Consultant for development of a policy to integrate energy efficient and earthquake resistance techniques in local development plans

Overview:

The Aga Khan Planning and Building Service, Pakistan (AKPBS,P) is a not-for-profit agency that works towards improving housing conditions of rural communities in Pakistan. Two of its flagship programmes include:

• The Building and Construction Improvement Programme (BACIP): By offering low-cost energy-efficient and home improvement (EE&HI) products and technologies (such as fuel-efficient stoves, water-warming facilities, wall insulation etc.) AKPBS,P brings about socio-economic, health and environmental benefits to rural households.
• The Habitat Risk Management Programme (HRMP): By mainstreaming disaster risk reduction techniques into infrastructural development AKPBS,P ensures that houses, schools and public buildings are earthquake resistant.

The Programme also undertakes non-structural mitigation activities such as trainings for school children and other community members on disaster preparedness, response and more. AKPBS,P is currently implementing a UNDP-GEF funded project titled “Promotion of Energy Efficient Cooking, Heating and Housing Technologies (PEECH)”. This Project - initiated in April 2009 and to be completed by March 2013 - is being implemented in nine valleys (approximately 32,100 households) of the districts of Gilgit, Ghizer, Chitral and the Sindh province of Pakistan. The key objective of the Project is to promote energy-efficient products and earthquake resistant construction techniques through market-based systems with the participation of local communities, public sector organizations and private entrepreneurs.

Scope of consultancy:

The objectives of this consultancy are to critically review existing risk assessment studies and develop a Gilgit-Baltistan & Chitral (GBC) specific earthquake risk assessment report with identification/selection of at least two local communities for risk assessment through community dialogue. The consultancy will also include the development of land use planning strategies for at least four villages in GBC to demonstrate risk reduction technologies that are appropriate and replicable for other villages in GBC as well as coastal areas of Sindh.

Requirements:

• One international and one local consultant with proven expertise in one of the following areas: Land Use Planning, Geology or Engineering with strong experience in hazard assessment of mountainous terrain.
• Well-qualified PhD or MSc in any of the above sectors with a minimum of 10 years experience. For B.Eng at least 15 years experience in the relevant field must be required.
• Experience of working with projects supported by multilateral institutions, including Government of Pakistan, UNDP and the World Bank, would be an advantage.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to speak Urdu would be an additional asset.