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Call for consultancy

Characterising Hydrological Dynamics in Gâraa Sejenane and Sidi El Barrak’s Dam

• Context

WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation with a mission to create a world where people and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. To achieve our mission, we’re finding ways to help transform the future for the world’s wildlife, rivers, forests, and seas. We strive for a reduction in carbon emissions to mitigate catastrophic climate change and advocate for sustainable living within the ecological limits of our planet.

WWF North Africa (WWF NA) was established in Tunisia in 1994 with a vision of a Nature Positive North Africa region, where natural threats are minimized, and ecosystems regain their full potential to support biodiversity and human well-being. In collaboration with individuals, civil society members, businesses, local communities, and institutions, WWF NA works to identify and implement conservation solutions through research, fieldwork, policy advocacy, education, and awareness campaigns. Aligned with our mission, WWF NA is coordinating and implementing the project “Restoration of North Africa Wetlands as a Nature-Based Solution to Improve Water and Food Security.” The project aims to promote an integrated view of water and focus on nature-based solutions that enhance people’s health and protect free-flowing rivers, water sources, and key biodiversity areas.

This consultancy focuses on Gâraa Sejenane and Sidi El Barrak in Northwest Tunisia, known for their ecological diversity and water management challenges. Gâraa Sejenane, part of the Ichkeul catchment, features the Sejnane river flowing through its freshwater wetland before feeding Ichkeul lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Changes in land use in the Sejnane watershed underscore the need for understanding hydrological processes for conservation. Sidi El Barrak dam is in the Zouaraa basin, crucial for regional water management, particularly the hydrological balance maintained by the Oued el Meleh, highlighting the importance of protecting this water system.

Given the ecological significance and the potential interactions within these catchments, WWF NA is seeking to engage a consultant to conduct a study aimed at enhancing our knowledge of the hydrological functioning in and across both Gâraa Sejenane and Sidi El Barrak dam. This initiative is pivotal for the success of our broader conservation efforts, aiming to foster a Nature Positive North Africa where ecosystems can sustainably support both biodiversity and human well-being.

• Objectives

The consultancy’s goal is to improve understanding of water flow processes and relationships in the areas of Gâraa Sejenane and Sidi El Barrak dam, focusing on how surface water interacts with underground aquifers. This effort is crucial as it forms the basis for future endeavours related to water management and environmental protection. The consultancy aims to collect and analyse data, preparing for wise water use decisions and understanding the challenges related to water use and conservation efforts. Additionally, it aims   to develop methods for using and protecting water resources sustainably, ensuring the long-term health of both ecosystems and communities that depend on these waters. This includes finding and addressing any vulnerabilities in the water system, and proposing effective ways to deal with and adjust to changes in climate and human pressures.

• Tasks to be undertaken 

The selected consultant will undertake the following tasks:

– Baseline Hydrological Study: Conduct an assessment of the current hydrological conditions of the area, including water balance (inputs and outputs), water flows, seasonal variations, quality, distribution and any existing issues or challenges. This may involve consultations with local authorities to ensure all relevant data and insights are incorporated.

– Policy and Advocacy: Develop policy recommendations based on the findings of the hydrological study. Advocate for policies that support sustainable water management, conservation, and climate resilience, ensuring that ecosystem health and biodiversity are integral parts of these initiatives. Additionally, formulate recommendations for a restoration plan, detailing specific interventions and projected outcomes. This plan should prioritise nature-based solutions and consider the socio-economic context of the watershed.

• Deliverables

• Duration

The duration of the consultancy is 15 H/J spread over 4 months from the date of contract signing, with specific milestones and deadlines outlined in a detailed work plan to be agreed upon at the start of the consultancy.

• Consultant Qualifications

– Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or a related field.

– A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in hydrological studies or water resource management.

– Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing tools for environmental analysis.

– Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

– In-depth technical knowledge of the water sector in Tunisia, including understanding of the political, economic, and social issues related to water resource management, future challenges facing the sector, such as climate change, food security, and energy.

• Application Process

Interested consultants are requested to submit a detailed technical proposal outlining their approach to the consultancy, along with a financial proposal. 

7.1. Technical offer

• The CV(s) signed by the person involved detailing the experiences similar to this assignment including the references and supporting documents for the work carried out;

• A methodological note with a timetable detailing the approach to be followed to carry out the tasks assigned and to achieve the expected results of this consultancy .

• Valid registration certificate, VAT number registration.

7.2. Financial offer

• Financial offer specifying the remuneration detailing the number of days per deliverable requested.
• The total amount of the service must be in Tunisian dinars and include all taxes.
• The bidder can apply in English or French.

•  Offer submission

The application file containing the technical and financial offers must be sent to the following e-mail address: procurment@wwfna.org. The deadline for receiving applications is 10/05/2024 at 23h59 (Tunis Time). The following subject line should be included in the application e-mail: (Applicant’s name_Hydrology_Garaa Sejenane & Barrage Sidi Barrak)). Applications that do not comply with the submission procedure or reach WWF NA after the deadline will not be considered. 

9. Evaluation process 

9.1. Technical evaluation 

A technical score is assigned to each proposal with a maximum score of 100 points, based on the following criteria:

• Profile (experience and qualifications) of the consultants in relation to the subject of this mission;
• The proposed methodological approach;
• The detailed schedule and timeline.

Any proposal that does not achieve the minimum score of 70 points will be eliminated. If no proposal reaches 70 points, the consultation process is declared unsuccessful.

9.2. Financial evaluation 

After the technical evaluation, the committee will proceed with the verification and analysis of the amounts of technically valid financial offers. 

The financial part will be scored based on 100 points as follows: 

Sf = 100 x Fm/F

Sf is the financial score, Fm is the amount of the lowest bid, and F is the amount of the bid under consideration.

9.3. Overall Evaluation

The proposals will be ranked in descending order of the combined value of both the technical and financial scores. 

The technical score (St) will be weighted at a rate of 80%, while the financial score (Sf) will be weighted at a rate of 20%. The total score (ST) will be evaluated as follows:

ST = 0.8 St + 0.2 Sf = 0.8x… + 0.2x…