Emory University Ethiopia seeks a consultant to provide professional UAV (Drone) aerial survey services for high-resolution mapping of Anopheles stephensi habitats in Jigjiga City, Somali region.

Request for Consultancy Services

Provision of Professional UAV (Drone) Aerial Survey Services

I. Background

As most sub-Saharan countries continue their push towards malaria elimination, a new threat has the potential to erase decades of public health gains: the invasion of Africa by Anopheles stephensi (an Asian malaria vector found in cities throughout India, Iran. Pakistan, and the Arabian Peninsula). Since it was first detected in Djibouti in 2012. An. stephensi has spread to Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

Recognizing the urgent public health concern posed by the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia and beyond, and acknowledging the importance of international collaboration in vector control research, Emory University in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Jigjiga University, Addis Ababa University and Afar Regional health Bureau has planned to implement a 3-arm luster-Randomized Controlled Trial research entitled "NextGen-Larva Source Management (LSM): using high-res remote sensing and residual larvicides to optimize the control of Anopheles stephensi in urban Ethiopia".

Project Objective: The research program will develop a method for rapid and efficient LSM implementation in urban centers that relies on the integration of remote sensing. machine leaming/deep learning algorithms and web-based apps which will be used to guide the delivery of residual (long-lasting) larvicides.

To achieve this objective, the project is structured around 3 working packages (WPs):

• Automated Mapping of An. stephensi habitats using remotely sensed data by satellite, aerial survey imagery, drone photography, and Al/deep learning algorithms.
• Integration of habitat maps into a mapping and operational tracking tool for the purposes of larval source management, created by Zzapp Malaria, who will develop an app interface suitable for LSM activities in urban areas.
• Quantify the entomological impact of residual (long-lasting) larvicides during the dry season and its impact on the density and spatial distribution of An. stephensi during the subsequent rainy season.

II. Scope of Work

For the purposes of the research aimed at creating automated mapping tools for the identification of expanding mosquito larval habitats, Emory University Ethiopia seeks a consultant for the provision of professional UAV (Drone) aerial survey services. The consultant is tasked with generating high-resolution aerial photogrammetry maps covering the six designated sites in Jigjiga City, each approximately 0.5 km2, Somali region. The successful consulting firm may extend its service to Samara and Logiya following a satisfactory deliverable from the current assignment.

III. Duration and Place of Work

The areal drone service is expected to commence in early May 2026 at Jigjiga town, Somali region and the final delivery should not exceed four weeks (these include communication with regional concerned officials, seeking for permission, conduct UAV (Drone) aerial survey services, data processing and sharing row data and final report

IV. Deliverables

• High-Resolution Orthomosaic Map (GeoTIFF format): A true-to-scale, high-definition aerial photograph of the site.
• Raw data: aerial and ground (optional) raw data collected.

V. Required Qualifications and Experience

• A legal firm has surveying and drone technology services and expertise
• Experience collecting aerial imagery by UAV in Ethiopia, preferably Somali region.
• Capacity to capture high resolution aerial data, delivered in a geometrically corrected Orthomosaic, scalable map. Capacity to deploy drones that can capture high-resolution imagery.
• capturing high-resolution imagery, which is more than sufficient for generating detailed
• Orthomosaic maps at the specified area size.
• Provide raw aerial data.
• Provider will secure permits and notifications to ensure compliance with ECAA, INSA and NISS requirements.
• Provider will determine feasibility and safety through the provision of a site reconnaissance.
• Provider will determine equipment; project seeks drones capable of capturing high resolution and multispectral imagery if possible.
• Provider will create automated flight plan in communication with Emory's team.
• Provider will share operational proposal and details of the time and effort, the plans for data processing and Orthomosaic generation, as well as data quality checks and photogrammetry processing details.
• Interest and affinity to work with an international team representing a collaborative network of university researchers concerned with advancing technological mapping tools for malaria control.

VI. Emory University Ethiopia's Obligations

• Provide orientation and relevant documents.
• Review and provide feedback on draft report.
• Arrange ground transportation, including flights if included in the agreement.
• Pay professional/service fees as per agreed rate in two installments. Taxes may apply as per the budget breakdown and payment modality be proposed by the applicant based on the agreement to be signed.

VII. Application Requirements:

• Technical and financial proposals separately in sealed envelopes along with application letter, CV of the professionals, renewed license,
• Company profile, minimum of three work completion certificates, agreement copies and contact details from previous clients,
• VAT registration certificate, TIN number, Legal license copy - Drone Usage Authorization, Technical specification of the drone equipment and copy of all rights and legal license

VIII. Application Process:

Interested bidding companies/firms meet the above criteria are invited to submit to the required documents to Emory University Ethiopia Country Office, located around Bole Medhanialem Church, in front of Yugo City Church, on the 3rd floor of building, on or before April 19, 2026 Close of business.

Tender details

• Deadline: 2026-04-19
• Bid closing time: 17:00
• Bid opening: 2026-04-19 17:00
• Bid opening (note): No Specific Opening Date and Time
• Region: Addis Ababa
• Publishing entity: Emory University
• Published: Apr 12, 2026
• Posted at: 2026-04-14T08:19:49.000Z