UTILITY FINANCE SPECIALIST, Ethiopia (Ref. UFS, 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) Analyze and evaluate the regulatory framework for water services provision in Hawassa;
b) Develop tariff designs for water services as well as billing and collection systems;
c) Support the project team in designing water sector reform initiatives and the implementation of innovative financing approaches to water and sanitation investments;
d) Develop strategies for micro finance activities in Hawassa;
e) Assist in the development and implementation of capacity building and training programs with regard to utility financing;
f) Coordinate and establish useful links with partners and financial institutions involved in water and sanitation reform and finance;
g) Assist and advise in the development of medium and long term capital investment plans and financing strategies for the utility.

Qualifications and Experience:

a) At least a Masters degree in Finance, Economics or Business Administration;
b) A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in utility finance or related activities;
c) Knowledge in financing of infrastructure at municipal level is an advantage;
d) Knowledge on challenges of regulating water service provision is also an advantage;
e) Comprehensive knowledge of financial information systems and reporting;
f) Experience in designing and structuring the financing of infrastructure projects for water supply and waste management;
g) Experience in financial planning and forecasting, ideally in tariff setting;
h) Proficiency in English (written and spoken) and Amharic is essential.

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