ERMS OF REFERENCE

1.  ABOUT WWF ZCO

Since 1962, the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia Country Office (ZCO) has been involved in activities to conserve Zambia’s biodiversity upon which the nation’s economy and livelihoods largely depend. The first WWF Zambia investment was on the Kafue Flats with the purchase of private land which was donated to the Government to create Lochinvar National Park. Since then WWF operated through a series of specific isolated projects including support for anti-poaching, conservation education, community-based natural resource management, and wetlands conservation, working with partners guided by MOUs and sub-granting agreements. In 2009 WWF started operating in the Sioma and Sesheke districts under the auspices of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area ( KAZA TFCA).

2.  BACKGROUND

The Silowana Complex in southwestern Zambia is facing severe droughts, a reflection of the broader climate challenges affecting Southern Africa. As a critical buffer zone for the Sioma Ngwezi National Park, the Silowana Complex is suffering from low precipitation, resulting in devastating loss of food crops. This situation has triggered a serious food insecurity crisis, threatening the livelihoods of local communities that rely heavily on agriculture. The drought’s impact is further intensified by the region’s inherently arid conditions and its vulnerability to climate change, posing significant threats to both people and wildlife.

In response to this escalating crisis, innovative drought response and climate resilience strategies must be implemented. One such solution is the establishment of cluster irrigation schemes along the Zambezi River. Identified by WWF Zambia through extensive consultations with the affected communities, these schemes are seen as a viable method to mitigate the risk of famine in the region. The rationale behind this approach is based on the potential of these irrigation clusters to support year-round agriculture. By harnessing the water resources of the Zambezi River, farmers could not only stabilize food crop production but also diversify into cash crops, thereby enhancing their economic resilience.

To achieve this goal, WWF Zambia, with funding from an emergency fund raised by WWF Germany, plans to set up two irrigation clusters along the Zambezi River—one at Kaale in Sesheke District and another at Nangweshi in Sioma District. WWF is currently seeking an experienced irrigation expert to oversee the design, procurement of irrigation components, and construction of these new cluster irrigation schemes. This expert will play a pivotal role in advancing the project’s objectives and ensuring its successful implementation.

3.  ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES

The Development Objective of this assignment is to:

• conduct a detailed vegetation and topographical and landuse survey and collect necessary information for technical designs
• develop detailed technical designs of the two small-scale irrigation schemes in the selected sites, including detailed Bills of Quantities
• the construction of the small-scale irrigation cluster irrigation schemes at the two sites

4. SCOPE OF WORKS

The responsibilities of the expert are comprised of the following:

• Prepare topographical and land use maps of the prposed sites and produce detailed designs, drawings cost estimates, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs)
• Take full accountability for the design, cost estimates, and supervisory roles on the delivery of quality works including redesign and costing in the event of any omissions of the required components of the cluster irrigation scheme.
• Procure the materials required for installation of the two cluster irrigation schemes each measuring approximately 2 hectares
• Construct two cluster irrigation schemes which involves installation of the water pumping and reticulation system, construction of the perimeter fence, and providing on the job training to the beneficiaries on the use, maintenance and first level repairs of the system
• The contractor is to report directly to the WWF Zambia Silowana Landscape Coordinator on any matter related to the assignment.

The expert will carry out the following as part of the detailed design assignment:

• Assess water needs, water availability, and resources availability of the irrigation scheme under the project;
• Design water transmission main including pipe trenching & laying, thrust blocks, pressure testing, access for cleaning/repair (incl. air/scour valves) and solar power supply, etc.
• Submit reports (design) as per the deliverables and intended outputs under this TOR

5.  DELIVERABLES

6. ASSIGNMENT DURATION

The expert/firm will be recruited for 60 days from 1^st October  to 1^st December 2024.

7.  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in:
   • Planning and designing of Irrigation systems, including intakes, transmission and distribution systems, pumping systems, reservoirs, infiltration galleries, etc;
   • Preparation of detailed design reports.
   • Professional experience in the field of irrigation development.
   • The expert must have a proven track record of successful design and implementation of climate-resilient irrigation projects. Experience with the Western province will be an addeded advantage)
   • The expert should have experience in survey and design, quality control, and construction management.
   • Experience of working closely with counterparts.
2. Must have undertaken the design and implementation of a minimum of five (5) climate-resilient irrigation schemes independently.

8.  SELECTION & EVALUATION CRITERIA

9. PENALTY

If the consultant cannot deliver the work within the stipulated timeline, a penalty shall be levied as per the prevailing rules of consultancy services.

10.  APPLICATION SUBMISSION PROCESS

You can apply individually or as a firm. In either case, your application should consist of the following:

1. 1-page expression of interest, highlighting relevant experience and knowledge financial in setting up irrigation systems,
2. Submit the completed application along with all supporting documents within the specified deadline.
3. Applications can be submitted physically to the WWF Zambia Country Office or through the designated electronic submission method as indicated in the bidding documents.
4. Apply by emailing the above compressed in one folder to nsilwimba@wwfzam.org. Ensure that the application is marked “Consultancy Services for the Design, Cost Estimates, Drawings, and Construction of Cluster Irrigation Schemes at Kaale and Nangweshi in Sesheke and Sioma respectively” for easy identification and processing.
5. Any inquiries regarding the application process or bidding documents should be directed to the WWF Zambia procurement department for clarification.
6. Late submissions or incomplete applications may not be considered for evaluation.