UTILITY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, Ethiopia (Ref. UTS, Ethiopia)

Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa (SUWASA) Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa (SUWASA) is a new regional initiative financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Tetra Tech ARD (a company based in the USA) through the regional office in Nairobi, Kenya. The mission of SUWASA is to foster the transformation of water and sanitation services delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve long-term financial sustainability through the application of market-based principles, engagement of the private sector within a conducive policy and regulatory framework. SUWASA is implementing a project in Hawassa in cooperation with the City Administration of Hawassa and the Hawassa Town Water Supply and Sewerage Service Enterprise (HTWSSSE) with the objective of transforming the utility into a more efficient and autonomous organization and stimulating the adoption of performance based management practices based on commercial principles.
Key Responsibilities:

a) Provide technical inputs and support to the project in design, implementation and reporting;
b) Provide specific technical inputs on all aspects of utility operations and management – and ensure effective quality control in this area;
c) Assist in designing programs that lead to water audits, leak detection exercises, waste control, water demand management and other relevant technical investigations to control Non Revenue Water;
d) Assist in the preparation of reports, scheduling and leading meetings, advising management, and re-writing operating manuals;
e) Assist in the design and implementation of the utility’s business plan and contribute to the development of a capital investment program;
f) Conduct forecasting through planning for the utility’s infrastructure development;
g) Assist in the provision of corporate services and management information on the utility’s performance and provide strategic and analytical support to all functions.
h) Assist in implementing the performance agreement between the Town Water Board and the utility that provides transparent and measurable performance standards, targets, and associated incentives.

Qualifications and Experience:

a) At least a Masters degree in Engineering, Economics, Business Administration or Utility Management with a first degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.
b) A minimum of 6 years of professional experience, with a proven track record in utility operations, project Knowledge of the issues and challenges of the water and sanitation sector in urban areas of Ethiopia is an advantage
c) Ability to conduct investigations of complex issues involving water utility systems and practices;
d) Proven track record in strategic planning, establishing goals, objectives and priorities;
e) Experience in preparing technical reports and making verbal presentations, explaining issues in a clear and concise manner;
f) Experience in working with computer software such as Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, design packages and other applications.
g) USAID experience is an added advantage;
h) Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and Amharic is essential.

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