1. Background about Oxfam in Uganda

Oxfam is a global movement for change that empowers people to create a secure future, just and free from poverty. We believe that everyone has a right to safety, security, a livelihood, and a say in decisions that affect them. In Uganda, our Vision is to see Uganda free of inequality and Injustice: A society where people, particularly women and young people, claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities and influence decisions that affect their lives. Our work is guided by the Country Strategic Framework (CSF) (2021-2030), organized around four themes: Governance and Accountability, Resilient Livelihoods, Humanitarian preparedness and response and Gender Justice and Women's Rights. All the themes work towards influencing policy and practice, youth and women empowerment, inclusive participation in decision-making at various levels, and capacity strengthening of national and local actors.

  1. Information about the Project

Mercy Corps, CARE, Oxfam, CECI, AYAN, and ICAN South Sudan – together with 10 private sector actors (PSAs), UNEP CCC and the SOLCO partnership – have joined forces to deliver the second phase of the SUpporting STronger Access to INnovative Energy Solutions in Displacement Settings (SUSTAINED) programme. This 12-month intervention strengthens the foundational work led in Bidi-Bidi, and expands it to Rhino Camp – continuing adopting a Market Systems Development (MSD) and ecosystem approach, while deepening its gender integration and policy influence work. 

The SUSTAINED II programme will continue responding to the clear need for linkages to facilitate the entry-end expansion of quality private sector actors into displacement settings, whilst ensuring that vulnerable populations can access quality products and services, in a safe, supportive environment. 

SUSTAINED II will deliver integrated interventions across three pillars:

  • Demand activation, led by CARE and Oxfam, focuses on shifting behaviors through tailored community engagement and awareness campaigns, the promotion of climate-smart agriculture linked to solar water pumps, and a new hybrid compensation model that transitions sales agents into private sector-led operations.
  • Supply-side strengthening, led by Mercy Corps, provides technical assistance to both new and established private actors, expands the range of supported technologies—including solar refrigeration, clean cooking, and SHS for enterprises—and pilots financial innovations such as a carbon aggregator, concessional lending through Humenergi Uganda Limited, and access to global climate finance to improve affordability. In addition, SUSTAINED II will collaborate with GIZ and IOM to strengthen e-waste management systems in Rhino, linking private sector actors to existing recycling infrastructure while running behavior change campaigns to improve environmental outcomes.
  • Enabling environment development, led by CARE with support from all partners, leverages new partnerships with UNEP CCC and SOLCO to amplify national advocacy efforts, strengthen coordination with government actors, and position SUSTAINED II at the forefront of Uganda’s energy policy dialogues through active engagement in major national platforms

Expected impact: 

  • 250,000 individuals reached through CCS and PUE awareness campaigns.
  • 113 groups (60% women-led) strengthened in Rhino Camp and Bidi-Bidi.
  • 30+ technicians and sales agents trained and integrated into ESCO operations.
  • €250,000+ in loans disbursed through Humenergi Uganda Ltd to ESCOs and distributors.
  • Gender transformation: women and youth trained and supported as energy entrepreneurs, peer educators, and advocates.
  • Policy influence through national platforms, SOLCO and UNEP CCC partnerships.
  • Environmental benefits through carbon finance and e-waste management integration.
  1. Purpose and Objectives of the assignment
  2. Rationale of the assignment

OXFAM will conduct a water source mapping in Rhino camp refugee settlement for integration of water and energy resource management for supporting sustainable livelihoods to effectively implement SUSTAINED Project interventions. The mapping exercise will provide the foundational data to strategically locate energy-intensive, income-generating activities, such as solar-powered irrigation or agro-processing, ensuring optimal investment in energy infrastructure and maximizing the efficiency of water for irrigation while reducing reliance on costly and pollutant diesel generators. The identification of reliable water sources and understanding their capacity will foster evidence-based planning, sustainable self-reliance of the communities and social cohesion through equitable resource distribution

  1. Overall purpose of the assignment 

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a technology-enabled and GIS-based mapping and assessment of water sources in Rhino Camp to inform Productive Use of Energy (PUE) interventions.

  1. Objectives of the assignment
  2. To identify and geo-reference water sources and determine their availability and suitability to foster uptake and adoption of PUE technologies.
  3. To assess functionality and reliability of the identified water points through community engagement with farmers and propose evidence-based recommendations for water access for PUE in displacement settings.
  4. To develop GIS maps integrating water sources, population and livelihood data for Rhino camp refugee settlement and host communities.
  5. Scope of Work

4.1 Content Scope of the assignment: 

Specifically, the consultant will be required to carry out the following activities/tasks:

  • Conduct field visits throughout Rhino camp to all available water points. Consultant to liaise with local focal persons to be able to locate optimal water points.
  • Conduct a census of all water sources and document them according to number, type, and functionality. Water points of interest include hand pumps and tube wells, shallow wells, recharge wells, deep motorized boreholes, rivers and streams, ponds, dams, piped water schemes and reservoir tanks, institutional rainwater harvesting tanks, lakes, etc.
  • Review existing hydrogeological and surface water data for each district.
  • Assess functionality of the various water points (working/not working), reliability of the identified water sources, and recommend any needed interventions.
  • Conduct water point inventory and geo-reference for the different water sources/Produce detailed maps, technical reports, and recommendations for pump location prioritization.
  • Suggest a strategy for farmer engagement and sales facilitation aligned with local socio-economic conditions.
  • Compile a comprehensive and detailed report about findings of the consultancy assignment.

4.2 Geographical scope

The lead water sources mapping will be conducted in Rhino Camp refugee settlement and host communities in key sub-counties. 

4.3 Time scope

The assignment will be conducted in approximately 22 days. 

4.4 Key points for consideration

  • The mapping report is strategically positioned to complement the wider consortium (Mercy Corps and Care International) in determining the available water sources in Rhino camp and host communities to inform nature of clean energy technology required.
  • The mapping report is also intended to provide technical data necessary for the implementation of SUSTAINED II project interventions that meet both the immediate needs particularly water for production and the long-term economic growth and sustainability within the communities.
  • The timeline for the delivery of the mapping report is critical.
  1. Study Methodology 

The mixed methodology will be used to deliver the water source assessment/mapping including desk review, GPS-enabled field surveys, GIS analysis, community consultations, and stakeholder validation. Specifically, a comprehensive desk review of existing data, maps, and reports related to Rhino Camp's hydrogeology and current infrastructure followed by rigorous primary data collection, combining geo-referenced field surveys to physically map all water points (functional and non-functional) using GIS, alongside qualitative methods like key informant interviews and community consultations to understand local water access dynamics and Productive Use of Energy (PUE) needs. 

A crucial step is technical analysis, using the results to create detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) maps that overlay water data with population density and potential PUE sites. Finally, the methodology culminates in data interpretation, drafting of the mapping report with clear recommendations, and a validation workshop with all stakeholders to ensure accuracy and consensus on the proposed findings and interventions.

  1. Study Outputs/Deliverables
  • A geo-referenced map that visually presents the location, status (functional/non-functional), type, and key characteristics of all water sources, overlaid with population data, sanitation risks, and potential PUE sites.
  • Draft the mapping water sources report for validation with stakeholders.
  • Final mapping water sources report

NB: All clean dataset(s) and other study materials MUST be handed over to Oxfam in Uganda at the end of the assignment.

Summary reports should also be prepared and packaged in respect to the intended audience.

  1. Timeframe and estimated working days

The consultancy timeline is estimated for 22 days from the date of contract signing.

  1. Qualification and experience of the consultant/team

Oxfam is looking for a qualified consultant, or team of consultants with a background in Water Resources Management, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Energy Economics, Statistics, among others with demonstrated experience in hydrogeological assessments, ArcGIS Pro and water supply feasibility studies, experience in renewable energy and demonstrated capacity to undertake the type of services sought within the indicated timeline and available budget. A master’s degree in the same fields and a minimum of 5-10 years' relevant experience in the WASH or energy sector within Uganda is preferred for this assignment. 

  1. Supervision/management of the assignment

The consultant shall be technically supervised by the Energy and Extractives Industries Coordinator and coordinated by the MEAL person. Email contact: siraji.magaraluyima@oxfam.org. The consultant shall report to the Energy and Extractives Industries Coordinator who directs the exercise in terms of information requirements, backstopping and corrective actions during this consultancy.

  1. Payment

The consultant/team will be paid in accordance with Oxfam consulting policy which stipulates 20% upon submission and approval of the inception report and 80% upon successful completion and acceptance of the final deliverables. The professional fee shall be subject to a 6% withholding Tax deduction for local consultancies.

  1. Submission of Technical and Financial Proposal: 

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application documents: 

  • A technical proposal detailing:
  • Their understanding of the ToR and how they plan to execute the assignment
  • Their availability to start and finalize the assignment within 22 days.
  • Financial proposal.
  • Your financial considerations to execute the assignment.
  • A copy of the CV/s of the consultant/s bidding to conduct the work. 

Please send your applications by 2nd February 2026 to ugandalogistics@oxfam.org

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