Project Manager/Coordinator

With funding from the World Bank and in the framework of the water and waste water sector reform program PWA is looking for experienced:

Background:
In the framework of the water and waste water sector reform the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) has applied for co-financing from the World Bank, Sida and AfD towards the implementation of an Emergency Capacity Building Project entitled Technical, Planning and Advisory Team (TPAT). The project aims to facilitate the implementation by PWA of Sector Reform processes, update water supply, sanitation and water resources management strategies towards more effective infrastructure development, improved service provision, and sustainable resource management and develop PWA’s capacity for implementation of water supply, sanitation and water resources management strategies, action plans and programs.
The PWA has been mandated by the Council of Ministers of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to lead the reform in the water sector in Palestine. The PWA has established a Reform Coordination Unit (RCU) to oversee the implementation of the reform process, of which the TPAT represents a key component, under the supervision and guidance of the Minister of PWA.
The RCU is mandated to oversee the reform program implementation. The RCU will provide dayto-
day support to the implementing agencies drawing on in-house expertise but is also planning to hire contractual staff in order to insure a smooth and proper implementation of the TPAT program through the constitution of a Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The PIU will include a Project Manager, a Financial Specialist, a Procurement Specialist and Secretary. The team will be based in the West Bank.

Assignment Objective:
The PWA is considering the appointment of a qualified Project Coordinator to be responsible for managing, coordinating, supervising, monitoring and reporting on the activities related to the TPAT
Project as related to the WB procurement procedures.

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the RCU coordinator/Minister of PWA, the PM/C will be required to familiarize himself/herself with all aspects of the execution of the Project.

More specifically s/he will be responsible for the following:
-ensuring adherence to the provisions of the Grant Agreement;
-supervising and providing guidance, when necessary, to all of the staff dedicated to the TPAT project in regards to the performance of their respective duties and with the aim of ensuring that the team is functioning efficiently within the institution;
-preparing bi-monthly project progress reports (technical, financial and procurement) with inputs from the implementing consultancy firm;
-ensuring maintenance of Project accounts and timely preparation of interim evaluations and financial statements;
-consolidating a semi-annual Report, with inputs from the implementing consultancy company helping to summarize the major outputs of the Project;
-consolidating an Annual Report after the end of the fiscal year, summarizing the major outputs of the Project;
-when needed, assisting in the selection of consultants and specialists to support the drafting of additional terms of reference;
-reviewing and arranging for the review and approval by the appropriate authorities, of all reports, plans, specifications and other material related to the project;
-making necessary arrangements for the procurement of various components of the Project and assisting, when needed, in evaluations and the awarding of contracts related to other programs pertaining to the reform as a whole, either directly and/or through engaging the TPAT team;
-organizing and managing, in consultation with appropriate authorities of any technical assistance, training or fellowship programs included in the Project;
-providing technical assistance to PWA and others on all aspects of sub-projects implementation; and
-coordinating external Technical Audits and/or evaluations to be carried out by a specialized consultant on a needed basis.

Reporting responsibilities
The PIU Coordinator will be hosted at the PWA headquarters in Ramallah, and will be accountable to the RCU.

Essential Required Qualifications, Skills, knowledge and Competencies:
-A Bachelors degree from an accredited university in Management, Business Administration or Engineering, or another relevant field; in addition a master degree in a relevant field is considered desirable;
-At least 10 years of previous relevant experience in project implementation preferably with a World Bank financed project or other international agency;
-Good knowledge of water and waste water sector in Palestine;
-Strong supervisory, interpersonal and staff support skills.
-Ability to motivate and lead employees and encourage decisions to be made within a team environment.
-Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
-Fluency in English and excellent report writing.
-Excellent computer skills, including procurement software
-The ability to work under pressure.

Time Frame and Contract
The duration of the assignment is one year on a full-time consultancy basis, extendable to the full length of the program. The expected start date for the position is between March 1 and April
1, 2011, dependent on the official commencement date of the TPAT project.

CVs and letter of interest have to be submitted to PWA no later than the 15th of March, 2011 to:

Mohammad Shoabi, Acting DG of Admin and Finance

at the following address:

Palestinian Water Authority
Al-Balou`- Baghdad St
2174
Ramallah - West Bank Occupied
Tel. +972 22429022
Fax. +972 22429341