location of Employment and Obligations of the Consultant
The Irrigation Engineer will be based in Lilongwe but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project sites across the country and work closely with an inter-ministerial / Departmental task force to ensure that progress follows project plans, and that appropriate support is provided for project activities.

9. Conflict of Interest
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section Ill, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

10. Submission of Expressions of Interest
Interested Individuals meeting the stated requirements should submit their Expressions of interest including updated detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) and copies of professional certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 4 January 2025 on or before 16:30 hours, local time.

The Chairperson,
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC),
Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP)
Off Paul Kagame Road,
Opposite MRA Domestic Taxes Offices,
P.O. Box 727,
LILONGWE
E-mail: teddie.nakhumwa@agcom.gov.mw,
Cc: richmondmakasa@gmail.com, jamekaphiyo@gmail.com, silvester.tsokonombwe2022@gmail.com