MS Access Expert

1. Background

Under the Resilient Water Solutions Against Climate Change in Jordan and Lebanon project, funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented in partnership with the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and UNICEF, a Water User Association (WUA) has been established by a group of farmers, with legal support, to ensure fair and sustainable management of irrigation water distribution.

The WUA operates as an independent community-led governance body responsible for coordinating, managing, and maintaining local irrigation systems. To ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight of its activities, the WUA is required to organize and digitize its records, including financial transactions, assets, inventory, operational expenditures, and member registry. For this purpose, a customized data management system using Microsoft Access will be developed.

2. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to design and implement a user-friendly Microsoft Access database to support the WUA in managing its operations in an integrated and efficient manner. The system should enable the WUA to easily record and track financial transactions, membership records, inventory, assets, and other relevant operational data.

The consultant will also be responsible for training the WUA treasurer (and/or designated staff) on the use of the system and developing a simple user manual (booklet) covering data entry, invoicing procedures, and generating reports for WUA leadership and auditors.

3. Main Tasks and Responsibilities

A. Database Development

• Design and develop a Microsoft Access database tailored to the operational needs of the WUA, along with a user manual, and train the WUA on the Access database.
• Create functional modules for:
  • Financial management (income, expenses, member payments, billing, receipts)
  • Membership registration and records
  • Asset and equipment management
  • Inventory tracking
  • Operation and maintenance logs
  • Data analysis and report generation
  • Any additional modules identified as necessary in consultation with the WUA

B. Capacity Building

• Provide practical, hands-on training to the WUA treasurer and/or relevant staff on the use of the system.
• Develop a concise written manual explaining:
  • Data entry procedures
  • How to prepare invoices and financial statements
  • How to generate summary reports for the WUA board and external reviewers

4. Required Profile and Qualifications

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in database development, preferably using Microsoft Access.
• Experience working with community groups, cooperatives, agricultural associations, or NGOs is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of financial tracking and organizational data management.
• Ability to train non-technical users; strong communication skills in Arabic and English.

5. Supervision and Coordination

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the CATRA/LOST Project Manager and in close coordination with members of the Water User Association.

NB: LOST has a zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are required to adhere to the code of conduct, which enshrines the principles of PSEA, always (Both during work hours and outside work hours). Familiarization with, and adherence to, the code of conduct is an essential requirement of all staff, in addition to related mandatory training. All staff must ensure that they understand and act in accordance with this clause.