Senior Water Resources Engineer in Kabul- Afghanistan

Pursuant to Decree No. 4239 signed by His Excellency, President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in September 2008, the Ministry of Energy and Water (“MEW”) is tasked with establishing an independent regulator and carrying out energy policy for the power sector. This includes drafting an electricity law, which establishes the regulator, and defines the duties of the MEW in the development of power sector energy policy. The MEW will need to provide substantial political leadership to achieve the establishment of electricity policy necessary to help stimulate and encourage socio-economic growth on the expedited basis that is needed. The Deputy Minister of Energy will need to provide political support within MEW to introduce the development and implementation of electricity policy as part of a wider initiative to engage the private sector in the power sector. The Civilian Technical Assistance Programme (CTAP) is an Afghan government programme that aims to create stronger government institutions with more effective structures, efficient processes and skilled personnel. It assists Afghan government organizations to implement capacity development and performance improvement programmes by providing them with skilled international technical experts and capacity development advisors. On behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Water, CTAP is now seeking to fill the position of Senior Water Resources Engineer to work in ministry of energy and water’s Water Programs directorate, under the management of the deputy minister for water. This position is open to international passport holders only: Afghan expatriates and nationals of regional countries are especially encouraged to apply.

Nature and scope of assignment:

This assignment involves supporting a government-led capacity development program within the Ministry of Energy and Water Energy, Water Deputy Minister. Under the supervision of the Deputy Minister for Water, the successful candidate will provide technical advice, management support and technical inputs required to allow the Ministry of Energy and water to achieve its objective of building Water Resources that can provide an efficient and timely matters of all the Water related issues and services that it needs to implement its strategy. The successful applicant will be expected to work with and through his/her Afghan national counterpart, and to progressively transfer skills and responsibilities to them. This position does not involve management or line responsibilities.

Duties and responsibilities:

Working with the director of Water Programs as counterpart provides a broad range of water resources planning, engineering and policy assistance to the Ministry of Energy and Water, with assistance from the CTAP Capacity Development team and other relevant staff and advisors, the Senior Water Resources Engineer will: • Participate in developing a holistic strategic plan for moving the water sector activities into development phases; • Participate in overseeing the management and planning of work plans and objectives for the effective implementation of the MEW's Capital Investment Plan (CIP); • Providing technical assistance to field projects in water sector systems design and operations and in support of MEW's Capital Investment Plan (CIP); • Conducting monitoring and evaluation in support of MEW's Capital Investment Plan (CIP); • Contributing to professional development of staff and providing staff training; • Establishing good relationships with projects’ stakeholders; • Developing proposals that are responsive to the needs of the MEW; • Participatory Quality Control and Program Monitoring and Evaluation; • Establishing and implementing program monitoring and supervision system; • Contributing to budget processes and monitoring budget expenditures; • To travel on regular basis to various MEW project locations to give technical and management support; • Assess staff capacities and develop recommended plans of ministerial training needs; • Assist in coordinating technical staff training when necessary; and • Provide other technical advice and duties as requested.

Deliverables:The deliverables of the advisor are:

• Report on Water policy roles, duties and functions of the MEW, with recommendations for technical assistance and mentoring/training necessary to permit implementation. • Report on the role of MEW in the water resources. The report will address recommended: a) organizational structure, b) staffing requirements, c) assignment of responsibilities, d) training and capacity building areas, and e) next step critical path items. • Report on technical assistance provided by advisor and any mentoring/training activities undertaken in support the MEW.

Skills, experience and qualifications required

Experience:12 years total with at least 6 years relevant Nationality:International Gender:Any

Qualifications:Knowledge • Qualified water resources engineer with a proven practical background in Afghanistan water Sector; • Proven experience of participating in different project contexts, complex situations, and insecure environments; • Knowledge of participatory techniques and experience in designing and implementing programs requiring high levels of stakeholder participation; • Working knowledge of hydraulic, hydrology, hydraulic structures and surveying; • Good managerial and training skills including experience in staff supervision in complex working environments, and demonstrating proven ability in capacity building; • Familiarity with applying international standards; • Computer skills including MS Office, MS Project, e-mail and Internet applications; and • Excellent command of English language. Working knowledge of Dari/Pashto desirable.

Skills • Ability to maintain effective performance under pressure or adversity; ability to handle stress; managing own personal growth and development continuously; managing emotions and stresses positively, adapting to change; • Taking decisive actions to achieve goals in formulative environments and changing contexts; analyzing and diagnosing problems with depth and insight; displaying sound judgment, and decision making; providing creativity and innovation. • Working with others to achieve goals; resolving conflict successfully; building rapport, communicating effectively and maintaining relationships within changing conditions. • Partnership approach

Qualifications • Degree in engineering with a specialization in water resources management, with a Master’s degree preferred; • At least 15 years of experience in water resources development and related fields; • Ability to work well in difficult environments; • Outstanding interpersonal and team building skills; and • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of Dari Language is highly desirable.

Afghan expatriates and nationals of countries in Afghanistan’s region are especially preferred for this position.

How to apply: 

Application should be completed online via jobs@ctapafghanistan.org. Please submit your cover letter and CV by registering on CTAP website. Only short listed candidates whose background and experiences corresponds to the above criteria will be contacted for further consideration. CTAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer..