WASH Consultant- Hydrogeology

WASH Consultant- Hydrogeology

Duty Station:  Office base- BCO/FO

Contract Duration:  11 months

Number of Vacancies: 01

Contract Type: Contract with E-zone           

Contract Start Date:  4th Jan 2026

Reporting to: WASH Specialist, WASH Section

A.    Purpose 

The primary aim of this assignment to assist the government and the WASH Section in executing groundwater management initiatives which includes groundwater situation analysis, groundwater management plans and developing groundwater monitoring framework across different parts of Bangladesh within a limited timeframe, ensuring proper quality control and to formulate a project proposal. So, there is a need to recruit a national consultant with expertise in groundwater management. Moreover, this consultant will help to produce technical documents while ensuring quality and quantity through ongoing field monitoring, data analysis, providing feedback, writing technical reports, developing knowledge management materials, coordinating with partners, and overseeing the program.

B.    Background 

Bangladesh’s water resources are crucial for its economy and food security but face threats from groundwater depletion, arsenic contamination, intricate geological formations, climate change, unregulated industrialization in urban areas, and inadequate governance. The dependence on groundwater in cities imposes supply challenges, highlighting the need for effective management. Since 2023, UN AGENCY and the Embassy of Sweden have been collaborating with the Bangladesh government (DPHE) to improve groundwater monitoring system and aquifer mapping, and resource evaluation with digital data management to make evidence-based decision to secure future safe water access. As part of this effort, a real-time groundwater monitoring system is being implementing in various regions of Bangladesh, conducting  aquifer mapping to  identify safe water sources  during water supply  efforts and assessing groundwater resources as a tool for informed decision-making about sustainable management in twenty- five upazilas. Nationwide mapping, monitoring, modelling and management will realistically and scientifically support future planning and decision-making regarding safe water initiatives. Additionally, UN AGENCY is focused on groundwater situation analysis and creating a sustainable groundwater management action plan in partnership with WARPO, which emphasizes aquifer restoration, water quality and quantity monitoring, resource assessment, digital data management, water tariffs, robust governance, and capacity building within institutions. Furthermore, fostering an enabling environment by building the capacity of local technocrats and local drillers (who construct over 85% of water points without official training or registration) is crucial. To effectively assist the government and the WASH Section in executing these groundwater management initiatives and to formulate a project proposal, there is a need to recruit a national consultant with expertise  in groundwater management. This consultant  will help to  produce technical documents while ensuring quality and quantity through ongoing field monitoring, data analysis, providing feedback, writing technical reports, developing knowledge management materials, coordinating with partners, and overseeing the program.

C.    Objectives and Expected Results

Since 2023, UN AGENCY and the Embassy of Sweden have been collaborating with the Bangladesh government (DPHE) to improve groundwater monitoring, aquifer mapping, and resource evaluation to secure future safe water access. Additionally, UN AGENCY is focused on creating a sustainable groundwater management action plan in partnership with WARPO, which emphasizes aquifer restoration, water quality and quantity monitoring, resource assessment, digital data management, water tariffs, robust governance, and capacity building within institutions. These components address diverse geological and geographical challenges, including risks associated with water quality (arsenic, salinity etc), groundwater depletion, intricate geological formations, the effects of climate change, and excessive, unregulated extraction in highly industrialized regions. 

The primary aim of this assignment to assist the government and the WASH Section in executing groundwater management initiatives which includes groundwater situation analysis, groundwater management plans and developing groundwater monitoring framework across different parts of Bangladesh within a limited timeframe, ensuring proper quality control and to formulate a project proposal. So, there is a need to recruit a national consultant with expertise in groundwater management. Moreover, this consultant will help to produce technical documents while ensuring quality and quantity through ongoing field monitoring, data analysis, providing feedback, writing technical reports, developing knowledge management materials, coordinating with partners, and overseeing the program.

D.    Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The major tasks and responsibilities will be:

• Countrywide groundwater situation analysis to understand development and management gaps and way forward.
•  Groundwater management action plan for sustainable management to ensure future safe water supply
• Development of a new project proposal aimed at guaranteeing sustainable access to safe drinking water for children in Bangladesh through a study on integrated groundwater resource management and governance.
• National groundwater monitoring framework development by implementing real-time, sensor- driven groundwater monitoring system complemented by digital data managemen.
• Carry out groundwater mapping and resource assessments in various regions of Bangladesh, establishing a methodology for thorough groundwater management.
• Capacity building of the private sector (local drillers) and community stakeholders to promote safe arsenic drilling practices and effective digital data management.

E.    Deliverables

F.     Payment

The WASH Consultant will get BDT 2,593,360.00 (242 Days) and DSA BDT 225,000 (lumpsum).

G.    Administrative issue: 

1. For timely payment by the HR service provider, the Supervisor will forward the certified attendance sheet and confirmation of received deliverables for the respective period.
2. Stationery and other office equipment will be borne by the community mobilizer.
3. The contractor/consultant will be responsible for paying all taxes as per government rules.

H.     Qualification requirement 

Education:

• Water and Sanitation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Hydrogeology, Water Chemistry, or a related field.
• Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred

Experience: 

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the development field, with a focus on the groundwater mapping, monitoring and management, water supply interventions, arsenic mitigation, water quality and community mobilization.
•  Strong field implementation experience in rural and peri-urban areas, particularly in Bangladesh
•  Proven experience in groundwater management in water stressed/technically difficult areas i.e. groundwater depletion in industrialized areas, arsenic and saline risk areas etc.
• Experience in GoB-UN AGENCY arsenic mitigation projects or approaches is desirable but not essential.
• Special priority will be given to those who have experience in working in the same position 

Desirable:

•  Excellent knowledge of spreadsheets, graphics, and data analysis
• Understand technical analysis and interpretation from different partners
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to travel to rural and semi-urban areas of Bangladesh 
• Experience in coordinating with different stakeholder.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
• Passion and commitment to UN AGENCY's mission and values

I.    Language Requirements 

 Fluency in Bangla and good English communication skills are required.

This position is open for Bangladeshi Nationals only. All candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds can apply for the vacancies. 

The UN Agency prides itself as fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected consultants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Last Date of Application:  December 07, 2025

No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.