PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Nepal occupies only 0.09% of world’s landmass, but harbors enormous diversity of flora and fauna due to the extreme changes in topography from the lowland Terai region to the Himalayas. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, it is ranked 21st on the global biodiversity index and 11th in Asia. Today, this biodiversity is facing direct threats from rampant urbanization of the countryside resulting in complex socio-ecological changes: increased de-agrarianisation, growing human density, declining rural livelihoods and growing youth out-migration. Between 1990-2005, Nepal lost around 25% of its total forest cover, approximately 91,700 hectares per year totaling 1.2 million hectares of forest.
As forests dwindle, the youth population continues to swell. Nepal is also experiencing a demographic youth bulge with 40% of the population being within the ages of 16 and 40. Nearly 40% of this youth population--more than 5 million young people--are unemployed. Many are migrating overseas to take low-pay, low-skill jobs often in dangerous working conditions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The lack of sustainable livelihoods for youth in rural regions is further exacerbating deforestation, land fragmentation and illegal poaching as youth search for ways to survive economically.
KTK-BELT project was formed in direct response to this social and ecological crisis in 2014. Led by Kumar Bishwakarma, a research was carried out in Yangshila VDC, located in the Siwalik or ‘Churia’ foothills of eastern Nepal in northern Morang district, to map the intricate relationship between local communities and their environments. In just a 20 km2 area, 412 unique plant species spanning 96 plant families were identified and their uses were described. It became evident that this habitat and species diversity was rooted in the sharp-rising topography from 180 masl to 1950 masl, and the numerous wetlands, cloud forests, and other unique habitats found along the dramatic topography. Inspired by the possibility of activating this hidden layer of indigenous knowledge, the KTK-BELT project was formed as a platform for farmers, teachers, designers and environmentalists to build community-based biodiversity conservation strategies throughout the eastern region of Nepal.

KURULE TENUPA WATER PROJECT:

Between 2010 and 2015, more than 150 natural springs partially or completely dried in Kurule-Tenupa Village Development Council (VDC) in eastern Nepal. This has resulted in wide-scale out migration, loss of more than 25 species of fish which previously provided the main livelihood source to local fisher-folk or ‘Majhi’ communities, and agricultural and health challenges.

POST DESCRIPTION:

The Water Engineer will work with the KTK-BELT design team and structural engineer to design a water project to supply water to over 34 households living in the most marginalized region of Kurule-Tenupa, Bhaisetaar village. 

KEY TASKS:

• Discuss and understand with KTK-BELT design team the architectural concept and specifications, and propose structural solution to meet the construction objectives, keeping in consideration the peculiarities of the project
• Conduct a site survey and develop a comprehensive design and construction strategy to bring water into the village 
• Producing designs, both initial outlines and full plans, of water structures such as pump systems and pipe networks
• Deliver a detailed set of construction drawings and costing to build the project 
• Provide all the information and documentation required to enable KTK-BELT team to obtain planning approval and move into construction phase of the project
• Liaising with various agencies and individuals, including local authorities, government agencies, clients, contractors, residents, suppliers, technical experts, and consultants
• Proposing sustainable ways to provide the water 
• Keeping track of the progress of projects from beginning to end - from feasibility, to design through to construction and handover (or handling just one section of a large project)
• Preparing tender documents for construction
• Supervising the operation and maintenance of water infrastructure
• Controlling budgets at the project level
• Ensuring that work is completed to a deadline
• Managing staff, including other engineers, technicians and site workers

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in engineering, social science, environmental health, water and sanitation, and appropriate post-graduate qualifications
• Five-eight years of professional development experience in the WASH sector including experience in emergency response and contingency planning
• Ability and flexibility in proposing unique design solutions in the attempt to meet the specific architectural requirements
• Confidence with earthquake proof design and ability to incorporate anti-seismic structural solution in accordance to national regulations
• Ability to understand and incorporate into structural design, inputs coming from different parts such us KTK-BELT design team and others experts/consultants involved in the project

TIMING:

• The duration of the consultancy will be in accordance to the deadlines agreed in the scope of work and for the duration of the construction phase of inherent structural components

REMUNERATION:

• The overall fee for the proposed work is between 30,000-50,000 NRs depending on experience

TO APPLY,

Please submit your cover letter, CV, 3 work samples and 3 references with a range for salary expectations to [email protected] including the position title in the subject heading of your email.