About the position
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract Duration: 18 months (Full-time assignment)
We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Specialist to join the Programme Management Unit of a leading infrastructure-focused institution. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on large-scale infrastructure projects that span critical sectors such as water, sanitation, transport, energy, human settlements, and more - contributing to sustainable national development.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise to ensure robust design, feasibility, and implementation of infrastructure projects.
- Develop project concepts, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and investment proposals.
- De-risk projects by identifying and addressing technical and commercial risks, ensuring projects are bankable and aligned with sector standards.
- Manage the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects and programmes from origination to completion, ensuring delivery within time, scope, and budget.
- Lead project/programme planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Monitor and report on milestones, deliverables, risks, and dependencies.
- Engage with stakeholders across political, commercial, and technical spheres to secure mandates and unlock sector-specific opportunities.
- Support investor confidence through strong technical due diligence and risk management.
- Monitor infrastructure assets post-financial close to ensure intended social, economic, and financial outcomes are achieved.
Minimum Requirements
- Degree in Engineering (Built Environment).
- At least 7 years' experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in bulk water and sanitation projects, with knowledge of relevant technical standards and regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated experience in technical project preparation and due diligence, including feasibility studies, cost estimation, and risk assessment.
- Proven ability to evaluate designs, budgets, and implementation plans for viability.
- Experience supporting bankability assessments for infrastructure financing.
- Strong stakeholder engagement experience from a technical perspective.
Advantageous
- Postgraduate degree in Engineering (Built Environment).
- Qualification in Project or Programme Management.
- More than 10 years' experience in infrastructure projects.
- Over 5 years' focused experience in bulk water and sanitation.
- Experience as a Lender's Technical Advisor (LTA) or equivalent.
- Strong background in technical risk management and negotiation of financing agreements.
- Experience in asset monitoring and evaluation post-financial close.
Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proven project and programme management expertise.
- Ability to deliver results under pressure.
- Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
- Strategic and innovative thinking with strong business acumen.
- Teamwork and collaboration across multi-disciplinary environments.
Additional Information
- This is a full-time contract position (18 months). The role will require working primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work (subject to approval).
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview to assess technical expertise, experience, and cultural fit.
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