Project description
The Water, Sanitation and Waste Management department aims to help our partners in the water and environmental sectors in developing countries become more agile and equipped to respond to today’s challenges. We do this by implementing projects that use public-private cooperation, systems thinking and data-driven approaches to advance the 2030 development goals.
We view water as an enabler and impact-multiplier that has the potential to generate positive spillover effects across SDG agendas, revitalize jobs and ensure global health, rather than a rival for limited resources. This requires innovative ideas, new models of collaboration, fresh approaches to mobilize and channel investment and technology solutions at scale and speed.
Therefore, we are looking for experienced water experts who can lead and shape projects in technology, finance, institutional strengthening and multi-sector partnerships that address the systemic gaps and inequities in our global water systems. We are looking for experts with a track record of catalyzing multi-sectoral leadership to support collective action, advancing latest insight and policy in water sector development, and a deep understanding of the risks and opportunities that water presents for a successful transition to a green economy.
Job description
We are currently seeking an experienced O&M Expert in the water sector to join our expert team. The O&M Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the accompanying measures for water and sanitation investments at utility level. This position involves engagement in development cooperation projects in various countries.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive technical review of (i) utility infrastructure (Water supply and sewer networks, treatment works, pumping stations and stormwater drainage) and (ii) existing standard O&M procedures.
- Identify gaps in existing O&M procedures and define holistic capacity development measures to maximise existing asset utilisation and improve the capacity of the service delivery including preparedness for managing disaster and climate risks.
- Support technical infrastructure planning that actively promotes gender balanced and inclusive community participation, civil society/disability people organisation engagement.
- Develop and implement modular training system and support its roll out.
- Review and update Public Service Agreements that define O&M obligations utilities and third party service providers.
- Support procurement of equipment for effective implementation of O&M measures.
- Support asset management, including GIS based asset inventory, preventive maintenance and repair for water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems.
- Creation / support of a team for repair that can efficiently respond to pipe breaks and or other system failures.
- Establishment of database for repair and maintenance management system.
- Development of an asset management and maintenance plan that ensures cost-effective service delivery.
- Support the development and update of O&M manuals.
- Review, update and / or define Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key assets in water supply, sewerage and stormwater drainage.
- Utilisation and maintenance of technical databases and software applications (SCADA, GIS, hydraulic modelling, etc.).
Qualifications
- A minimum of 8 years of experience working as Water Supply / Wastewater Engineer with focus on O&M processes. Experience in rural contexts is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of water utility operations and performance improvement including definition and monitoring of key performance indicators and benchmarking, incorporation of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion considerations and climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives into infrastructure planning.
- Proven record of know-how in asset management, preventive maintenance and organisation of repair works. Understanding of dynamic infrastructure criticality and prioritization of measures in resource-scarce environments in the context of climate change.
- Proven experiences in implementation of capacity development measures related to O&M processes.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication, presentation and report writing skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in development cooperation projects in different countries is preferred.
- Engineering degree in a relevant field.
- Excellent command in written and oral English language is a prerequisite, proficiency in French language is desirable.
Application
In case you wish to be considered for the position, please send us your tailored CV.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
At GFA Consulting Group, we embrace the strength that comes from diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where your unique skills and perspectives are celebrated. We look forward to hiring new colleagues who identify with this appreciation of diversity. We welcome applicants irrespective of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, social origin, religion and beliefs, disability and chronic disease, age and sexual identity. Your skills and motivation are our only decision factor! We would like to encourage you to apply and bring your talents, skills and personal life experiences to enrich and advance our joint endeavours.
Contact Person
Marisa Ludwig Marisa.Ludwig@gfa-group.de
Apply for Job