About the position
PURPOSE
The Technical Specialist is responsible for the technical aspects of the development and establishment of the Non Sewered Sanitation (NSS) Programme as a standardised initiative within the WPO. Oversee the development of a comprehensive toolbox of standardised documentation, approaches, models, and mechanisms to support the preparation, funding, and implementation of NSS projects across municipalities in the country.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
Programme Development and Establishment
- Lead the technical aspects for the establishment and management of NSS projects during project preparation and implementation stages.
- Collaborate with the Programme Manager to develop strategies and plans for the execution of the programme and optimise support for relevant public and private sector stakeholders.
- Provide technical expertise in developing and establishing the NSS Programme as a standardised initiative within the WPO to support municipalities address their sanitation service challenges.
- Create a "toolbox" of standardised documentation, best practices, methodologies, models, and mechanisms to support the preparation, funding, and implementation of NSS projects.
- Engage with municipalities, developers, sanitation service providers, relevant government and private sector institutions, and academia to position the programme and the Unit/Team as the "centre of excellence" for municipal NSS solutions in the country.
- Conduct an analysis to identify project opportunities and develop a pipeline of NSS projects for preparation, financing, and implementation.
- Support the NSS Unit/Team in establishing itself as the "centre of excellence" for non-sewered sanitation solutions and interventions in the country.
Technical Sanitation Programme Support
- Compile a comprehensive sanitation backlog and assessment report for the country.
- Conduct an in-depth non-sewered sanitation system (NSSS) and off-grid sanitation demand mapping for the country.
- Assist in creating a demand modelling tool for use by end-user organizations, including municipalities, WSPs, WSAs, DBE, DHS, and others.
- Contribute to the development of innovative funding solutions and models for implementation, operation, and maintenance (O&M) as well as Independent Sanitation Provider (ISP) models.
- Design standardised approaches for structuring and designing funding solutions for NSS projects.
- Compile a supply-side assessment report.
- Undertake a production value-chain efficiency assessment report for NSSS and off-grid sanitation.
- Support the structuring of a NSSS/off-grid sanitation technology manufacturing fund.
- Create awareness and educational materials for NSSS and off-grid sanitation technologies.
- Lead mass media advocacy for the adoption and uptake of NSSS and off-grid sanitation technologies.
- Ensure contractors implement safety, health, and environmental standards in compliance with the organization's requirements and guidelines.
- Collaborate with other government departments and stakeholders to create an enabling environment and policies for successful NSS project implementation.
- Provide support and capacity development to NSS technology and solution providers.
- Develop an information and specification repository to support projects.
- Provide specialist support on all technical matters related to NSS technologies such as capital cost estimates, operation and maintenance-related costs, etc.
- Prove advice on financial matters related to NSS technologies, including capital cost estimates and operation and maintenance costs.
- Support the preparation and implementation of NSS proposals.
Project Management
- Manage NSS projects during the preparation and implementation stages.
- Manage, coordinate and monitor a portfolio of NSS infrastructure projects in line with the overarching policies, frameworks and master plans in the Local Government structures and the Department of Water and Sanitation's strategy.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for NSSS and off-grid sanitation projects.
- Monitor the preparation, design, development, and structuring of projects according to client and funder agreements.
Procurement
- Establish and maintain service provider panels to ensure sufficient resources for achieving program objectives within planned timeframes.
- Procure, appoint, and manage service providers for the preparation, funding, and implementation of projects.
- Support the procurement of contractors and operators for project implementation, operation, and maintenance, potentially within an Independent Sanitation Provider model.
- Conduct supply-side assessments and evaluate local production capacity and efficiencies.
- Support the commercialization of off-grid sanitation solutions at scale within the country.
- Establish a panel of service providers (consultants, operators, technology providers, etc.) for NSS project preparation and implementation.
Stakeholder Management
- Engage with local industry players and stakeholders within the off-grid sanitation value chain.
- Establish partnerships with private sector role players in the NSS environment.
- Build and manage relationships with project stakeholders and partners in line with the NWPP and NSS Program development objectives and stakeholder relations strategy.
- Coordinate efforts with NSS teams within the DWS, DBE, City Support Programme, SALGA, Water Research Commission (WRC), Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), Green Cape, and others.
- Participate in structures supporting the NSS Program, such as the NSS Program Committee and NSS Community of Practice.
- Provide stakeholders and partners with confidence that investments in agreed projects and programs will be completed successfully and on time.
- Compile a comprehensive database of potential public and private sector buyers of off-grid sanitation systems.
- Lead initiatives to increase awareness and adoption of NSS technologies, emphasizing their value proposition, and appropriate areas of use, and fostering a well-informed sanitation service user base ready to embrace NSS technologies.
- Advocate for relevant end-user organisations such as municipalities, metros, DBE, DHS, WSA/P, and other public/private sector players.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
- Registered engineering professional with the Engineering Council of South Africa (PrEng, PrTechEng or PrTech).
- A minimum of 8 years demonstrated technical work experience (planning, design, implementation) in the field of municipal water and sanitation services or similar.
- Demonstrated knowledge of all legislation relevant to the water & sanitation sector (i.e. PFMA, MFMA, PPPFA, NWA, WSA, etc.).
- Comprehensive knowledge related to water and regulatory environments of municipalities/metros, state-owned enterprises and other government entities in South Africa.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience with water efficient sanitation solutions and technologies, including non-sewered sanitation technologies.
- Knowledge and experience in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and alternative funding models would be advantageous.
Desired Skills:
