Water and Environment Technical coordinator (Rainwater Harvesting Systems)

Result of Service

Upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

7 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Background UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. To achieve its 2026–2029 strategic plan through its three interconnected impact areas, UN-Habitat proposes policy and legislation as one of the main drivers of the theory of change. In addition to that, one of the most pressing issues in Tunisia today is the environmental and water management challenge. At the national level, in recent years, Sejnane has experienced several unpredictable events that have disrupted planning and required adaptive responses. Tunisia has faced significant climate variability, with 2023 recorded as the driest years in over a decade, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. Rainfall levels dropped to 60% below seasonal averages in some northern regions, including Bizerte Governorate, where Sejnane is located. This severe drought contributed to a national water crisis, with dam reservoirs falling below 30% capacity. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture implemented water rationing measures, restricting agricultural irrigation and limiting water access in both rural and urban areas. At the same time, institutional challenges affected the stability of infrastructure development. Government reshuffles between 2023 and 2024 disrupted public sector partnerships and delayed project approvals. Administrative turnover within national and local agencies created procedural bottlenecks affecting technical and financial clearances of infrastructure projects. These factors have made it difficult to accurately assess and respond to evolving challenges in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in Sejnane. Within this context, the project “Sejnane in Action: Citizens and Municipality Together for Clean Water and Zero Waste” aims to support the municipality in identifying and implementing practical and sustainable technical solutions, including rainwater harvesting systems, to improve water availability and resilience. Reporting Line The Individual Contractor will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, UN-Habitat Tunisia, and will collaborate closely with: • Project team members • Municipality of Sejnane • Relevant national and local stakeholders Duties and Responsibilities The Individual Contractor will perform the following functions on a regular and ongoing basis as part of the project team: 1. Technical Design and Planning Support • Contribute to the preparation and refinement of workplans for rainwater harvesting activities • Provide technical inputs to the design of rainwater harvesting systems, including sizing, layout, and specifications • Support the preparation and review of Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and technical documentation 2. Implementation Support • Provide technical guidance during the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems • Support troubleshooting and adjustment of design based on site conditions • Participate in technical discussions related to construction and installation activities • Provide limited technical guidance during the initial operational phase, including early-stage troubleshooting and system adjustments, as required 3. Technical Advisory and Coordination • Provide ongoing technical advice to project team and stakeholders • Support coordination with municipal authorities and technical counterparts • Participate in meetings, workshops, and consultations as required 4. Capacity Building • Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to local stakeholders • Support training activities related to system installation, operation, and maintenance • Provide practical guidance to local stakeholders during the initial operation phase to support proper system use and basic troubleshooting 5. Knowledge Contribution and Reporting Support • Contribute technical inputs to project reports and documentation • Share lessons learned and practical recommendations based on implementation experience • Provide inputs related to initial system performance and operational challenges to inform project reporting and future interventions Note: UN-Habitat Tunisia Office will obtain the relevant data and reports from the local counterparts as much as possible and share them with the Individual Contractor.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering, environment or related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with additional two years of relevant experience may be approved in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of two years of progressive experience in the field of water management and environment is required. Knowledge of Japanese technologies on rainwater harvesting is an asset. Experience in the design, technical specification, and/or implementation support of decentralized or small-scale rainwater harvesting systems (such as rainwater harvesting systems for human consumption utilizing impermeable liner or similar technologies) at community level is considered a strong asset. Demonstrated experience in providing practical technical guidance across multiple project phases, including design, planning, and implementation, is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Japanese is desired.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.