Project engineer Water & Sanitation (Extended deadline with updated ToR)



Project engineer Water & Sanitation (Extended deadline with updated ToR)

Job Title: Project engineer Water & Sanitation (Extended deadline with updated ToR)

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 Project Engineer, 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 Project Engineer, Water & Sanitation will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Project activities. Key responsibilities include:

  • Planning, coordination, and execution of project activities in accordance with the project proposal and donor requirements.
  • Implement project infrastructure objectives (public water supply systems, individual sanitation solutions, fecal sludge treatment plants, etc.), including the preparation, contracting and supervision of design and construction works.
  • Enhance community engagement in the villages where water and sanitation projects are implemented to ensure effective beneficiary involvement.
  • Undertake extensive site visits to partner Raions and localities. 
  • Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the yearly plans of operation and subsequent operational and financial reporting. 
  • Contribute to the elaboration of all required progress reports and any other documents mentioned in the Project Document.  
  • Professional monitoring and evaluation of construction progress, ensuring timely reporting to the Team leader and stakeholders.
  • Budget monitoring and expenditure control.
  • Adherence to the relevant procedures, rules and regulations 
  • Maintaining a close collaboration with the Team Leader 
  • Risk management and mitigation to ensure project goals are achieved within scope, budget, and timeframe.

Qualifications and Skills required:

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in civil engineering (preferably in water and sanitation engineering).

Experience

·       At least 5 years of experience in construction project management or 3 years of experience if very relevant to the above-mentioned projects.

·       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

·       Strong background in projects involving Monitoring and Evaluation, community engagement, and multiple stakeholders.

·       Experience in internationally funded projects/programmes or NGOs is an asset.

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 experience in implementing public infrastructure projects
  • 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
  • Driving licence, cat. B

How to Apply

Interested individuals are invited to apply by sending the following documents to jesus.bravo@skat.ch  with the subject line “Project Engineer, Water & Sanitation”, at latest by July 21, 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.

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