Flood Management Consultant

CARE Overview
CARE established its presence in Lebanon in 2006 and has been responding to the Syrian Crisis since late 2012. Among CARE’s key imperatives is putting people it serves first through implementing cutting edge programming in areas it operates. CARE currently carries out activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Akkar, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. CARE implements both emergency and development projects contributing to livelihood, food security, protection, gender, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene. It targets the most vulnerable people and populations, both host communities and refugees. Over the course of 7 years, it has supported over than half a million beneficiaries. In Lebanon, CARE’s program strategy for the upcoming years will focus on strengthening and expanding its emergency response and capacity to provide basic assistance services while pursuing development projects in areas of food security and livelihood support, gender, and protection. CARE intends to maintain its presence in all areas of Lebanon. CARE Lebanon has scaled up rapidly over the past few years and today it has about 90 staff members, with more than 15 different local/international partner organizations. 90% of the team is composed of national staff, with a symbolic number of international members. 

Project overview
The main objective of this project responds to WFP, Strategic Plan and Theory of Change pathways to improve the resilience of individuals, households, communities, and systems in the face of economic and climatic shocks and stressors affecting the food security, nutrition and wellbeing of Lebanese and displaced women and men in vulnerable areas.
The intervention is equally aligned with WFP’s Goals to achieve zero hunger, feed the hungry poor, enhance food security, reduce malnutrition while keeping a gender lens on the general approach and contributing to reducing protection risks and applying gender transformative and disability inclusive practices. The project partners will work on one outcome at the Individual, Community, and System Levels in North and South Lebanon to accomplish the following in AFDAL IV project: Enhance resilience to climate change/shocks, increase productivity, access to market, and overall improve employability and income generation opportunities within the food system. 

Objectives
The main objective of this consultancy is to conduct a thorough assessment of the flood-prone areas in Heker Dahri and Semmakieh to identify the necessary interventions that will reduce flood damage. The assessment should consider hydrological, geographical, agriculture and environmental factors and propose solutions that do not adversely affect neighboring villages.
This activity will involve an in-depth study aimed at identifying effective interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of floods. The assessment will begin by collecting and analyzing historical and current data, focusing on catchment characteristics, river morphology, existing hydraulic structures, and the effects of climate change. Hydrological and hydraulic modeling will be used to understand flood dynamics and assess the risks posed to local communities and infrastructure.
Based on the findings, the study will propose a mix of engineering and natural solutions. Engineering recommendations may include designing better drainage systems, retention basins, and levees. Natural solutions might involve reforestation and restoring wetlands. The study will also offer policy recommendations to improve land use planning and floodplain management. Additionally, community-based strategies like local early warning systems and flood preparedness plans will be suggested to enhance local resilience.

Scope of work:
The consultant/firm will be responsible for the following tasks:
• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and analyze existing data on flood occurrences, rainfall patterns, river flow, and topography of the targeted areas.
• Field Assessment: Conduct on-site assessments in Heker Dahri and Semmakieh to evaluate the current flood damage, infrastructure conditions, and environmental impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to gather insights and validate findings.
• Identification of Vulnerabilities: Identify key vulnerabilities in the region that contribute to flood risk, including natural and man-made factors.
• Development of Intervention Strategies: Propose specific interventions that will reduce flood damage while ensuring no adverse effects on other villages. This may include structural and non-structural measures, policy recommendations, and community-based approaches.
• Participate in the community event where the findings will be presented.
• Reporting: Prepare a comprehensive report detailing the findings, proposed interventions, and an implementation roadmap, including timelines and estimated costs.

Deliverables:
The consultant/firm is expected to deliver the following:
• Inception Report: Within two days of contract signing, outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
• Interim Report: Midway through the consultancy, summarizing initial findings and progress.
• Final Report: A detailed document covering all aspects of the assessment, including data analysis, identified vulnerabilities, proposed interventions, and recommendations for implementation.
• Presentation of Findings: A final presentation to key stakeholders summarizing the findings and proposed interventions

Duration
The consultancy will be for a maximum of two months from the date of contract signing. The proposed timeline is as follows:
• Week 1: Submission of the Inception Report.
• Week 2-3: Data collection and field assessment.
• Week 4: Stakeholder engagement and analysis.
• Week 5: Submission of the Interim Report.
• Week 6: Final analysis, report writing, and submission of the Final Report.
• Week 7-8: Presentation of findings to stakeholders.

Qualifications
 Proven experience in conducting hydrological and environmental assessments, particularly in flood-prone areas.
 Expertise in flood risk management, environmental engineering, or related fields.
 Strong analytical and reporting skills.
 Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies.
 Previous experience working in Lebanon or similar contexts is an asset.

Application Process
Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit the following:
• A technical proposal detailing the methodology, work plan, and team composition.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget breakdown.
• Relevant qualifications and experience, including previous similar work.
• A sample of previous reports or studies conducted.