Terms of Reference- Environmental Assessment
Background
The requested organization together with its implementing partner has selected 6 Union Council in two districts, Sanghar and Thatta in Sindh, for a long-term WASH intervention under the project titled “Strengthen community resilience to floods, and improve access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene for 140,500 individuals in Sanghar and Thatta districts, Sindh Province” which aims to provide access of community to safe and clean drinking water, improved sanitation (PATS) and hygiene awareness.
The project has started on 1st of May 2015.
Purpose and scope of study:
The organization believes in indicator 5A+ so that the project has no detrimental impact on physical and biological environment of the area. Therefore, the study will be conducted to know the potential impacts of the said project on ground/ surface water, local forest, ecosystem, fauna, flora, social economic conditions of community, human health and agriculture.
Objectives of Environmental Assessment
Main objectives of the study are;
1. To measure the potential impact of project activities on water resources, solid waste management and socio economic conditions of community
2. To identify the impacts of the project on agriculture, livelihood of community, underground water table and biodiversity of local community as mentioned in the scope of the study
3. Identify potential environmental hazards that could lead to environmental issues in the long as well short term on any of the above mentioned physical or biological environment
4. Impacts of designed interventions on women, men boys, disabled and aged people.
Methodology
The methodology will be developed by consultant and will be shared with organization for review. The study will combine different methodologies to collect information at households and community level, institutional level (health and education facilities), and key duty bearers at district and sub-district level. A mix of both quantitative and qualitative methodology is recommended for conducting of the assessment in relation to the objectives. The firm will submit detailed inception report proposing tools, sampling criteria, and sample size with detailed methodology.
1. Sampling method and size
A statistically approved sample size will be selected in 5 union councils in district Sanghar and one union council in district Thatta in which the total target population is 140,500 individuals who shall be randomly selected throughout the intervention areas. There is will be 50 % representation of women in the sample.
2. Secondary analysis of existing data
Additional data and information will be reviewed from existing surveys and studies, Govt. and humanitarian organizations data collection systems, other studies and program documents.
Principles of Work Process
It is important that the study is carried out in a participatory and consultative manner and that the community is comfortable with the approach. Following is a description of the principles that will be applied.
1. Research methods will respect the privacy and sensitivities of the community;
2. The approach to data gathering must be participatory and prior consent of all participants must be sought and recorded;
3. Women will be approached only by women researchers and only after community permission has been received;
4. All data must be gender and age disaggregated;
5. Data gathered should represent the whole community and taking into account gender, geographical location and tribe/caste.
6. Physical and biological environment must be considered at every stage of the study;
Deliverables
1. Develop and finalize survey/assessment protocol including developing sampling methods and interview tools
2. Train data collectors and focus group discussion focal points to be identified by partners
3. Provide data tabulation plan, analysis outline and pre-test questionnaire
4. Supervise survey/study and focus group discussions along with data entry
5. Process and analyze data and information
6. Share the preliminary findings and discuss outline of the report; draft report and presentation
7. Share draft report for comments and discussion
8. Incorporate comments and finalize the report. Prepare a presentation on key findings and recommendations
9. Submit final report,
10. Conduct exit meeting with program staff and present findings
Time frame
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Action
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Deadline
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Advertisement of consultancy
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29/09/2016
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Submission of technical and financial proposals
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15/10/2016
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Recruitment of consultant and signing of contract
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21/10/2016
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Review of proposed tools and questionnaires
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27/10/2016
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Consultant to Deliver
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Data Collection and analysis of Data
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07/11/2016
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Submit draft report
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15/11/2016
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Review report by requested organization
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21/11/2016
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Revise Report submission after comments
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25/11/2016
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Deliver Final Report in soft and hard form
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30/11/2016
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Qualification or specialized knowledge / experience required
1. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in conducting surveys with international organizations, EIA and WASH programs
2. Working experience in Sindh region is desirable
3. Strong analytical skills in Excel, SPSS and other data analysis software’s
4. Excellent report writing and inter-personal communication skills;
5. Demonstrate adequate capacities to organize and complete the assignment within the time frame specified
6. The applying firm must be tax filer having valid NTN and registration with relevant authorities
Mode of Payment
A contract will be signed between the requested organization and qualifying firm or individual consultant with clauses including amount to be paid, mode of payment, tax deduction etc.