Athi Water Services Board: Chief Executive Officer

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 a qualified, visionary and dynamic professional to the position of 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 met.
• 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 in the Board’s area.
• 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 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 as they affect the organization.
• Ensure compliance with Government’s policy and regulatory guidelines and directives.

Qualifications and Work Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree preferably in Civil Engineering or a related Water Science from a recognized university;

Or

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Commerce or Economics may also be considered depending on a candidate’s work experience in infrastructure development.

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
• Must be a registered member of a relevant professional body.
• 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
• Proven experience in mobilization of development and operational funds;

Personal Competencies:

• Demonstrated familiarity with donor funded projects and familiarity with water sector management.
• Familiarity with reform programs in commercial or public sector settings.
• 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.
• Self driven and capable of working under minimum supervision;
• Sound knowledge and application of public finance management and public procurement procedures;
• 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 offered the position of Chief Executive Officer on an initial 3-year contract renewable upon meeting agreed performance targets.

Remuneration will be dependent on the professional background, experience and recommended remuneration and benefits for the Chief Executives of the State Corporations.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should forward their applications with updated CVs, copies of their academic and professional certificates, current position remuneration, telephone contacts of three professional referees in envelopes clearly marked “CEO 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 14th January, 2011.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted and canvassing will result in automatic disqualification.

More Jobs and Vacancies in East Africa available here

East Africa Vacancies