Latest Jobs at the West African Power Pool (WAPP)

Project Background

• The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It brings together 14 countries of the regional economic community.
• WAPP is made up of public and private companies involved in the production, transmission and distribution of electrical energy in West Africa.
• The 330 kV North Core project consists of the construction of a 330 kV transmission line over a length of approximately 875 km between Birnin-Kebbi in Nigeria and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, passing through the Niamey region in Niger.
• The project also links Benin, in the Malanville region, through Niger. The project is co-financed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and the Government of Nigeria.
• Given the regional dimension of the project, and in order to improve its coordination, the Energy Ministers of the North Core countries have agreed to set up an institutional framework that provides for the creation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) to assist, among other things, in the development and physical implementation of the project.
• The PMU consists of a central unit based in Abuja, Nigeria and will also have local offices in each of the countries involved in the Project.
• The Project PMU (Central Unit and Country Offices) is supported by a Consultant Engineer recruited mainly to ensure the supervision of construction works undertaken by the Contractors.

Job Description

• Reporting to the Country Coordinator, the Contracts Engineer will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of contractual obligations by the Companies awarded construction contracts in the country of his/her jurisdiction.
• He/she will also have a functional relationship with the Senior Technical Coordinator of the central PMU.

Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of the Contracts Engineer include the following:

• Put in place and ensure the effective management of quality and progress monitoring systems with respect to the contractual aspects of the project being undertaken in the country and provide periodic or comprehensive reports on deviations and trends identified;
• Ensure that all personnel deployed to construction sites in the country are familiar with the terms of the contracts being executed on behalf of the Project;
• Ensure that companies awarded with contracts adhere to both the technical and legal terms of their contracts;
• identify risks that could affect the normal progress of work or impact contracts and propose mitigation measures during implementation of contracts awarded as part of Project activities in the country;
• Participate in the examination of claims, modification requests, evaluation of pending works and preparation of a list of reservations and defects during acceptance operations (completion, operational acceptance, final acceptance);
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes in the country and inform the Procurement Department of any possible adjustments to contracts;
• Ensure that all deadlines and conditions stipulated in contracts are met (e.g. payments and shipments);
• Participate in periodic site coordination meetings between the Contractors and the Consulting Engineer;
• Countersign attachments with representatives of Contractors and the Consulting Engineer;
• Ensure compliance with the project implementation schedule and costs in the country;
• Maintain an organized physical and digital filing system for monitoring of construction sites;
• Submit periodic progress reports to the local PMU Management including challenges encountered and outstanding issues;
• Ensure administrative coordination of the entire North Core Project Country Office team (missions, leaves, staff evaluation in collaboration with sector units of the central PMU, fleet management, etc.);
• Coordinate with other agencies and government departments, the required hygiene, safety and health measures for all project activities;
• Provide technical management and coordination of the interfaces between national projects and the North Core Project.

Profile

• Hold a minimum of a University Degree (BAC+5 minimum) in the field of Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Engineering or related fields;
• Have a minimum of five (05) years of post-qualification professional experience in the management of a contract for major works;
• Must have managed a minimum of two high voltage transmission line projects or two HV transformer substation projects;
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the relevant regulations and procedures of international donors (World Bank, ADB, AFD, European Union and others), particularly in the area of procurement. Demonstrate, in this regard, good mastery of the standard contracts of these donors;
• Must be currently working with the countrys National Electricity Company.
• Have a good command of the use of basic computer software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, PowerPoint...) and the use of the Internet.
• Demonstrate experience in administrative and people management

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to work in a team environment and under pressure;
• Demonstrate integrity and excellent work ethic;
• Have the ability to provide effective supervision.

Language:

• A major requirement for this position is proficiency in English.

Duration:

• The duration of the assignment will be 24 months with a probationary period of six (06) months. The successful candidate will be placed on standby during the project implementation phase and will work with the National Electricity Company for a period of at least two (2) years to ensure a smooth transfer of the infrastructure after commissioning.

Reporting Obligations:

• The Contracts Engineer will be required to prepare an activity report at the end of each month for submission to the Country Coordinator of the Project Management Unit.
• He/she will also contribute to the preparation of quarterly and annual reports of Project activities as well as prepare detailed reports to address specific problems that arise during contract execution as and when necessary.

Constraint related to the position:

• Work under pressure.

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Project Background

The 330 kV North Core project consists of the construction of a 330 kV transmission line over a length of approximately 875 km between Birnin-Kebbi in Nigeria and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, passing through the Niamey region in Niger. The project also links Benin, in the Malanville region, through Niger. The project is co-financed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and the Government of Nigeria.

Given the regional dimension of the project, and in order to improve its coordination, the Energy Ministers of the North Core countries have agreed to set up an institutional framework that provides for the creation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) to assist, among other things, in the development and physical implementation of the project. The PMU consists of a central unit based in Abuja, Nigeria and will also have local offices in each of the countries involved in the Project.

The Project PMU (Central Unit and Country Offices) is supported by a Consultant Engineer recruited mainly to ensure the supervision of construction works undertaken by the Contractors.

Job Description

• Under the direct supervision of the Contracts Engineer of the local PMU, the Transmission Line Supervisor will be responsible for working in close collaboration with the Consulting Engineer of the Projects Owner's Engineer and the National Electricity Company, in order to supervise and ensure the execution of tasks as part of the high voltage lines construction project to be undertaken by Companies recruited for this purpose.
• The Supervisor will also have a functional relationship with the technical team of the central PMU.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Transmission Line Supervisor will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of EPC contractors in coordination with the Consulting Engineer. He/she will prepare progress reports for the Country Office, with a copy to the PMU-HQ, as well as monitor the execution schedule of works. He/she will be in permanent contact with the National Electricity Company to ensure technical coordination of works.
• He/she will perform his/her tasks in accordance with contracts signed with the construction companies based on international and donor standards, namely the World Bank, ADB, AFD and EU.

Specific tasks include:

• Prepare progress reports on the execution of works, in line with the required frequency;
• Ensure that the implementation of the project complies with contract specifications and applicable international standards;
• Ensure that the project schedule is adhered to in the execution of construction works;
• Assist in the preparation, organization and conduct of site meetings with project stakeholders;
• Participate in validation of the nature of the soil for the pylon foundations;
• Participate in electrical tests and measurements on the line as well as in commissioning;
• Coordinate interfaces among the contractors;
• Coordinate interfaces with the National Electricity Company or any other party involved;
• Control the quality and quantity of line supply items and spare parts;
• Gather all relevant construction information, anticipate and identify problems and risks that may arise and recommend necessary actions;
• Evaluate and advise on all proposed technical variation justifications or claims;
• Understand environmental issues during project execution and advise firms on compliance with specifications;
• Respond effectively to any other tasks assigned to him/her by the Contracts Manager or the Central PMU technical team.

Profile
The Transmission Line Supervisor shall:

• Have a minimum of Degree in Electrical, Electromechanical Engineering or related field;
• Have at least 5 years of proven experience in the maintenance of high voltage transmission lines (HV) or have proven experience in one (01) HV transmission line construction project;
• Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of HV transmission line engineering, including conductors, insulators, structures and foundations;
• Have a good knowledge of civil engineering with respect to transmission lines;
• Have a good knowledge and understanding of topography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• Must be currently working with the countrys National Electricity company;
• Have practical experience in project planning and monitoring software such as MS-Project/Excel.

Skills and competencies:

• Excellent planning and project management skills;
• Ability to manage work with little or no supervision;
• High level of initiative and ability to work with little or no supervision;
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with contractors and other parties involved in the project.

Language:

• The Transmission Line Supervisor must be fluent in English.

Duration:

• The duration of the contract is 24 months with a probation period of six months. The successful candidate will be placed on standby during the project implementation phase and will be required to commit to working with the National Electricity Company for a period of at least 2 years to ensure the operation and/or maintenance of the infrastructure after commissioning.

Reporting Requirements:

• The Transmission Line Supervisor will be required to submit weekly implementation and progress reports, as well as monthly and quarterly project reports.
• These reports will include information, tabulated progress, schedule updates, quality, safety and risk identification of the project and pending and forecasted work.

Constraint related to the position:

• Extensive travel within the project areas.

go to method of application »

Project Background

• The West African Power Pool (WAPP) is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It brings together 14 countries of the regional economic community.
• WAPP is made up of public and private companies involved in the production, transmission and distribution of electrical energy in West Africa.
• The 330 kV North Core project consists of the construction of a 330 kV transmission line over a length of approximately 875 km between Birnin-Kebbi in Nigeria and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, passing through the Niamey region in Niger. The project also links Benin, in the Malanville region, through Niger. The project is co-financed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Agence Française de Développement, the European Union and the Government of Nigeria.
• Given the regional dimension of the project, and in order to improve its coordination, the Energy Ministers of the North Core countries have agreed to set up an institutional framework that provides for the creation of a Project Management Unit (PMU) to assist, among other things, in the development and physical implementation of the project. The PMU consists of a central unit based in Abuja, Nigeria and will also have local offices in each of the countries involved in the Project.
• The Project PMU (Central Unit and Country Offices) is supported by a Consultant Engineer recruited mainly to ensure the supervision of construction works undertaken by the Contractors.

Job Description

• Reporting directly to the Contracts Engineer, the Finance and Administrative Assistant will provide support in the execution of the day-to-day activities of the Unit with regard to all administrative and employee issues.
• S/he will ensure that assigned tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently and in accordance with the policy and procedure guidelines of the North Core Project.
• The incumbent will also support the Finance Department in the financial management of the local PMU and in the preparation of required financial reports, in keeping with the Project's financial reporting procedures and guidelines.
• To this end, the job holder will have a dotted line reporting relationship with the Accountant and the Administrative Officer of the central PMU.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The key duties of the Finance and Administrative Assistant include the following:

Administrative Management:

• Ensure effective implementation of administrative, financial and accounting procedures manuals;
• Support the Country Coordinator in the daily management of Project activities;
• Provide all local PMU staff with the administrative support required for the performance of their duties;
• Identify suppliers of goods and services required for the proper functioning of the local PMU;
• Initiate the selection procedure for suppliers and service providers required by the local PMU;
• Prepare Purchase Orders for signature by the Country Coordinator;
• Prepare supply and delivery vouchers for supplies and services provided;
• Coordinate the drafting of Project related correspondence;
• Ensure that all travel documents for local PMU staff are prepared promptly (mission orders, mission budgets, tickets);
• Ensure a filing and archiving system for all administrative and financial documents of the local PMU;
• Prepare minutes of meetings;
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Country Coordinator.

Financial and Accounting Management:

• Support the preparation of provisional budgets for the operations of the local PMU offices to be submitted to the Country Coordinator for review and transmission to Management of the Central PMU;
• Prepare provisional cash flow plans and follow up on their implementation;
• Prepare and present for approval by the Country Project Management, cheques and funds transfer requests on operational accounts held with local banks;
• Ensure that general accounts of the local PMU are properly maintained;
• Follow up on the implementation of the budget and regularly report discrepancies between forecasts and actual values to the Country Coordinator;
• Justify the use of all advances received from the central PMU;
• Support the Country Coordinator in the follow up of disbursement requests;
• Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of internal controls;
• Participate in the preparation of financial reports for submission and approval by Management in line with the standards and frequency required by Donors;
• Ensure that all necessary documentation is available for internal and external audits of funds managed by the local PMU;

Employee Management:

• Ensure that all mandatory employee management records are maintained;
• Maintain an attendance book and submit related reports to local PMU Management;
• Ensure that individual files of local PMU staff and Project documentation are maintained;
• Ensure the transfer of salaries of the local PMU staff;
• Receive requests for leave of absence from staff and forward them to the appropriate authority;
• Initiate, on behalf of the Country Coordinator, the annual performance evaluation and rating of staff in order to determine whether to renew their employment contract or not;
• Ensure implementation of training plans for staff of the Projects Implementing Agencies as well as for local PMU staff;

Asset Management:

• Ensure that stocks and equipment acquired with local PMU funds are protected and can be checked at any time;
• Ensure that all measures are taken to locate and identify equipment acquired with funds provided to the local PMU and other beneficiaries;
• Ensure that staff use the assets judiciously;
• Draw up inventories of fixed assets according to a pre-established schedule;
• Manage fixed assets and any other consumables required for the proper functioning of the local PMU;
• Manage fuel;
• Ensure security of the premises;
• Ensure that access keys to the various offices entrusted to him are properly kept.
• Ensure the maintenance of project equipment;

Profile

• Minimum of a University Degree in Accounting, Finance, Management, Administration, Economics or similar disciplines;
• At least five (05) years of professional experience in administration and financial management;
• Have at least two (02) years experience in administration in line with the rules of international donors (World Bank, ADB, AFD, European Union and others);
• Proficiency in the use of a management software package such as TOMPRO, SAP or similar. Proficiency in TOMPRO in particular would be an asset;
• Demonstrate experience in electronic document archiving;
• Proficiency in relevant computer software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, PowerPoint) and Internet usage.

Reporting Requirements:

• The Administrative and Financial Assistant will have to prepare end of month activity reports to be transmitted to the Country Coordination of the Project Management Unit. He/she will also contribute to the preparation of the quarterly and annual reports of the Project activities

Attributes and Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to work in a team environment and under pressure;
• Good communication skills (oral and written), ability to take initiative and demonstrate professional integrity;
• Be conscientious and efficient in achieving results;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Language:

• A major requirement for this position is to have a good command of English (reading, speaking and writing).

Duration:

• The duration of the mission will be 24 months with a probationary period of 6 months.