Preamble
The water sector in Kenya is undergoing major reforms aimed at improving the overall management of the sector. The reforms are premised on the National Policy on Water Resources Management and Development of 1999 and the Water Act 2002.
These instruments have set up institutional and regulatory framework embracing broader principles of decentralization, participation, autonomy, sustainability and efficiency in service delivery.
It is with this background that eight (8) water services boards have been established across Kenya. Pursuant to Section 53 of the Water Act 2002, the Athi Water Services Board is responsible for the efficient and economical provision of water services within its area of jurisdiction, which covers the city of Nairobi and the districts of Kiambu, Limuru, Githunguri, Kikuyu, Ruiru, Gatundu South, Gatundu North, Lari, Gatanga, Thika East and Thika West.
The Athi Water Services Board, therefore, is seeking to recruit qualified, visionary and dynamic professionals to the following positions:
1. Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible to the Board of Directors, and shall be the principal officer of the board responsible for the overall leadership and implementation of the Board's decisions and aspirations as may be outlined in the performance targets and strategic plan.
Job Profile
- Providing overall leadership and overall administration of the operations of the Athi Water Services Board under the guidance of the Board;
- Develop short term corporate strategies, for Board of Director's approval, for effective implementation of the strategies stipulated in the Board's Strategic Plan;
- Manage internal multidisciplinary teams and external parties to ensure set objectives are achieved;
- Develop performance standards together with mechanisms for ensuring compliance therewith by Water Service Providers;
- Promote Board's image and develop good working relationship with all stakeholders and partners while promoting the principles of good governance in the Board's area of jurisdiction;
- Develop networks and partnerships with development partners and spearhead donor collaboration, fund raising and project development within the Board's area of jurisdiction;
- Advise the Board of Directors on expansion of business operations, investment planning and sustainable development of water service facilities;
- Direct and coordinate the Board's operations and administration so as to ensure that the various organs of the Board operate in conformity with the overall operational plans and performance targets;
- Advise the Board of Directors concerning future activities of the Board and also on the objectives and policies while eliminating any form of risks which would affect the smooth management of the organization;
- Ensure compliance with Government's policy and regulatory guidelines and directives.
The Person
- Must have at least a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from a recognized university;
- Must have a masters degree in Engineering or Business Administration;
- Must be a Registered Engineer with Engineers Registration Board of Kenya;
- At least (10) years progressive and relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be at a senior management level in an organization serving a large and demanding public;
- Demonstrated familiarity with donor funded projects and familiarity with water sector management;
- Familiarity with reform programs and commercial or public sector settings and Vision 2030 aspirations;
- Track history of creativity, innovation, self-drive, result orientation and ability to handle a sensitive public;
- Exceptional visionary leadership and negotiation skills with capacity to engage with local, regional and international organizations;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational and team capacities and high professional ethical standing;
Key skills and competencies
- Demonstrated leadership, managerial, organizational and administrative skills;
- Proven experience in mobilization of development and operational funds;
- Self driven and capable of working under minimum supervision;
- Sound knowledge and application of public finance management and public procurement procedures;
- Good knowledge of water sector reforms in Kenya;
- Understanding of the cross cutting issues in the Board's area of jurisdiction and unique challenges faced by Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) especially in capacity building;
- Effective conflict and dispute prevention and resolution among water service users and dispensers within the Board's area of jurisdictions.
The successful candidate will be employed on a three year contract renewable upon meeting the agreed performance targets. A competitive remuneration package will be offered.
Interested candidates should forward their applications with updated CVs, their academic and professional certificates, current position and remuneration, telephone contacts of three professional referees in envelopes clearly marked "CEO APPLICATION" to the address shown below:-
2. Procurement Manager
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the position holder will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the overall management of procurement and supplies function.
- Preparation of annual procurement plans for the Board including those for donor funded projects in consultation with user departments and monitor its implementation
- Maintaining and annually updating lists of registered/prequalified tenderers
- Guiding in the implementation and adherence to the Kenya Public Procurement and Disposal Act and regulations
- Maintaining and archiving of procurement and disposal records and documents in accordance with Board Procurement policies and procedures
- Preparation of contract documents in line with the award decision
- Advising on appraisal and evaluation of bids on the basis of financial and non-financial criteria, and co-coordinating and documenting the process to maintain robust and transparent records in accordance with the Board's Guidelines and Procurement Manual
- Processing tender documentation and applications
- Providing technical advice and secretariat services to the tender committee
- Ensuring implementation of tender and procurement committees' decisions
- Monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Public Procurement Oversight Authority requirements.
Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must the following qualifications:
- A Bachelor's degree in business or related field
- A Diploma in purchasing and supplies - CIPS Level 6 or equivalent
- A member of Kenya Institute of Supplies Management
- Be familiar with donor procurement procedures and thorough knowledge of Public Procurement and Disposal Act and Regulations
- Proficiency in IT computer packages and database management systems
- At least 7 years progressive and relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be at a senior management level in an organization serving a large and demanding public
- A Master's degree in a relevant field is an added advantage
Interested candidates should forward their applications with updated CVs, their academic and professional certificates, current position and remuneration, telephone contacts of three professional referees in envelopes clearly marked "PROCUREMENT MANAGER APPLICATION" to the address shown below:-
3. Manager Corporate Communication
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the position holder will be responsible for:
- Development and implementation of communications and media strategies, promotional materials such banners, brochures, develop programme video documentaries and manage corporate branding
- Managing national and international media relations.
- Preparation of press releases, media adverts, supplements, programme documentation, coordinate proactive and reactive media tours and organize press conferences, coordinate media interviews for staff, write position papers and act as organization contact person to the media
- Managing project budget and coordinate recruitment of related consultancies as required
- Writing, designing and coordinating production and dissemination of publications e.g., brochures, reports, newsletters, advocacy materials
- Developing and updating information materials and photos for AWSB website
- Supporting campaign and advocacy activities e.g. preparation and dissemination of related messages and media publicity.
Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have the following qualifications and skills:
- A degree in Public Relations, Communications or other related field
- Must have excellent communication skills
- Must have good interpersonal and customer relations skills
- Be a member of a recognized and relevant professional body
- Proficiency in IT specifically, Corel Draw, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Illustrator Excellence in desktop publishing is an added advantage
- Excellence in desktop publishing
- Excellent written and verbal skills both in English and Kiswahili.
- At least 7 years progressive and relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be at a senior management level in an organization serving a large and demanding public
- Ability to establish and maintain good relationship with local and international media, civil societies, government agents, community based organizations etc.
- Ability to train programme partners developing communications strategies, participation on media interviews, press conferences, advocacy and IEC materials etc.
- At least seven years progressive and relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be at a senior management level in an organization serving a large and demanding public
- A Master's degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
Interested candidates should forward their applications with updated CVs, their academic and professional certificates, current position and remuneration, telephone contacts of three professional referees in envelopes clearly marked "MANAGER CORPORATE COMMUNICATION APPLICATION" to the address shown below:-
The Chairman
Athi Water Services Board
3rd Floor, Africa Re- Centre
Hospital Road, Upper Hill
P.O. Box 45283 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Or Email to: chairman@awsboard.go.ke
To be received not later than 12th November, 2010.
Important Notice: Only short listed candidates will be contacted and canvassing will result in automatic disqualification.
