Programme Background:

Under the Austrian Development Cooperation funded Institutional Support Programme (ISP), the Palestinian Water Authority intends to hire national senior experts to provide additional human resources to PWA in critical areas and to further develop the capacity of PWA staff and junior specialists to be hired under the ISP.

The Institutional Support Programme (ISP) will assist the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) "to fulfil its mandated as per the Water Law 2014 through strengthened and effective institutional capacities in the areas of strategic planning, policy formulation, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and resource mobilization. Over three years the intervention will contribute to putting an "effective institutional framework in place for improving water security and sustainable management of water and wastewater services (SDG 6) in Palestine through a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach.

The program's key emphasis will be on enhancing human resources while also allocating resources for operational purposes, research, and the implementation of a Management Information System (MIS).

The water sector receives support from various donors to facilitate essential infrastructure developments, considering the diverse range of contributors involved. The programme will aim to support further institutional development of the PWA.

Over the past decade, the water sector has undergone comprehensive reform, culminating in the adoption of a new Water Law in 2014. This law introduced a clear distinction between policy and regulatory functions, a departure from the PWA's previous role encompassing both domains since its inception. Under the restructured framework, the PWA has taken on all ministerial functions, including policy and strategy formulation.

Scope of Work:

The primary role of the Senior Expert for Sector Reform Coordination and Communication is to provide specialized support to ISP Output 3 – Reform Process, aimed at establishing a coordinated and efficient water sector reform process through the development and operationalization of a new Unit within the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA). This expert will play a pivotal role in advancing the establishment of Regional Water Utilities (RWUs), ensuring effective coordination, communication, and sustainable operation of the reform process with different stakeholders.

The new institutional framework foresees the development of a new Unit to support the establishment of the Regional Water Utilities (RWU), oversee the management and effective operation of the RWU, In addition to maintain its sustainability upon establishment by approving the yearly plans, budget, projects, etc.

PWA needs a focal point (Unit) to coordinate, promote, and monitor the process of established of RWU.  Among the senior experts to be recruited is a Senior expert for utility management, communication and coordination., who will build capacities for the new Unit.

Reform process and establishment of the new Unit is the one of the expected Programme outcomes, therefore the support of the Expert will be esential to achieve the outcome goals.

He/She will focus on developng the full structure of the new Unit, considering the needs, necessary human capacities to be employed and to prepare the working plan of the Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The expert will be responsible for the following overall tasks:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for establishing and functioning the new Unit within PWA.
• Conduct an in-depth analysis of the requirements for the Unit's structure, functions, and human resource needs to support RWU establishment and sustainability.
• Develop detailed organizational charts, job descriptions, and staffing plans for the new Unit.
• Work under the lead of PWA focal point on formulation of policies, action plans, and strategies to guide the reform process and RWU establishment.
• Provide expert inputs to ensure that the policies and plans align with best practices, international standards, and the sector's specific needs.
• Support the establishment of RWU through intensive follow up with local government unit, and service providers.

The expert will be responsible for the following deliverables (to be specified at the onset of the assignment):

• Comprehensive strategic plan for the new Unit's establishment and functioning,
• Organizational structure, job descriptions, and staffing plan for the new Unit,
• Capacity-building programs and training materials for the new Unit,
• Regular progress reports on sector reform, RWU establishment, and sustainability efforts,
• Policy recommendations, action plans, and strategies for the reform process,
• Communication plan and Visibility
• Documentation of stakeholder engagements and collaborative initiatives.
• Support as needed in communication and coordination towards the establishment of RWU.

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Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum academic qualification: Advanced degree in public administration, water management, engineering, or a related field.
• Master degree is preferable.
• 5 years’ experience working on similar assignments.
• Proven experience in leading sector reform initiatives, preferably within the water utility context.
• Experience in utility management, regulation, operations and maintenance, and cost recovery.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Good strategic planning and coordination skills.
• Familiarity with budgeting and financial management processes.
• Excellent command of MS Office and ability to create well-formatted, edited and visually appealing graphs, documents and tables.
• Excellent command of English language (written and verbal).

The contract will be for 1 year extendable as demand necessity, on a full-time basis. The expected start date for the position is the 01st of April 2024. 

Interested consultants shall submit her/his applications including (Cover letter, CV describing similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills, etc.) which must be delivered by email addressed below no later than 14/03/2024.

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