Water Programs Advisor , Kabul- Afghanistan

Ministry of Energy and Water

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 Water Programs Advisor 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 Programs 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 Water Programs as counterpart, with assistance from the CTAP Capacity Development team and other relevant staff and advisors, the Water Programs Advisor will: • Leading and managing of subordinates to achieve the strategic goals of the ministry. • Participation in planning and preparation of Master plan of water sector of the river basins. • Preparation of effective and efficient programs on establishment of new water infrastructures for utilization of existence resources. • Design of effective programs to reduce the impact of drought and floods in coordination with other relevant departments. • Control of technical working regulation for water sectors infrastructures to submit to the relevant authorities. • Preparation of constructions programs to use technical methods of rain water harvesting and flood control. • Assigning of team to prepare the primary survey of projects for primary design of water projects. • Monitoring of the economical and Technical design of new water projects and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in direct coordination with department of planning and donor relation department. • Design and implementation of professional programs for capacity building of water sector engineers and efficiency of work. • Carrying out program assessments in support of defining new programs, projects, or guiding work plans of existing projects; • Designing water resources management activities in support of MEW's Capital Investment Plan (CIP); • Establishing and maintaining internationally recognized standards, also ensuring that partner agencies and beneficiary stakeholders understand and accept these standards; • Ensuring program development of efficient operation and maintenance of developed infrastructure; • Other tasks and duties assigned by Deputy Minister Water.

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 management 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; • 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.

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..