Secours Islamique France is seeking an experienced Pakistani national consultant for the following contract:

Development of Early Warning Systems Models for Multi-Hazard (GLOF, Flash Floods, Riverine Floods, and Landslides) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

1.  Background

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organization of international solidarity based in France. Founded in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a non-profit and non-political organization dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest people. Secours Islamique France (SIF) is registered in Pakistan and has signed an MOU with MOI Pakistan till 2026.

1.1.  Specific Objectives:

To strengthen the disaster resilience of stakeholders through the development of early warning system models for multi-hazard like GLOFs, flash floods, riverine floods, and landslides in KP.

2.  Terms of Reference

The Consultant will be responsible for the development of early warning system models for GLOFs, flash floods, riverine floods, and landslides in different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Consultant's tasks include:

2.1. Scope of Work:

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

Desk Review and Analysis

• Review and Study Existing Models: Conduct a thorough review and study of existing successful multi-hazard early warning systems adopted and developed internationally, nationally, and even installed in KP by various organizations. This includes physical inspection, functionality analysis, and effectiveness evaluation of these models where possible.
• Consultation with EWS experts and review of their model: Meet with national and international experts to review and analyze existing successful models adopted internationally, nationally, and even local models for multi-hazards like GLOFs, flash floods, riverine floods, and landslides. Identify best practices and innovative solutions applicable to the KP context.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data Collection Tools Designing and Data Collection: Based on the desk review design and data collection tools for the consultation meeting and workshop collect the data through a consultative process.
• Data Analysis: Gather and analyze comprehensive data on past occurrences of GLOFs, flash floods, riverine floods, and landslides in KP. This will involve historical data review, climate projections, and risk mapping to understand the patterns and triggers of these hazards.

Stakeholder Consultation

• Consultative Meetings: Conduct in-depth consultative meetings with key stakeholders, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Pakistan Metrological Department, the Relief Rehabilitation and Settlement (RR&S) Department, the Peshawar University of Engineering and Technology, local government officials, NGOs/INGO, UN, and community representatives. Gather input and feedback on current challenges, needs, and expectations for the EWS. All the consultation meetings and workshops will be organized with close consultation with the Relief Rehabilitation and Settlement (RR&S) Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) KP.
• Consultation Workshop: Organize and facilitate a consultation workshop to present initial findings, gather stakeholder feedback, and validate proposed EWS models and approaches. Ensure inclusive participation to incorporate diverse perspectives and build consensus.
• Validation Workshop: After finalizing the EWS models, share it with all key relevant stakeholders for their comments and feedback. Once the feedback and comments are informed then plan and validation work should be done to finalize the EWS models.

System Design and Proposal

• Hazard-Specific EWS Proposals: Develop detailed proposals for early warning system models tailored to each hazard (GLOFs, flash floods, riverine floods, and landslides). Each proposal should include technical specifications, operational procedures, and communication protocols.
• Technological Solutions: Propose advanced technological solutions and designs for the EWS, such as remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hydrological models, and automated alert systems. Ensure that the technologies are scalable, user-friendly, and sustainable in the local context.
• Integration and Framework Development: Develop a comprehensive framework for integrating the proposed EWS models for different hazards into a unified system. This framework should outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, data-sharing mechanisms, and coordination protocols.
• Designing of Multi-Hazard EWS Model:  Once the EWS models are finalized after the validation the EWS models, will be properly designed and will be shared with SIF in World, PDF, and Coral format for their recording. Also, the consultant will be provided with at least 30 sets of hard copies of the published version of the EWS models. The design will be finalized with close coordination with the SIF, and Program Manager KP.  

Implementation Plan

• Phased Implementation Plan: Develop a detailed phased implementation plan with clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables. Outline the steps required for system deployment, testing, and operationalization.
• Resource Identification: Identify and document the necessary resources for implementing the EWS, including technological infrastructure, human resources, training programs, and financial investments.
• Sustainability Plan: Develop a robust maintenance and sustainability plan for the EWS. This plan should address long-term funding, capacity-building initiatives, technical support, and community engagement strategies to ensure the system's effectiveness and longevity.

Documentation and Reporting

• Technical Documentation: Prepare comprehensive technical documentation detailing the design, specifications, and operational procedures of the proposed EWS. Include user manuals, maintenance guides, and troubleshooting protocols.
• Progress Reports: Provide regular progress reports to the SIF, documenting the status of activities, challenges encountered, and actions taken. Ensure transparency and accountability in reporting.
• Final Report: Submit a comprehensive final report summarizing the project outcomes, challenges faced, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements. Include an executive summary, detailed analysis, and appendices with relevant data and materials.

3. Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Geology, Metrology, Hydrology, Software engineering Disaster Management, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in early warning systems, hydrological modelling, Engineering, Geology, Metrology, Software engineering and disaster risk management
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing early warning systems for flash floods, riverine floods, GLOFs, and landslides.
• Proven track record of successfully managing similar projects in disaster-prone regions.
• Extensive experience in community engagement and capacity-building activities.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic and cultural context of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including prior work in the region, will be highly advantageous.

Skills:

• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and hydrological modelling, Engineering, Geology, Metrology, Software engineering.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data sets and generate actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong facilitation skills to conduct workshops, meetings, and consultations with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, NGOs/ INGO, UN, community groups, and international experts.
• Capacity to introduce innovative solutions and best practices in the development of early warning systems.

4. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report: Detailing the methodology, work plan, and timeline.
2. Data Analysis Report: Summarizing the findings from data collection and analysis.
3. Stakeholder Engagement Report: Documenting inputs from consultations.
4. EWS Design Model: Describing the proposed system framework and components in a duly printable designed version.
5. Implementation Plan: Outlining steps, timelines, and resources needed.
6. Final Report: Summarizing the project outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.

3.  Payment Structure:

The consultant will be paid for technical assistance for undertaking the assignment according to the submission and approval of the set deliverables. SIF will keep the operational cost workshop and other arrangements and plan with itself for utilization.