Program Officer - Water Resources Management and Development

Code:	NBI-004-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 - Water Resources Management and Developmentthat 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 Water Resources Management and Development, is to facilitate, support and strengthen the identification, preparation and implementation supervision processes for NELSAP natural resources management and development projects for the benefit of all riparian countries. The Program Officer assists the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator in areas of planning, management and monitoring of the NELSAP sub program of Natural Resources Management and Development. 2.    Accountability and Reporting The Program Officer will report and be accountable to the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator in a format and schedule as required. He/she will supervise the project managers, the water resources engineer, the Environmental management Specialist, the Database/GIS Specialist, the water modeler and other regional staff under water resources portfolio as needs arise; 3.    Scope The functions and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Support the Regional Program Coordinator in applying the NELSAP operational strategy in project portfolio management for supported national and trans-boundary natural resources sector operations, and in strategic expansion of the portfolio; and in updating and further developing the operational strategy when required; Undertake and/or lead multi-disciplinary teams in project identification, preparation, implementation supervision and completion of regional investment projects in the NELSAP countries Supervise projects under the Natural Resources Management portfolio to ensure that they are well prepared, are accomplishing the intended objectives and recommend any necessary corrective measures  Provide advice and technical assistance/supervision to consultancies under the NELSAP projects Participate in program Monitoring and Evaluation of Natural Resources management Projects; Undertake coordination activities with regional programs and development partners when delegated; Participate in the procurement of consultants and works under the NELSAP projects; Assist in the coordination of the capacity building activities, including the implementation of short-term training courses for NEL country experts; Assist in Resource Mobilizationensuringthatresources are secured for projectpreparation and implementation of identifedinvestments; Any other duties assigned by the NELSAP Regional Program Coordinator
Preferred Skills:	Qualifications and experience: Graduate degree in Civil Engineering, Physical Sciences or related fields with a post graduate degree or its equivalent in Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Management, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology or other related fields. At least 10 years' experience in project and program management and coordination, including competence and experience in strategic water resources planning and implementation of water resources projects  Demonstrated experience in undertaking project cycle activities particularly project identification, preparation and appraisal and preparation of operational strategies and action plans; Proven ability to build and lead a team of professional staff, and utilize their talent and expertise in a productive way Strong interpersonal relationships and ability to work in a team environment of different cultures and nationalities;  Competence in the use of water related models and software  and their practical application in water resources management and development; Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French is an added advantage; Knowledge of Donors (Sida, AfDB and World Bank) project management procedures, standards and requirements is an asset. Experience working in Africa, particularly the Nile Basin countries 5.    Performance indicators: Program objectives 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 for Water Resources Management and Development 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.