State Water Coordinator - International Development Agency

1. POSITION VACANT: State Water Coordinator, International Development Agency, Ranchi, Jharkhand

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

Our client is a respected, International Development Agency, that works across the globe to promote children's survival, protection and development.

Project Background

Only 29% of the population in Jharkhand is covered by piped water supply schemes. The State Government has decided to increase coverage of piped water supply scheme to 40% by 2018. The Government has also identified several hindrances that actually prevent successful commissioning of piped water supply schemes. Some of these are as follows:

(1) Lack of Community’s involvement in installation and subsequently Operation and Maintenance (O&M), vis-à-vis the Department’s inability to involve communities in O&M;
(2) High O&M costs and difficulties in collection of water tariff from the users;
(3) Quality of services (of the government schemes) cannot be assured– downtime for minor repair often exceeds two to four weeks;
(4) Difficulties in ensuring house connections and problems in maintenance of standposts.

During the annual review discussion- technical assistance was sought to develop SOP on water supply and training package for Village Water and Sanitation Commitees (VWSCs). Thereafter, both the VWSCs and the SHGs needs to be trained on the salient features of the SOP and the process of widespread replication needs to be supported. The Consultant will provide technical support in developing SOP for Water Security in Jharkhand and provide technical assistance in implementation of water supply and safety.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the overall guidance of the Chief Engineer, Project Management Unit and technical supervisor of WASH Specialist of the International Development Agency, the State Water Coordinator shall be responsible for supporting and strengthening the planning and implementation of Water Security programme with particular reference to Community Based Water Supply and Water Safety and developing network of water quality testing laboratories and reporting mechanisms. The Consultant will provide guidance in preparation of DPRs, technical advice on implementation, maintaining accounts of VWSCs, and NABL accreditation. The Consultant would also support in implementation of water quality surveys in two districts of Jharkhand. 

Key Job Responsibilities:

(1) Coordinate with Government Departments (DWSD and NNP, respective districts for DMFT) to provide technical support in planning, implementation and management of Water Supply programmes in four districts and ODF blocks;
(2) Develop Standard Operating Procedure for Water Security and Safety Planning;
(3) Coordinate with EIC, Chief Engineer, DWSD, SEs, EEs and other DWSD functionaries and PRI members for sanction of DPRs, allocation of funds for installation of the Mini Piped Water Supply Schemes and facilitate process of installation of scheme;
(4) Prepare three days training program for VWSCs on O & M of piped water supply schemes and coordinate with VISWA for trainings throughout year;
(5) Develop training and IEC materials on water quality and security in context of NABL and provide technical assistance for NABL of 5 districts lab;
(6) Support in piloting GIS based water supply monitoring plan.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:
Applicants must have an Advanced university degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, public health, or related field.

Experience:
At least three-five years work experience in rural water supply, rural development, participatory approaches, training and material development.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Thorough understanding and working knowledge of the concepts and principles of the new Water Policy reforms;
(2) A good knowledge of prevailing rules and regulations of the Government of Jharkhand and NRDWSP;
(3) Excellent communication skills in Hindi and English; ability to speak read and write fluently in both languages;
(4) Proven excellent analytical and report writing skills;
(5) Good computer skills and knowledge of MS Office Application Software.

5. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The SWC shall be hired on a consultancy contract through Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd. (SAMS), a respected HR Agency.

6. PROFESSIONAL FEES:

Professional fees of the selected candidate shall be Rs. 80,000/- per month for the period of the consultancy assignment. (Note: Subsistence, Mobility and Contingency support shall be separately provided, to address field travel and related costs incurred by the SWC).

7. LOCATION: Ranchi, Jharkhand

8. DURATION:

The consultancy assignment will be effective from the date of joining till June 30, 2018.

9. REFERENCE: SWC

10. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 2684 2162; 4165 3612
Email: swc@sams.co.in

11. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to apply to swc@sams.co.in with a cover letter, discussing their interest in and suitability for the position, along with an updated resume, giving details of three references, current cost to organization and expected compensation, by May 13, 2018.