Consultancy for Site Engineers

Management of Water Resources and Sanitation for Medium-Sized Cities Project

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FOR THE ENGAGEMENT OF SITE ENGINEER (02)- CONSULTANT IN CHOMA DISTRICT TO SUPPORT SUPERVISON OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS DURING PILOT PHASE IN ZAMBIA AND OVERSPILL COMPOUNDS OF CHOMA.

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all.

Background to the assignment

SNV, with support from KfW Development Bank on behalf of BMZ, is implementing Lot 4 (CBS/FSM) under the Management of Water Resources and Sanitation for Medium-Sized Cities programme in Choma, Southern Province, Zambia. The focus is setting up a business-driven, climate-resilient Container Based Sanitation (CBS) service chain, starting from the user interface/containment to the emptying, transport, and finally treatment and disposal/re-use. To ensure sustainability and local ownership, Lot 4 also supports relevant local actors, including the Southern Water and Sanitation Company (SWSC), the Choma Municipal Council (CMC), private operators, local masons and representatives of women and people with disabilities, with the goal of strengthening their capacities to fulfil their respective roles across the CBS chain, and ultimately to ensure safe, professional and inclusive services for the populations of Zambia and Overspill.

6-month pilot action research on Container-Based Sanitation (CBS) systems is currently being planned in the Overspill and Zambia compounds. The pilot tests multiple CBS toilet designs (wet and UDDT), container handling mechanisms, service workflows, treatment options (including Black Soldier Fly – BSF), and institutional arrangements. The pilot aims to validate the technical, financial, environmental, and institutional viability of scaling CBS services up to approximately 3,000 households through a phased approach.  

To ensure high quality construction and compliance with the approved designs, technical specifications and safety standards during implementation, SNV seeks to engage two (2) qualified Site Engineers to provide full time construction supervision and technical oversight throughout the pilot construction phase.

Objective of the assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to provide professional site supervision and technical oversight to ensure the timely, safe and high-quality construction of CBS pilot infrastructure in Zambia and overspill compounds.

The engagement of two Site Engineers aims to:

Support the SNV Project Engineer by providing day-to-day site supervision of all civil and sanitation works

Ensure that construction activities comply with designs, technical specifications, quality standards, and safety requirements.

Identify, document, and report technical findings, risks, and non-compliance issues to the Project Engineer for appropriate action.

Provide technical input and implement additional duties as assigned by Project Engineer or Project Manager to facilitate successful project delivery.

Contribute to maintaining proper documentation, reporting, and accountability throughout the construction phase.

Scope of Work

The two site Engineers shall provide site supervision services covering all technical aspects of the pilot toilet construction phase.

The scope shall include, but not be limited to:

Day-to-Day Supervision

Monitor daily construction activities including material and tools allocation to Masons

Ensure works comply with approved drawings and specifications.

Supervise excavation, foundation, slab, walling, roofing, plastering, and other installations.

Quality Control

Inspect materials on delivery and allocation

Verify concrete mix ratios.

Check reinforcement before casting.

Identify defective works.

Documentation

Maintain daily site diary.

Maintain photographic records

Prepare weekly progress reports.

Measure works executed.

Prepare draft payment certificates for review by SNV Project Engineer.

Compliance

Ensure health and safety compliance.Health

Monitor environmental protection measures.

Ensure sanitation system integrity.

Report incidents

Technical Support

Provide technical clarification to Masons.

Escalate major issues to the Project Engineer

Recommend corrective measures.

Site Engineers may issue site instructions but only with confirmation from Project Engineer.

Completion Phase Activities

Conduct final inspection of works.

Prepare snag list and supervise corrections.

Provide recommendations for scaling up

Expected Deliverables

The site engineers shall produce:

Weekly site supervision reports (Every Monday)

Monthly progress reports (5th of following month)

Quality control inspection reports (within 24 hrs of inspection)

Technical supervision report (end of assignment)

Lessons-learned technical brief (end of assignment)

Duration

The engagement will span six months, from April to September 2026. This is a full-time engagement requiring an estimated level of effort of 22 working days per month excluding official public holidays. The Site Engineers are expected to maintain regular on-site presence throughout the construction period to ensure continuous supervision and quality control. Any extension or adjustment to the duration of the assignment will be subject to the project needs, performance of the consultant and formal agreement between SNV and the selected consultants.

Location

The assignment will be carried out in Choma District, specifically in the Overspill and Zambia Compounds.

Qualifications and Competences

Academic Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or higher from a recognized institution.

Professional Registration

Registered with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).

Possession of a valid practicing license

Technical Competencies

Proficiency in engineering design and drafting software

Ability to read, interpret, and verify engineering drawings and Bills of Quantities.

Knowledge of occupational health and safety standards.Health

Other Requirements

Willingness to work on-site.

Strong integrity and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Proficiency in local languages (Tonga and Nyanja) spoken in Choma District

Able to independently arrange accommodation and reside in Choma for the six-month duration or more

Supervision and Reporting

The Site Engineers will report directly to the Project Engineer and will be accountable to the SNV Zambia Country Director.

Logistics and Support

SNV will provide the necessary tools and materials for site supervision, including data bundles, airtime and transport logistics if deemed necessary.

Remuneration

The consultant will be paid on monthly basis.

Application

Interested individual candidates should submit their applications, including a detailed CV with at least 3 referees, a financial proposal (fees) and a cover letter by close of business on 20th March 2026 to zambiaprocurement@snv.org with the heading “Lot 4 – site engineer – Choma”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.