Nile Basin Initiative-Secretariat -- Vacancy

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICERBackgroundThe Nile Basin Initiative-Secretariat (NBI), is an Inter-Governmental Institution of countries within the Nile River Basin: Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Under the NBI, the countries' Shared Vision is “To Achieve Sustainable social-economic development through the equitable utilization of and benefit from the common Nile Basin Water Resources". The NBI is governed by the Council of Ministers of Water Affairs in the Nile Basin States (Nile-COM) at the policy level, the Technical Advisory Committee at the technical level and a Secretariat (Nile-SEC) headed by the Executive Director. The Secretariat is located in Entebbe, Uganda.The functions of the Nile-SEC are to render administrative, financial management and logistical support to the Nile-COM and Nile TAC. In addition, the Secretariat is responsible for the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of projects undertaken within the NBI framework. The Nile-SEC now wishes to recruit a Senior Program Officer for the implementation of the Shared Vision Program (SVP), a large, basin-wide program of collaborative action and capacity building. The SVP, a six-year program, includes seven regional projects related to environment, water, power trade, agriculture, applied training, communications and macro-economics.a) Scope of work The NBI is looking for a mature, dynamic and results-oriented person with a proven track record of achievement. He/She must be able to lead the project inception activities and to provide overall coordination of the implementation of the Shared Vision Project portfolio. Inception phase activities will include preparing project implementation plans, assisting in the establishment of project management structures, and establishing procedures for information management, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation. During project implementation, he/she will have responsibility for the overall oversight of the SVP Projects, ensuring effective regional coordination and integration of project activities, quality assurance, information management, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting. The Senior Program Officer will be part of a management team and will report to the Executive Director of the Nile-SEC. He/she will liaise with the Nile-TAC, riparian country representatives, the Nile Team, donors, and the international community.b) Qualifications and experiencel Post graduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business Management, Water Resources Management, Social and Economic Development, Environment.l At least 15 years professional experience in planning and implementing development projects, including experience with large-scale, complex projects.l Experience working in regional, multi-country context an advantagel Demonstrated diplomatic skills and the ability to work with a variety of people from different disciplines and countries at a range of levels.l Excellent written, presentation, and reporting skills. Bilingual (English & French) preferred.l Strong computer skills & experience with modem office softwarel Self motivation and proven strength in strategic planning and managementl From the Nile Basin region. Experience working within Nile Basin Countries preferred.c) Duty Station The Senior Program Officer will be stationed at the Nile-SEC, Entebbe, Uganda.d) Employment Terms The position will commence with a short-term consultancy contract (up to six months), with the potential for a two-year renewable contract based on performance. Competitive remuneration will be offered to the right person in accordance with the NBI regional salary scales.e) How to apply Applications with detailed CVs and copies of relevant certificates/testimonials, naming at least two competent referees should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), post, fax or direct delivery to the following address, not later than 31st March, 2002. Executive Director Nile Basin Initiative-Secretariat (Nile-SEC), P.O. Box 192, Entebbe, Uganda Tel: 256 41 321329/321424 Fax: 256 41 320971 E-mail: nbisec@nilesec.ong