ETH- UNHCR- RFP 3666 - R. WASH Consultancy Services

Economic Vulnerability and Water Tariff Affordability Assessment in Somali and Gambella:

Consultancy Services for Economic Vulnerability and Water Tariff Affordability Assessment in Refugee Camps of Somali and Gambella Regions, Ethiopia

UNHCR, through the Regional WASH (R-WASH) Project, seeks to engage a qualified consulting firm to conduct an Economic Vulnerability and Water Tariff Affordability Assessment in Awbare, Shedder, and Kebribeyah refugee camps in the Somali Region and Kule, Nguenyiel, and Tierkidi refugee camps in the Gambella Region. The assessment will support the planned transition from humanitarian-funded free water provision to a sustainable tariff-based water service delivery system effective from 1 January 2027.

The assignment aims to assess the socioeconomic conditions, vulnerability status, livelihoods, and affordability of refugee households to determine their capacity to contribute to water service costs while ensuring equitable access to safe water services. The study will establish a household affordability and vulnerability classification framework, identify households requiring full or partial subsidies, estimate subsidy requirements, and assess the financial implications of tariff implementation.

Using a mixed-methods approach combining household surveys, secondary data analysis, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and stakeholder consultations, the consultant will develop evidence-based recommendations, targeting mechanisms, and tariff support options to facilitate an equitable, financially viable, and sustainable transition to utility-managed water services.

The consultancy is expected to be completed within Max of 12 weeks, or less than 12 weeks or 3 months, culminating in a validated assessment report, affordability and vulnerability database, household targeting model, and actionable recommendations to guide water tariff implementation and safeguard vulnerable refugee households during the transition period.