Program Officer –Power Projects

Code:	NBI-005-NEL
Posted On: Closing On:	Monday, 08 December 2014 Saturday, 03 January 2015
Location:	Kigali, Rwanda NELSAP Regional Coordination Unit P.o Box 6759
Education:	Graduate Degree
Duration:	3 year contract renewable once based on performance with the initial 6 months as probation period
Travel:	Extensive Travel within NELSAP Region & NBI
Job Description:	Reports to:         Regional Program Coordinator Duty Station        Kigali, Rwanda The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)/ Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program-Coordination Unit (NELSAP-CU) is an inter-governmental organization initiated and led by the Nile riparian countries to promote joint development, protection and management of the common Nile Basin water resources. NBI has a Shared Vision, namely: 'to promote sustainable socioeconomic development through the equitable utilization of', and benefit from, the common Nile Basin water resources'. The NBI provides a unique forum for the countries of the Nile Basin to move toward a cooperative process to realize tangible benefits in the basin and build a solid foundation of trust and confidence. The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)/ Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP-CU) now seeks to hire a competent and qualified person to fill the position of Program Officer -Power Projectsthat exist at the Nile Equatorial Lakes coordination Unit (NEL-CU) in Kigali, Rwanda. 1.    Purpose The role of the NELSAP Program Officer, in charge of power projects, is to facilitate, support and strengthen the identification, preparation and implementation of NELSAP power projects for the benefit of all riparian countries. The duty of the Program Officer is to assist the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator in areas of planning, management and monitoring of the NELSAP sub program of power projects. 2.    Accountability and Reporting The Program Officer will report and be accountable to the Regional Program Coordinator in a format and schedule as required. He/she will supervise the project managers and the hydropower engineer; 3.    Scope The functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  Provide support to the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator in the coordination of projects for the development of power sub-program in the Nile Equatorial Subsidiary Action, as well as the strategic expansion and management of the sub-program; Identify and prepare investment projects for the development of power sub-program; Provide support to the RPSCs in their efforts to guide and oversee NELSAP projects preparation and implementation; Supervise consultants under the NELSAP Coordination Unit; Participate in RPSCs projects conceptualization; Facilitate better interconnection and increase power trade; Provide support to the RPSC in the scaling-up of the NELSAP Projects Participate in the procurement of consultants for the program activities; Review Program outputs; Assist the RPSCs in the preparation of terms of reference for the procurement of consultants to support the preparation of NELSAP projects; Participate in the procurement of consultants and works under the power projects Undertake appropriate communication activities as instructed by the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator; Assist in the coordination of the capacity building activities, including the implementation of short-term training courses for NEL country experts; Assist in resource mobilization ensuring that resources are secured for project preparation and implementation of identifed investments Any other duties assigned by the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator.
Preferred Skills:	Qualifications and experience: "    The Program Officer shall have a graduate degree in one of the basic engineering fields or an engineering related field. A post graduate training in hydropower engineering or related fields will be desirable. "    At least a minimum of Twelve years experience in project management and coordination, including competence and experience in strategic hydroelectric projects management issues and capacity building and should be familiar with internationally accepted procurement procedures. He/she shall have strong interpersonal skills, and experience working in and facilitating complex regional and sub-regional project preparation  processes;   Knowledge of regional power pools and power trade aspects and agreements is requirement Strong computer skills & experience with modern office software will be  a must; Excellent written, presentation, and reporting skills are required. He/she should be fluent in English.  Working knowledge of French is an added advantage; Knowledge of Donors (Sida, AfDB and World Bank) project management requirements, instruments and  procedures is an asset. Experience working in Africa, particularly the Nile Basin countries, is an advantage 5.    Performance indicators: The objectives of the power program are achieved at acceptable cost, time and quality standards; The program achieves satisfactory progress towards attaining stated results; Analytical capacity strengthened; Enhanced knowledge-based decision making tools; Establishment of a broader base of activities; Development of a strong technical capacity and reputation; Other performance indicators to be added, as need arises.   6.    Duty Station. The NEL SAP Program Officer in charge of power projects will be stationed at the NELSAP CU Secretariat, Kigali, Rwanda, but shall be travelling extensively in the Nile Equatorial Lakes Region. 7.    Employment Terms. The appointment will be on contract for 3 years renewable once based on performance with the initial 6 months as probation period.  However, performance evaluation will be done every year and any unsatisfactory performance may lead to termination of contract. How to apply: Interested and qualified candidates are advised to visit the NBI website at www.nilebasin.org to download the full job description and person specifications, and to submit their applications electronically to the Executive Director at: nelvacancy@nilebasin.org.   Application/cover letters clearly indicating the position and accompanied by detailed curriculum vitae should reach the Executive Director not later than 3rd January 2015. Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.