Consultant for Water Accounts

National Consultant for the Development of Water Accounts in Morocco

Terms of Reference

You can access a printable version of the ToR here

1. Project Context

The High Commission for Planning (HCP), Morocco's official statistical agency and custodian of the national accounts, has undertaken various initiatives to develop sectoral accounts integrating environmental and economic data.

In 2003–2004, the HCP piloted the development of integrated water accounts for part of the Oum Errbia watershed, in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Water and the United Nations.

Currently, within the framework of Moroccan–Danish cooperation, the HCP has launched a new initiative to compile comprehensive national water accounts. This effort is supported by Statistics Denmark, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The objective is to enhance the integration of water resource data into economic planning and policymaking.

This technical assistance initiative, running from late 2021 to 2026, will provide support in the form of expertise, training, and knowledge exchange. It focuses on three key areas:

1. Development of a water account through the evaluation of water stocks and flows, resulting in a national water database aligned with economic accounts.
2. Analysis of accounts, including assessment of the economic benefits, distributive impacts, and key drivers of water resource changes.
3. Capacity building and policy dialogue, including training, technical workshops, and awareness-raising activities to promote the integration of environmental data in policymaking.

To support the development and analysis of the accounts, the HCP seeks the services of a National Consultant (NC) in environmental-economic accounting (referring to the key areas 1 and 2 mentioned above).

 2. Objective of the assignment

The main objective is to support the development of water accounts in accordance with the SEEA Central Framework and the Moroccan System of National Accounts (SNA).

3. Organisational set-up

The consultant will work with the HCP, Statistics Denmark, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, and other key institutions, under the guidance of a Steering Committee (SC) and, where applicable, a Technical Working Group (TWG).

4. Scope of services

The Consultant will work closely with designated focal points and stakeholders to carry out the following tasks:

• Collect the required data in line with SEEA and SNA standards. Data should be compiled in Excel spreadsheets and accompanied by metadata describing data sources and compilation methods. This includes:

- Physical accounts

- Monetary and hybrid accounts

- Asset accounts and water resources assessment

• Draft a technical report documenting data sources, methods, and account compilation processes.
• Develop data sheets and key indicators that demonstrate how environmental indicators can be integrated into national accounts and economic policy frameworks.
• Prepare workshop presentations and contribute to technical and stakeholder meetings.
• Identify and propose relevant indicators that support evidence-based policymaking. Work closely with stakeholders and Statistics Denmark to identify data gaps and finalize indicators for dissemination.

5. Deliverables and timeline

The Consultant will be responsible for the timely delivery of the following outputs:

General Deliverables:

• Compiled datasets and water accounts
• Metadata and methodological notes
• Technical reports on data sources and compilation methods
• Presentation materials and meeting reports

6. Duration of Assignment

The duration of the assignment will be determined after the consultant has been chosen, based on the estimated number of working hours from the chosen consultant. The duration of the assignment will not exceed the timeframe of the overall program. There will be a mutual probationary period (TBD). A potential extension of the assignment will depend on the progress of the program and consultant performance.

7. Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Advanced university degree in economics, statistics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of professional experience in economics, environmental accounting, or statistical analysis.
• Strong knowledge of the SEEA Central Framework and experience with water accounts is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated expertise in data management, database development, and data analysis.
• Solid understanding of water resource management, related policy issues, and institutional frameworks.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with government institutions and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in French.
• Fluency in Arabic and/or English is considered an asset.

8. Reporting and Confidentiality

The Consultant will report to the National Project Coordinator and the Head of the Project Coordination Group (CP/GTT). All deliverables must be validated by the HCP and the project coordination team.

The Consultant is bound by professional confidentiality. Any data, documentation, or information shared during the course of the project may not be used or disclosed without prior written consent from the HCP and the project coordination team, both during and after the assignment.

9. How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A detailed CV
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation
• References or evidence of similar past assignments
• The number working hours for each described deliverable
• A budget (hourly/daily rate) for carrying out the assignment

Send your application to:

Chief Advisor and Project Manager

Klaus Munch Haagensen

kmh@dst.dk

Subject line: Application – National Consultant for Water Accounts

10. Deadline for applications

31 July 2025