Job Title: Component Manager, Water & Sanitation

Location: Chisinau, Moldova

Duration: Full Time (Until April 2028)

Background:

Fundația Centrul Moldo-Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT (SKAT Moldova) is the implementing entity in the Republic of Moldova of donor-funded projects of SKAT Consulting Ltd., a Swiss consulting firm. Currently, SKAT implements in Moldova two large projects in the area of local government reform (Swiss-financed) and Water and Sanitation Services in rural areas (Austrian-financed). Related to these large projects which have a duration of 4 and more years each, there is one smaller contract (Energy Efficiency in rural areas, until December 2024) and we expect the commencement of another project (focusing on water supply and energy efficiency) in the third quarter of 2024.

About the project and the position:

For a multi-year water and sanitation project in Moldova (ApaSan28), funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Skat Consulting Ltd. is recruiting a Component Manager, Water & Sanitation. This new project is a continuation of the successful initiatives ApaSan (2009-2019) and ApaSan+ (2020-2024) led by Skat Consulting Ltd.

The ApaSan28 project aims to address rural sanitation challenges, provide safe drinking water, and promote sustainable decentralized WASH management in Moldova. It targets to enhance the living conditions of rural Moldovan populations by ensuring year-round access to safe drinking water and household sanitation and has an implementation phase of 4 years (May 2024 – April 2028). The project will work together with local public authorities and regional operators and aims to work towards the recognition of decentralized and safely managed sanitation options by authorities as viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions for sanitation in rural Moldova.

Key Responsibilities:

The Component Manager, Water & Sanitation will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Project. Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, coordination, and execution of project activities in accordance with the project proposal and donor requirements.
• Maintaining a close collaboration with the Team Leader 
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the yearly plans of operation and subsequent operational and financial reporting. 
• Develop and implement project concepts and strategies, in cooperation with the Team Leader and/or external experts.  
• Adherence to the relevant procedures, rules and regulations 
• Facilitation of seminars, workshops and study tours. 
• Contribute to the elaboration of all required progress reports and any other documents mentioned in the Project Document.  
• Participate in related steering and/or coordination bodies as required.  
• Building and keeping relationships and networking with project partners, main sector stakeholders, communities of practice and other similar and complementary projects on a thematic and operational level; 
• Undertake extensive visits to partner Raions and localities. 
• Enhance community engagement in the villages where water and sanitation projects are implemented to ensure effective beneficiary involvement.
• Liaising with central, regional, and local public authorities, regional water and sanitation service operators, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation.
• Collaboration with internal and external experts (national and international) from Skat Consulting Ltd. (HQ) as well as independent consultants for specific assignments
• Professional monitoring and evaluation of project progress, ensuring timely reporting to the Team leader and stakeholders.
• Project budget monitoring and expenditure control.
• Risk management and mitigation to ensure project goals are achieved within scope, budget, and timeframe.

Qualifications and Skills required:

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to apply by sending the following documents to jesus.bravo@skat.ch  with the subject line “Component Manager, Water & Sanitation”, at latest by July 14, 2024.

• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Motivational letter (in English) which should include a description of your preferred approach to select three villages in Moldova for the development of a new water supply system. Outline the criteria you would use to identify the villages with the highest needs and where the project would have the most significant impact. Additionally, please include your main considerations for a Monitoring and Evaluation plan to ensure the project’s success and sustainability. Adding a paragraph on how your previous experience relates to this analysis will be highly valued.

Kindly note that generic, AI-generated letters (e.g., ChatGPT standard letters) will not be considered. We highly value originality and genuine motivation. Should you find it difficult to provide a personalized letter, it is preferable to submit your application without a motivational letter.

Skat Consulting will ensure confidentiality in the recruitment process. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

For any specific questions or inquiries, please contact jesus.bravo@skat.ch