Utility Operations Specialist (UOS) at RTI International

RTI International is seeking to recruit a Niger-based Utility Operations Specialist (UOS) for the USAID E-WASH activity. The UOS will build the capacity of the Niger State Urban Water Board (NSWB) in general Utility Operations, which includes Financial, Commercial, Human Resources (HR), Managerial and Operational aspects with the aim of improving the financial and operational viability of the NSWB.

 Essential Duties:

The UOS will assist with capacity building of the State team to enhance their skills for budgeting and financial management (which includes reporting, billing, collection and other revenue generating ventures). This will involve developing accurate and transparent accounting systems as well as strengthening transparent financial management.

Specifically, the UOS will undertake the following activities:

• Support the (NSWB) in routine 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 organizational transformation of the NSWB.
• Facilitate the implementation of customer engagement strategy, core ideology and corporate culture plans.
• Facilitate the development and execution of incentives and performance-based contracts including defining performance monitoring and assessment approaches with clearly defined KPIs and implementation of the PIPs.
• Facilitate the implementation of Financial Management Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support prioritization and use of public-private partnership to improve delivery of water and sanitation services.
• Support prioritization and use of local, own-sourced revenue to improve delivery of water and sanitation services.
• Identify innovative cost recovery mechanisms and service delivery models.

Qualifications and Experience:

• An advanced University degree (Masters) in Finance, Economics, Organizational Development, Human Resource or any of the Social Science qualifications or a directly related field.
• A minimum of a Master’s degree and 3 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in performance and utility performance improvement.
• Expertise in the following areas- HR management, strategic planning, training and capacity building, financial management, customer satisfaction and customer engagement.
• Experience in designing and undertaking financial management systems as well as evidence-based budgeting.
• Knowledge and understanding of utility finance i.e. the cost structure of utility operations, major cost centers and knowledge of the key components of a utility tariff.
• Experience in designing public/private partnership in any infrastructure sector though in the water and sanitation would be an advantage.
• Experience in a USAID or other development partner programs is an added advantage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates experience in collaborating across project stakeholder groups and donor projects.
• Excellent knowledge and ability to use current MS office applications.
• Possesses excellent organizational skill.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Possesses the ability to work effectively in a team as well as in a multicultural environment.