US Aid Latest Job Vacancy in Zambia: Project Management Specialist – WASH
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Project Management Specialist – WASH.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The incumbent is a senior Zambian technical advisor and assistant manager on water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and water resources management. As a member of the USAID/Zambia Economic Development Office’s (EDEV) Feed the Future Team, the Project Management Specialist conducts analysis and ensures good knowledge management; identifies assistance needs; advises USAID management, implementers, and counterparts; designs programs; manages acquisition and assistance (e.g. awards and contracts); and represents USAID externally, including to the public, the private sector, NGOs, other USG agencies, and international organizations.
The Specialist’s counterparts include government policy makers (e.g., Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of National Planning and Development), water utility companies, and other technical experts. The incumbent focuses on the implementation of the U.S. Water Strategy and the USAID Water and Development Plan, which are derived from guidance within the Paul Simon Water for the World Act (2014).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A. Education: A master’s degree in environmental management, water resources management, public health, or in a water-related specialty, such as nutrition, water sector program management, or natural resources management.
B. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing programs relating to water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, with a proven track record of key accomplishments. Expertise in the areas of sustainable rural water supply, basic sanitation improvement, hygiene promotion, water resources management, and nutrition, especially done in support of water and sanitation access improvements, sector policy reform, and program design is desirable. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy formulation, providing technical leadership, and program management is required. Experience working with private sector engagement, and familiarity with water utilities and/or governance issues are a plus.
C. Post Entry Training: The incumbent will possess professional level technical training and skills required to perform the duties/responsibilities required of the position. Post entry training will be focused primarily on the Agency’s established policies, procedures and regulations that govern: 1) USAID-specific Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR) responsibilities/duties; 2) USAID-specific activity management and procurement systems; and 3) USAID-sponsored training in Introduction to the Program Cycle (IPC) and Project and Activity Design Implementation (PADI). Organized formal training (both internal & external) determined to be in direct support of the position may be provided from time to time at the discretion of the supervisor.
D. Language Proficiency (List both English and host country language(s) proficiency requirements by level (II, III) and specialization (spread): English (level IV) fluency must possess wide vocabulary of development nomenclature.
E. Job Knowledge: Expert knowledge of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues and development priorities in Zambia is required. Thorough knowledge is required concerning Zambia’s WASH sector, including NGOs, government agencies, and business involvement. Comprehensive knowledge is required regarding Zambia’s economics, politics, social and cultural characteristics (including customary land governance, cultural norms, etc.), institutions, leadership, and development history. Broader knowledge of WASH issues in Africa and in other regions of the world is a plus.
F. Skills and Abilities: Solid ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate projects, programs and activities is required. Ability to contribute to government policy and budget formulation. Competence, experience, and maturity in dealing with government officials and international organizations.
Ability to identify significant economic, political, and social trends and assess their importance and potential impacts on USAID development assistance objectives and projects. Must be able to work effectively in teams, both internally and in inter-agency working groups. Proven skills to work effectively in cross-cultural situations and in highly charged political environments.
Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must possess Knowledge Management skills, specifically the ability to obtain, analyze, evaluate, organize and preserve, and present data in meaningful terms, including to the Zambian public. Ability to contribute to strategic communications efforts. Strong communications skills both verbally and in writing. Ability to follow through on USAID project management issues. Familiarity with USAID regulations and contracting procedures. Must be able to undertake field travel throughout Zambia. Must be proficient with online platforms, such as Google Drive, Mail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.