Project Manager (F/M) – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene



Project Manager (F/M) – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

1. Background

For an upcoming multi-year water and sanitation project in Moldova, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), Skat Consulting Ltd. is recruiting a WASH Project Manager. The new project is a continuation of the successful initiatives ApaSan (2009-2019) and ApaSan+ (2020-2024) led by Skat Consulting Ltd. The 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.

The project is planned for an implementation phase of 4 years (May 2024 – April 2028), including a six-months inception phase. It will be implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd., a renowned Swiss company specializing in international cooperation. In Moldova, Skat Consulting Ltd. works in direct partnership with the Fundația Centrul Moldo-Elvețian pentru Cooperare SKAT. Besides this planned Project, Skat Consulting is currently implementing several other projects in Moldova, namely the Ma Implic (local governance) project and an Energy Efficiency project, both funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

2. Project Objectives

The project aims to contribute to the provision of safely managed water and sanitation services in selected rural areas through the service provision by 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.

3. Scope of Work

The Project Manager 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.
  • 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 donor and stakeholders.
  • Oversight on financial management, including budget monitoring and expenditure control.
  • Human resource management, including recruitment, supervision, and capacity building of project staff.
  • Risk management and mitigation to ensure project goals are achieved within scope, budget, and timeframe.
  • Representation of the project at the official Steering Committee and other meetings, workshops, and other relevant events.

4. Qualifications and Skills required

Education

Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, engineering, public health, management).

Experience

·       At least 5 years of experience in project management

·       Experience working in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector, or a related technical field

·       Proven work experience with local public administrations in the Republic of Moldova

·       Work experience in an internationally funded project / programme, an NGO or a consulting firm working in international development

Language Requirements

·       Fluency in Romanian (written and spoken)

·       Fluency in English (written and spoken)

·       Knowledge of Russian would be an additional asset

Competencies

  • Experienced in project cycle management (PCM), including monitoring, evaluation and learning
  • Good understanding of water supply and (decentralized) sanitation issues for rural areas
  • Strong understanding of rural development and community engagement principles
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
  • High level of responsibility, leadership and organizational capacities
  • Self-driven and initiative personality
  • Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment

5. Location and Dates

The position is a full-time (100%) assignment based in Chisinau, Moldova.

As the project is scheduled to start in May 2024 (contingent on the confirmation of funding by the donor), the ideal starting date for this position would be on 1st of May 2024, but a slightly later start can be negotiated.

6. Remuneration

Skat Consulting offers attractive remuneration and working conditions, in line with its policies for Moldova and in line with the guidelines from the funding agency. The salary will be determined taking into account the specific qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

7. Applications

Interested individuals are invited to apply by sending the following documents to jobs@skat.ch with the subject line “Moldova WASH Project Manager”, at latest on April 14, 2024.

  • Curriculum Vitae with three references
  • Motivational letter, which should include:
    • A description of the relevant qualifications and skills
    • A paragraph with proposed key measures that contribute to the sustainability of rural water and sanitation initiatives in the current Moldovan context
    • Salary expectations

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

For any specific questions or inquiries, please contact mirco.keller@skat.ch