1. Background

Muslim Aid Pakistan (MAP) is implementing critical WASH interventions in the districts of Loralai and Killa Saifullah, Balochistan, with the overarching aim of enhancing equitable access to safe and reliable water supply systems for underserved and vulnerable communities. As part of this initiative, MAP has successfully completed the installation of 33 solar-powered water supply schemes across these two districts, representing a substantial step toward improving water security and reducing the hardship faced by local populations in accessing clean water. Despite these achievements, MAP is currently encountering challenges related to the seasonal non-functionality of some schemes, primarily due to fluctuations in groundwater levels that affect the sustainability of water extraction throughout the year. Recognizing these concerns, and to safeguard the long-term effectiveness, technical soundness, and resilience of substantial investments, MAP now seeks to engage an experienced individual consultant with demonstrated expertise in hydrological and geotechnical investigations, coupled with a solid background in WASH infrastructure programming. The consultant will be responsible for undertaking a comprehensive technical evaluation of all existing 33 schemes, closely examining their viability against parameters such as groundwater availability, seasonal recharge and depletion patterns, and projected community demand. This rigorous expert assessment will enable MAP to obtain a clear, evidence-based understanding of the suitability and long-term sustainability of the current water supply systems, identify underlying causes of intermittent functionality, and recommend any necessary technical rectifications or enhancements. Ultimately, this exercise will ensure that MAP’s interventions continue to deliver dependable and climate-resilient water supply services that effectively meet the evolving needs of the target communities.

2. Objective

To technically support Muslim Aid Pakistan in determining underground water levels and recommending optimal borehole depths, as well as to assess and enhance the efficiency of existing solarized water supply systems to ensure year-round water availability for communities in Killa Saifullah and Loralai districts.

3. Scope of Work & Responsibilities

• Conduct meetings with the Water Resource Management Committees (VWMCs) and assess all the 33 solarized water supply schemes to document the variation with approved BoQs, loopholes, seasonal variations and conventional knowledge.

• Reconfirm the work completed under the original Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and tender agreements to ensure that the construction aligns with the agreed-upon specifications and scope.

• Conduct a technical assessment and hydrogeological review to determine groundwater availability and seasonal variations in the target areas (33 sites) in districts Lorali and Killa Saifullah, Baluchistan province.

• Based on technical and hydrogeological assessment, suggest rectification or optimization measures for the existing solarized water supply schemes and recommend appropriate depths based on field findings and consultations with relevant stakeholders. Reassess the water column using Electrical Resistivity Testing (ERT) with MAP's digital ERT equipment or any other suitable equipment, and conduct new ERT assessments as necessary to validate groundwater potential. In cases where significant variations in groundwater levels are found and efficiency cannot be improved at current sites, propose nearby alternative locations that could offer better water yield and sustainability.

• Technically calculate the average daily water discharge (yield) from each solarized water supply scheme and assess its adequacy against the estimated water demand based on the number of households benefiting from each scheme. This analysis will help determine whether the existing systems meet community needs and inform recommendations for any necessary upgrades.

• Orientation of village-level O&M committees. 

• Prepare revised BoQs and rectification plans based on updated assessments.

• Reassess the water column through ERT or conduct new ERT assessments using MAP equipment (digital ERT equipment).

• Conduct water quality testing, including collecting and submitting samples to PCRWR labs.

• Redesign the existing solarized water supply schemes where required, based on the findings of the technical assessment and hydrogeological review. Provide ongoing technical backstopping and guidance to the MAP project team to support the effective implementation of the recommended improvements and new installations. Oversee all rectification work to ensure compliance with the approved BoQs and quality standards.

• Prepare a concise technical report summarizing findings, site-specific recommendations (both for new installations and improvements to existing schemes), and include maps or diagrams as needed.

4. Deliverables

• Inception Report within 2 weeks of contract signing.

• Field assessment report with groundwater and existing scheme analysis.

• Recommendations for borehole depths, system rectifications, and potential relocation sites.

• Final technical assessment report with ERT data with actionable guidance, including technical drawings, approaches, BoQs, maps where necessary Assessment Reports with data interpretations.

• Water Quality Testing (from PCRWR labs) analysis report with clear instructions and way forward. 

• Provide continuous technical backstopping to project team to support the effective implementation of the findings and recommendations outlined in the technical assessment report. Facilitate tailored orientation sessions for the project team, Village Water Resource Management Committees (VWMCs), and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Committees to build their understanding of the technical aspects, operational procedures, and their respective roles and responsibilities.

• Final Technical Completion Report, including supervision records, best practices, and lessons learned.

5. Duration & Location

Duration: 5 months (expected start on 15th of July 2025)

Geographical area: Districts Loralai and Killa Saifullah, Balochistan. 

6. Consultant’s Profile / Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Hydrological/Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering (Water Resources) or equivalent.

• At least 10 years of professional experience in rural water supply schemes and WASH QA.

• Experience in using ERT equipment for hydrogeological assessments.

• Knowledge of PCRWR water quality protocols.

• Excellent reporting skills in English.

• Familiarity with community-based water governance models.

Note : Consultants will be hired on a rolling basis; qualified consultants are encouraged to apply early.