Job Description

1. Background and Rationale

The city of Burao is located in an arid to semi-arid environment where groundwater constitutes the primary source of water for domestic, livestock, and small-scale productive uses. Burao serves as the administrative capital of Togdheer Region and lies within the Togdheer drainage basin (wadi system), a seasonal watershed that plays a critical role in surface water flow, infiltration, and groundwater recharge across the region.

However, increasing population pressure, recurrent droughts, and climate variability have significantly strained existing water resources, leading to declining borehole yields, localized increases in salinity, and growing dependence on poorly understood aquifer systems.

World Vision International, through its Somaliland programme, has been implementing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), natural resource management, and climate resilience initiatives targeting vulnerable rural and peri-urban communities. These interventions aim to improve access to safe drinking water, strengthen community resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods in drought prone areas.

As part of its programming approach, World Vision is advancing an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) project in the Burao area, which emphasizes the sustainable and coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources. Complementary national and regional initiatives, including Integrated Land and Water Resources Management programmes supported by partners such as FAO SWALIM, further underscore the importance of reliable data systems and coordinated planning to enhance water resource management and climate resilience in Somaliland.

Despite these efforts, a critical knowledge gap remains in the understanding of groundwater systems, including:

• Aquifer extent and connectivity
• Recharge mechanisms and rates
• Sustainable abstraction limits
• Spatial variability of groundwater quality

The absence of high-resolution hydrogeological data has often resulted in:

• Low borehole success rates
• Inefficient siting of water infrastructure
• Increased investment risks
• Unsustainable groundwater abstraction

In line with IWRM principles, this assignment adopts a watershed-based approach, focusing on the Togdheer basin that underlies and surrounds Burao, recognizing that groundwater systems are hydrologically interconnected and influenced by catchment-scale processes such as runoff, infiltration, and recharge from seasonal river systems (wadis).

This consultancy therefore seeks to undertake comprehensive groundwater mapping across the Burao urban area and the wider Togdheer watershed to generate scientifically robust data and decision-support tools. The results will directly inform ongoing and future World Vision IWRM interventions, improve water supply planning, reduce drilling risks, and enhance the long-term sustainability and resilience of groundwater resources in the region.

2. Objectives

1. Delineate aquifers and groundwater potential zones
   1. Assess aquifer depth, yield, Current and potential aquifer recharge mechanism recharge, and water quality
   2. Produce maps and drilling recommendations

3. Scope of Work

1. Desk study and data review
   1. Field investigations (hydrogeological survey, geophysics, water sampling from existing boreholes)
   2. Data analysis and GIS mapping
   3. Reporting and validation

4. Methodology

Detailed Methodology for Groundwater Mapping

1. Overall Approach

The study will adopt an integrated methodology combining both primary data sources and secondary data sources

• Primary investigations will include; Hydrogeological investigations, Geophysical surveys, Remote sensing and GIS data collection and analysis, Water quality assessment, and Hydrogeological modelling
• Geological study: The geological study will involve the characterization of surface and subsurface geological formations within the Togdheer basin influencing Burao. This will include detailed mapping of lithology, stratigraphy, structural features (faults, fractures, and joints), and weathering profiles. Existing geological maps and borehole logs will be reviewed and validated through field reconnaissance. Particular attention will be given to identifying fractured and weathered zones that control groundwater occurrence and movement. The outputs will inform the interpretation of aquifer systems and guide the siting of geophysical surveys and potential drilling locations.
• Hydrogeological study: The hydrogeological study will focus on assessing groundwater occurrence, movement, and sustainability within the study area. This will include inventory and assessment of existing water points (boreholes, wells, and springs), measurement of static water levels, and analysis of historical pumping data where available. Selected boreholes will undergo pumping tests to determine key aquifer parameters such as transmissivity, storativity, and sustainable yield. Groundwater quality sampling and analysis will also be conducted to assess suitability for various uses. The study will integrate all data to develop a conceptual hydrogeological model of the basin, identify recharge and discharge zones, and provide recommendations for sustainable groundwater development and management.
• Geophysical study: The geophysical study will apply non-invasive subsurface investigation techniques to delineate aquifer characteristics and groundwater potential zones. The primary methods will include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) for depth profiling and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for two-dimensional imaging of subsurface formations. These methods will be used to determine aquifer depth, thickness, lateral extent, and degree of saturation. Survey locations will be strategically selected based on geological and remote sensing analysis. Data will be processed and interpreted using appropriate inversion software, and results will be integrated with geological and hydrogeological data to produce reliable subsurface models.
• Secondary data will be reviewed from geological and hydrogeological maps, borehole logs and pumping test data, climate and rainfall data, and previous geophysical surveys. Key data sources will include;
• Government agencies
• NGOs and development partners
• FAO SWALIM

The approach will be basin-based, covering the full Togdheer watershed influencing groundwater recharge and flow in Burao.

Water quality tests and analysis will be conducted as per the attached protocol. Key parameters for testing will include; PH, TDS, Salinity, Alkalinity, chloride, Fluoride, hardness, Turbidity, Temperature, Nitrate, E-coli,

5. Deliverables

1. Inception report

To be delivered two weeks after contract signing with the following contents

• Detailed methodology
• Work plan, survey design, and schedule
• Team composition and equipment deployment
• Study Area Delineation and Survey Design
• Quality Assurance, Risk Management,

2. Field Survey/Data Collection Report

• Summary of Field Activities Conducted (Locations, dates, and coverage)
• Water Point Inventory (Boreholes, wells, springs)
• Geological Observations (Lithology, structures, weathering profiles)
• Geophysical Survey Data (Survey points, profiles, and raw measurements (ERT/VES)
• Preliminary Field Findings (Initial observations on groundwater potential zones)
• Data Collection Tools and QA/QC Records (Field forms, calibration records, data validation notes)

3. Draft Final Report
• To be submitted on the Eighth week
• Integrated Data Analysis (Synthesis of geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, and GIS data)
• Groundwater Potential Mapping (Classification of high, medium, and low potential zones)
• Aquifer Characterization (Depth, thickness, extent, and productivity)
• Water Quality Assessment (Laboratory results and spatial interpretation)
• Conceptual Hydrogeological Model (Recharge, flow, and discharge mechanisms)
• Preliminary Drilling Site Recommendations (Proposed locations with technical justification)
• Key Findings and Initial Recommendations

The consultant should conduct a comprehensive and integrated analysis of all collected data seeking to understand the catchment area, aquifer dynamics, challenges (natural, socioeconomic etc). This analysis shall serve as basis for drawing recommendations aiming at sustainable water resources management in the study area. The recommendations should include but not limited to strategies to manage and protect the aquifer, water resources use, water quality management, water extraction and aquifer recharge strategies etc

4. Final report with recommendations

• To be submitted at the end of the assignment period.
• Comprehensive technical report
• Groundwater Maps and GIS Database
• Geophysical and Hydrogeological Data Sets
• Water Quality Analysis Results
• Recommended Drilling and Development Plan
• Validation workshop report

6. Duration

Activity and Duration

Tool development and inception report - 1 to 2 weeks

Fieldwork - 2–3 weeks

Data Analysis - 1–3 weeks

Report writing - 1 week

Validation and final report - 1 week

Total - 10 weeks

The whole exercise is projected to take at most 10 weeks

7. Required minimum Equipment (Must accompany the proposal)

1. Resistivity meter (terrameter),
   1. High accuracy GPS device
   2. Water level meters
   3. GIS software (ArcGIS / QGIS) with geophysical processing capability.
   4. Full ERT/VES system with inversion software

Experiences and Qualifications

8. Personnel (the firm must attach to its proposal)

1. Hydrogeologist (Minimum 10 years’ experience)

• PhD in Hydrogeology, Geology, Water Resources Engineering, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (mandatory)
• Registration with a recognized national or international professional body (e.g., Chartered Geologist, Professional Geologist, or equivalent). In the absence of such registration, candidates must demonstrate extensive relevant experience and proven track record in similar assignments.”
• Advanced knowledge of groundwater systems, aquifer dynamics, and recharge in arid/semi-arid environments
• Ability to design and supervise hydrogeological investigations

Strong skills in:

• Pumping test analysis (transmissivity, storativity, yield)
• Borehole log interpretation
• Conceptual hydrogeological modelling

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS)
• Familiarity with groundwater modelling tools (e.g., MODFLOW – desirable)
• Proficiency in GIS (ArcGIS/QGIS)
• Familiarity with groundwater modelling tools (e.g., MODFLOW – desirable)

2. Geophysicist (Minimum 7 Years’ Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Geophysics, Applied Physics, or Earth Sciences
• Master’s degree is an added advantage
• Strong expertise in near-surface geophysics for groundwater exploration

Ability to design and execute:

• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
• Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
• Competence in data interpretation and subsurface modelling
• Proficiency in geophysical software (e.g., RES2DINV or equivalent)
• Integration of geophysical data with geological and hydrogeological datasets

3. GIS Specialist (Minimum 5 years’ experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, or related field
• Postgraduate qualification is an added advantage
• Strong spatial analysis and database management skills

Ability to:

• Conduct watershed delineation and terrain analysis
• Perform multi-criteria analysis for groundwater potential mapping
• Experience in remote sensing and satellite imagery interpretation

Proficiency in:

• ArcGIS / QGIS
• Remote sensing tools (e.g., Google Earth Engine – desirable)
• Data visualization and map production
• Integration of multi-source datasets
• Clear presentation of spatial outputs

4. Water quality expert (Minimum 5 years’ experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Water Quality, or related field
• Master’s degree is an added advantage
• Strong understanding of groundwater chemistry and contamination processes

Ability to:

• Design water sampling protocols
• Interpret laboratory results against WHO or national standards
• Experience in identifying contamination sources and assessing water suitability
• Familiarity with laboratory analysis procedures and QA/QC
• Knowledge of water quality standards and guidelines
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Quality assurance in sampling and testing
• Risk communication

5. Technicians

• Diploma or Certificate in Geology, Geophysics, Water Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

Practical experience in:

• Geophysical survey setup (ERT/VES support)
• GPS data collection
• Water level measurement and sampling
• Ability to accurately follow technical instructions

9. Eligibility

a) Legal and Institutional Eligibility; The firm shall:

• Be legally registered in its country of operation
• Have a valid business license and tax compliance status
• Be eligible to operate in Somaliland (local registration or partnership is an advantage)

b) Core Technical Experience; The firm must demonstrate minimum 5 years of experience in:

• Groundwater exploration and mapping
• Hydrogeological and geophysical investigations
• Proven experience in at least three (3) similar assignments of comparable scale and complexity
• Arid and semi-arid environments (highly desirable)
• Basin/watershed-level studies

At least three references and completion certificates of past completed projects to be submitted.

c) The firm shall have in-house or associated expertise as outlined under personnel section.

d) Equipment and Operational Capacity as outlined under equipment section. Evidence of ownership or formal lease agreements shall be submitted.

10. Proposal Requirements

1. Technical proposal
2. CVs for the key personnel (including copies of their certificates)
3. Equipment list
4. Financial proposal

Authority and Responsibility

The Consultant will be responsible for the following:

The consultants who undertake the assignment will report directly to the WASH Technical Specialist, who will oversee the assignment. Regular consultation meetings will be arranged between World Vision Somaliland and the consultant as needed. The key roles and responsibilities of World Vision Somaliland and the consultant are highlighted below:

World Vision Somaliland

• Ensure that the consultant adheres to research ethics and child protection policy
• Ensure quality assurance throughout study implementation
• Facilitate the consultant to meet partners for secondary data collection.
• Review and approve operational approaches to be used by the consultant.
• Review the draft report and provide feedback to the consultant.
• Approve the final reports contingent on the reports meeting the intended objectives and quality assurances

Consultant

• Develop a technical proposal when bidding for the work
• Develop an inception report before the actual rollout of the study detailing the study methodology and appropriate/relevant data collection tools.
• Incorporate feedback into tools and reports, which the World Vision Somaliland team will give.
• Provide field briefing to the WASH Technical Specialist and WASH Coordinator on progress and any challenges from the field
• Conduct all primary data collection exercises as per the methodology.
• Conduct data analysis for the quantitative and qualitative data,
• Conduct data community feedback meetings and data validation at the regional/national level
• Compile and submit draft and final reports according to the study schedule.
• Do de-briefing on preliminary findings. The result is expected to be shared with the stakeholders, and the consultant needs to give due attention to the quality of the report.

Logistics

The consultant will lead all aspects of the study process; however, the/she will work closely with other members of the WV Somaliland WASH team. WV will cover all in country survey related consultancy and logistical costs, including field movements, hall conference hires, and partner mobilizations. However, accommodation costs will be borne by the consultant.

ANNEX 01: EVALUATION CRITERIA

Evaluation Methodology

The selection will follow a two-stage evaluation process:

1. Technical Evaluation
2. Financial Evaluation

Only firms that achieve the minimum technical qualifying score will proceed to financial evaluation.

1. Technical Evaluation (Total: 100 Marks)

Minimum Qualifying Score**: 75 Marks**

More Details to be provided in full ToR upon Expression of Interest.

We hereby invite Expression of Interest from registered, approved and reputable consultants to provide above-named services to World Vision Somalia.

Skills Required

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