Technical Specialist – SADC Groundwater Management Institute

The Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through efficient productive systems, deeper co-operation and integration, good governance, and durable peace and security, so that the region emerges as a competitive and effective player in international relations and the world economy. SADC has the goal of fostering cooperation and mutual benefit from the resources of the region amongst its members. In an effort to promote organizational excellence SADC seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code	SADC/2011/GMI/002
Post Title	Technical Specialist – SADC Groundwater Management Institute
Organization	SADC Groundwater Management Institute
Post Location	Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
Duration	3 years (probation period up to 3 months)
Closing Date	March 19th 2011

Background

Responding to the issues and challenges facing groundwater management in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), SADC identified the need for an institution to raise the understanding of groundwater management through research, knowledge management, coordination, awareness and capacity building. This Institution established is the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (GMI) and will address issues of concern and become a center of excellence in groundwater in the SADC region and internationally. This institution’s vision is to “ensure the equitable and sustainable use and protection of groundwater, as well as being a centre of excellence in the areas of groundwater drought management and management of groundwater dependant ecosystems in the region”.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Incumbent is to provide technical support to the Director of the SADC GMI and SADC Member States to coordinate and facilitate the design and implementation of (research, development, capacity building etc) programmes in line with the strategic mandate of the GMI. This post requires high level technical understanding of groundwater management. The Incumbent reports to and is accountable to the GMI Director.

The incumbent will:

• Support to the GMI Director in the development and operating of the GMI; Develop projects, programmes, courses and other activities to move forward groundwater management in the SADC region;
• Provide strategic support with regard to policy direction, including alignment of operations to strategic outputs and assist with the interpretation of the mandate of the GMI into strategic objectives;
• Drive capacity building and groundwater management programmes of the GMI in line with the strategic business plan;
• Serve on the senior management team of GMI to set policy, define objectives, develop marketing and operational plans;
• Initiate, manage and supervise the GMI’s technical groundwater projects and programmes;
• Draft terms of reference and funding proposals for research projects and programmes;
• Develops and maintains relationships with SADC member representatives and relevant institutions, and establish the reputation of the SADC GMI;
• Liaise with international, SADC based organizations and governments on capacity building and support initiatives;
• Provide support to the Director with regard to the development of relevant MoUs and contracts to facilitate effective management of strategic relationships with other groundwater institutions;
• Identify with member states and SADC Water Division, opportunities and priorities for research and development related to groundwater management, monitoring and capacity building; and,
• Supervise day-to-day activities associated with the implementation of programmes and projects for the GMI.

Required Selection Criteria Competencies

• Expertise in groundwater and an in depth understanding of the issues facing its management;
• Ability to interact effectively with and represent the organization to a wide range of clients and stake holders in multiple organizations and cultures;
• Excellent negotiation, multi-cultural, and inter-personnel skills, with experience and demonstrated skills in networking with Ministry level-partners, donors, private sector, national and international NGOs, and local community-based organizations;
• Extensive knowledge of SADC legal framework and operating environment;
• Strong management skills, including ability to provide strategic guidance, technical oversight, prepare workplans, and manage budgets and project expenditures;
• Excellent inter-personnel and consensus building skills, with the ability to foster a strong team environment and mentor staff;
• Excellent written, analytical, presentation and reporting skills;
• Use of a range of management tools to ensure effective running of the programmes;
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping and decision making skills;
• Team working, flexibility and good inter-personal skills;
• Problem solving skills in day-to-day and crises situations. Calm under pressure;
• Be able and willing to travel extensively regionally; and,
• Be self-motivated, versatile and ability to motivate diverse teams.

Education/Experience/Language

• At least 10 years of working experience in groundwater or natural resources management or related fields with recognized technical expertise;
• A Masters or Phd. level degree in groundwater, natural resource management, water resources or related field;
• Experience with project development, design and management;
• Proven experience with ToR, proposal, report writing, and management plan development;
• Experience in the management of complex projects at transboundary and /or national levels;
• Experience and skills in networking with Ministry level-partners, donors, NGOs, and local community-based organizations. Experience in the implementation of participatory projects is an advantage.;
• Demonstrated writing, presentation, and reporting skills;
• Experience with work and travel is SADC member states is preferred;
• Excellent computer skills, including MS office programs (Pastel/MS Excel/MS Word/MS Project);
• Excellent knowledge of English (oral and verbal); and,
• Fluency in SADC Languages (French, or Portuguese) is desirable.

Submission of Applications

Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated SADC Personal History Profile (http://www.sadc.int/jobs) via e-mail to semakalengh@unops.org cc: to philipb@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title in the subject line when applying by email.

Remuneration

A competitive package commensurate with the level of qualification and experience, similar to comparable positions in regional institutions.

Additional Considerations

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• SADC reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.
• SADC residents are encouraged to apply