Експерти/ки із здійснення належної перевірки проєктів в сфері водопостачання та водовідведення в пілотних областях UCORD

Expected Start Date:  November 19, 2025 
Location:  online, with possible business trips 
Duration:   November 19, 2025 – December 08, 2025 
Number of Working Days per expert: 17

1. Basic information

Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development Project, UCORD is a technical assistance project supported by Switzerland through the Swiss Cooperation Office in Ukraine (SDC) and implemented by the consultancy company NIRAS Sweden AB.

UCORD aims at citizens, businesses and public authorities to contribute and equally benefit from recovery actions and coherent regional development that fosters improved quality of life, resilience, peace and social cohesion in Ukraine. The project will work in 6 pilot oblasts of Ukraine: Khmelnytska, Sumska, Ternopilska, Vinnytska, Volynska and Odeska oblasts as the starting points, targeting capacity development and awareness-raising initiatives spread through the whole country. UCORD consists of three components:

• Component 1 embeds the regional policy development in Ukraine through supporting and strengthening the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in pilot oblasts.
• Component 2 seeks to improve public services delivery in WASAW (water supply, sanitation and waste management) sector with a focus on the environment.
• Component 3 aims at the construction of social cohesion through culture, dialogue and creative industries.

2. Task context and main responsibilities

Within Component 2, UCORD plans to implement pilot projects in the areas of water supply, wastewater and sanitation. These projects will be implemented in close cooperation with Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in pilot oblasts and will involve a co-financing mechanism using local budget funds. 

Flagship projects will focus on the reconstruction or creation of WASAW infrastructure to improve public service delivery and economic development.  They will include construction works, equipment installation and connection to municipal water supply and wastewater networks based on approved technical documentation. 

To ensure that these investments are technically feasible, financially sound, and institutionally deliverable, UCORD has introduced a structured, expert-led process for identifying and verifying infrastructure projects. This process includes four stages: (1) identification and longlisting of projects, (2) baseline analysis and initial screening, (3) due diligence assessment, and (4) peer review.

This assignment relates specifically to Stage 3 – the due diligence assessment – which follows the identification and baseline analysis already completed by UCORD.

To deliver this stage, UCORD will engage three experts to conduct due diligence assessments in Odesa, Volyn and Sumy Oblast. Each expert will assess the technical, financial, legal, environmental, and institutional feasibility of the pre-selected projects. The due diligence will provide clear, evidence-based recommendations on whether the project is suitable for funding and ready for implementation within the UCORD timeframe.

Number of working days determined in accordance with the specific scope of work per expert. Each expert will conduct due diligence of one pre-selected project in one of the above-mentioned oblasts.

 3. Objective

The objective of this assignment is to carry out comprehensive due diligence assessments of pre-selected water supply and sanitation projects in Odesa, Volyn and Sumy Oblasts. The due diligence will verify the technical, financial, legal, environmental, and institutional feasibility of each project, confirm their readiness for implementation, and identify potential risks. The experts will provide clear, evidence-based recommendations on further actions to support decision-making on project funding and implementation.

The assessments form part of UCORD’s structured process for identifying and verifying infrastructure projects and will serve as a basis for peer review. Subject to endorsement by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), they may also lead to potential invitations to submit formal funding applications.

 4. Scope of work/list of services

4.1 General approach

The experts will undertake due diligence assessments of one pre-selected project in each of the three oblasts: Odesa, Volyn and Sumy. The assessments will begin at Stage 3 of UCORD’s structured process for identifying and verifying infrastructure projects, following completion of the identification and baseline analysis stages.

Each expert will work independently under the UCORD coordination. The experts will rely on project documentation and baseline materials provided by UCORD. They will verify, assess, and validate all relevant aspects of the projects in line with UCORD’s established due diligence framework.

The assessment will be conducted in accordance with the scoring framework defined in the WASAW Concept for Infrastructure Support in Water Supply, Sanitation and Waste Management, applying the standard seven due diligence criteria and the qualitative scoring scale of High / Medium / Low for each criterion.

4.2 Methodology and coordination

The due diligence process will combine desk review and field verification. Each expert will conduct a site visit(s) to the location of the pre-selected project to inspect existing infrastructure and verify technical and environmental conditions. Meetings will be organised with the RDA of the relevant oblast, which will act as the lead applicant if the project is invited to submit a formal funding application. Consultations will also be held with the project partners and implementing entities responsible for progressing the initiative at the local level, as well as other relevant stakeholders as required.

The due diligence assessment will cover the following areas:

4.2.1 Project Eligibility & Strategic Relevance

• Confirm that the project originates from an eligible public entity and is included in the DREAM platform.
• Verify compliance of the project and the activities of the project initiator with the current legislation of Ukraine in the fields of water supply and sanitation, urban planning, environmental protection, and licensing.
• Verify the legality of land ownership or use rights and ownership/operational management rights for infrastructure facilities, and, where applicable, review existing contractual arrangements relevant to the project (e.g. operation, supply, or service agreements).
• Verify consistency with national, regional, and local strategic documents and with the Medium-Term Plan of Priority Public Investments.
• Assess the project’s relevance to improving access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services.

 4.2.2 Technical Feasibility & Design Readiness

• Review the availability and quality of design and cost-estimate documentation and/or feasibility study
• During the site visit(s), inspect the existing water supply and sanitation infrastructure, including networks, treatment facilities, and key equipment, to verify their condition and establish the technical baseline for the proposed investment.
• Assess, where applicable, the operational performance and efficiency of existing water-supply and sanitation systems, including indicators such as unaccounted water losses, network wear and tear, energy consumption, and service quality, to determine the adequacy of the proposed technical interventions.
• Verify the project’s technical readiness, including the consequence class approvals, and environmental permitting status (SEA/EIA).
• Assess procurement readiness and potential constraints affecting timely delivery.

4.2.3 Financial Readiness & Co-Financing Commitments

• Review project cost estimates and confirm that they are realistic and consistent with market prices.
• Verify the existence (written) and reliability of confirmed co-financing commitments from local authorities and/or partners.
• Assess the financial capacity of the implementing entity to sustain operation and maintenance costs following completion.
• Review the project initiator’s track record in implementing and co-financing infrastructure projects over the past five years.

 4.2.4 Community & Regional Impact

• Identify and quantify the expected direct and indirect beneficiaries, providing numerical estimates (population served, households connected, institutions or enterprises benefiting) and data sources used.
• Assess the project’s regional or inter-municipal impact, determining the extent of cooperation between communities and the level of shared benefits (for example, joint systems or facilities serving several Hromada’s).
• Assess the socio-economic, public health, and environmental impact and benefits, including improvements to service access.
• Assess the project’s potential for replication by other communities or regions.

4.2.5 Environmental sustainability and climate resilience

• Verify the need for and/or availability of environmental documentation, including Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE), and relevant environmental permits. Confirm that all documentation complies with Ukrainian legislation and are up-to-date.
• Review the project’s potential environmental risks and impacts, including possible effects on water resources, ecosystems, soil, and air quality, and identify any required mitigation or management measures.
• Assess stakeholder engagement processes and the presence of mitigation measures to manage environmental and social risks.
• Identify the project’s expected positive environmental contributions and resource-efficiency benefits, such as reducing untreated discharges, protecting surface or groundwater bodies, improving drinking-water safety, or promoting more sustainable use of water resources.
• Assess the integration of measures to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and climate resilience (for example, energy-efficiency improvements, use of renewable energy, and adaptation to droughts or floods).

4.2.6 Institutional & Implementation Capacity

• Assess the capacity of the Regional Development Agency (RDA) to lead and coordinate the implementation process of the project, including its experience in managing similar infrastructure initiatives.
• Assess the professional qualifications and experience of staff involved in project preparation, coordination, and monitoring.
• Analyse the capacity of the project initiator and partners to implement the project, including their ability to manage procurement, technical supervision, and reporting.
• Review stakeholder coordination mechanisms to ensure effective communication and timely decision-making during implementation.

4.2.7 Timeliness and feasibility of implementation

• Verify that the project can be implemented within the UCORD timeframe, normally not exceeding nine months after approval.
• Review the implementation schedule and assess the overall readiness to begin procurement and construction immediately following approval.
• Identify potential delays or constraints related to legal, institutional, or logistical issues and propose mitigation measures to ensure timely completion.

Within the scope of this task, UCORD and Regional Development Agencies in Odesa, Volyn and Sumy Oblasts will provide organizational and informational support to the expert.

 5. Expected results

The experts will work independently, following the same methodology and structure outlined in this ToR (please refer to para 4.2.1 – 4.2.7). Experts will be fully responsible for preparing and submitting the due diligence documentation and peer-reviewed report for their assigned project or projects.

5.1 Interim Due Diligence Report

The Interim reports will be submitted in English following completion of the site visit(s), meetings, and desk review. This report will serve as the basis for UCORD’s internal review, before an international peer review process.

Interim Due Diligence Reports shall include:

• Executive summary of preliminary findings.
• Completed assessment across the seven due diligence areas (mentioned in para 4.2.1 – 4.2.7 of this ToR) with initial qualitative scoring (high, medium, low).
• Description of the site visit(s) and consultations held with the RDA, local self-government body, communal enterprise, and other partners.
• Verified list of supporting documentation reviewed, including design and cost-estimate documentation, environmental permits, co-financing confirmations, and other key materials.
• Photographic and mapping evidence, where applicable, illustrating existing infrastructure and project scope.
• Identification of missing or incomplete documents and recommendations for additional information to be provided.
• Preliminary risk matrix outlining key technical, financial, environmental, and institutional risks and suggested mitigation measures.

The Interim Report will be accompanied by a supporting documentation package, consisting of:

• Scanned copies or digital files of all verified project documents.
• Summary table of document status (available/pending/incomplete).
• Notes from meetings and consultations with stakeholders.
• All supporting documents must be referenced in the relevant sections of the report, with hyperlinks directing to the corresponding files in a shared Google Drive folder.

Date of submission of the interim due diligence report – no later than November 28, 2025

5.2 Final Due Diligence Report

Following UCORD’s review and the international peer-review process, the expert will revise and finalise the report.

The final version shall include:

• Updated scoring and narrative justifications reflecting any clarifications or new information received.
• Refined risk matrix with clear prioritisation of critical issues and mitigation measures.
• Summary of peer-review comments and how they were addressed.
• Final recommendations on project eligibility, feasibility, and readiness for funding.

Date of submission of the final due diligence report – no later than December 08, 2025

 6. Qualifications

6.1 Education

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources, construction and civil engineering, or another related field.

6.2 Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in water supply, wastewater and sanitation management in Ukraine;
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English;
• Experience in developing and implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure projects;
• Experience in developing of feasibility studies, due diligence reports or other compliance check reports:
• Experience in cooperating with international organisations.

6.3 Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of national regulatory framework in water supply and sanitation, EU directives and best practices in water supply and wastewater management;
• Ability to analyze complex information, evaluate projects and provide strategic insight;
• Ability to work in a team and independently.

7. Reporting

Reporting is provided in English. Experts  send  deliverables reports upon their completion to Component 2 Lead and to Senior National and Regional Advisor, Component 2.  

Interested applicants should send their proposals to [email protected] no later than 17 November, 2025

The proposal should contain the following documents: 

• A cover letter demonstrating the candidate’s suitability for the position and summarizing relevant experience.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) detailing qualifications and professional experience, including a minimum of three contact references.
• The preferred daily rate.
• Note: Candidates must be registered as a Private Entrepreneur (PE), 3rd group, as this is required for contract signing.