Utility Operations Specialist (UOS) at RTI International

Main Objectives

• The main objective of this position is to build capacity of the State Water Boards (SWB) in general utility operations including financial, commercial, HR, managerial, and operational aspects of the SWBs to improve their financial and operational viability.
• In this respect the position will support the SWB to have adequate capacity for budgeting, financial management including reporting, billing, collection and other revenue generation ventures. This means developing accurate, transparent accounting systems and strengthen transparent financial management.
• Support the SWBs in budgeting processes for the utility operations, design appropriate tariffs based on the tariff review study and accurate and reliable customer data base.
• Facilitate the development of appropriate organizational structures and other HR related functions for the transformed SWB.
• Facilitating the development and execution of incentives and performance-based contracts including defining performance monitoring and assessment approaches with clearly defined KPIs.
• Support prioritization and use of public private partnerships to improve delivery of water and sanitation services. Identify innovative cost recovery mechanisms and service delivery models. Support prioritization and use of local, own-source revenue to improve delivery of water and sanitation services.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least a Master's degree in Finance, Commercialization, Economics, Organizational Development, HR or any of the Accounting qualifications or such related fields.
• A minimum of Master's degree and 6 years of experience or Bachelor's Degree and 10 years of experience post qualification experience in any of the above areas
• Expertise in performance and utility performance improvement and specific expertise in areas including HR management, strategic planning, training and capacity building, financial management, and/or customer satisfaction and engagement
• Experience in designing public/private partnership in any infrastructure sector though in the water and sanitation would be an advantage.
• Experience in designing and undertaking financial management systems, evidence-based budgeting.
• Knowledge and understanding of utility finance electricity or water i.e. cost structure of utility operations, major cost centers,
• Knowledge of the key components of a utility tariff and what to take into account when designing such a one.