Project Officer at International Water Association

Job description

Under supervision of the Regional Director, Ms. Sarah Timbatemwa, with Technical Direction provided by Michael Rouse – University of Oxford – referred as Project Technical Director, the Project Officer is responsible for two general tasks:

1. To produce Inception Reports on outlines for the Development of 5 year Delivery Plans for Lodwar Water Company and also Kitui Water Company in Kitui County
2. To work with Lodwar Water Company in producing its five year delivery plan covering infrastructure and operations to the stage of the beginning of implementation

TASK 1: First 2 Months

• Spend 1 month at each location to identify the development needs of the two water utilities in outline. Inputs will be provided by the water utilities with access to operational and other records. The University of Oxford staff and the University of Nairobi staff working in these locations will provide specific inputs on opportunities for improvement. WASREB, the Water Regulator, will provide performance information on the utilities and specific development needs. Study of all relevant reports including those produced by UNICEF;
• Based on the information collected, produce draft inception reports which will define the approach to be taken, specific challenges and a timetable for producing five year delivery plans;

• With the IWA Regional Director make arrangements for workshops, one at each location, to present and discuss the draft inception reports;
• Finalise the Inception Reports.

TASK 2: Produce 5-year Delivery Plans for Lodwar Water Utility

• Lead the design and development of county water plans in partnership with the county government and all relevant stakeholders;
• Coordinate the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data for analysis and reporting;
• Liaise effectively with national and international partners in developing and delivering water plans for county government;
• Coordinate high level meetings with government, donors and academics under the REACH Programme in Kenya;
• Communicate results effectively in appropriate written and visual formats;

• Prepare forward work plan with the Project Technical Director, the IWA Regional Director and the nominated Liaison Officer of Lodwar Water Utility;
• Develop Draft Plan;
• Organise workshop with IWA Regional Director to discuss draft. All interested parties will be invited;
• Complete County plan.

The above job description is an outline and if necessary it will be adjusted to meet any changing needs of the organization or circumstances. Any revisions will be approved by both the IWA Regional Director and the Project Technical Director.

Required Skills and experience:

• MSc Degree in Engineering, Natural Sciences or Social Sciences;
• Experience in project definition, and experience in planning or water service provision highly desirable;
• Experience in costing using spreadsheets;

• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to communicate with organisation executives, and to work closely with water utility staff;
• A self-starter with the ability to be a motivated individual managed remotely;
• High level computer literacy (Standard software including WORD, EXCEL and POWERPOINT);
• Conversant/familiar with the Kenyan water sector including regulation and the devolved system of governance;
• Experience in working in an international environment an advantage;
• Good written and spoken English;

Work percentage: 100% (40 hours per week)

Duty station: Turkana

Reporting to: Ms. Sarah Tibatemwa, Regional Director

Duration: 12 months