Regional Coordinator – GWP Eastern Africa Job Vacancy in Entebbe, Uganda

Duration
The successful candidate will be recruited on contract for a period of 3 years subject to annual renewal based upon successful appraisal of performance and funding conditions. The contract period can be renewed for another 3 year period, once, based on

Job Description
Introduction
The Global Water Partnership is an Intergovernmental organisation with a global action network of partners supporting countries and regions in the sustainable development and management of water and related resources worldwide. The Global Water Partnership’s vision is for a water secure world, in which communities are protected from floods, droughts, and water borne diseases, and where environmental protection and the negative effects of poor water management are effectively addressed. Its mission is to support the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels

GWP-Eastern Africa (GWPEA) is a regional arm of GWP in Eastern African Region. GWPEA brings together governmental, non-governmental, educational, private and civil groups and all interested water related institutions and sectors in the Eastern Africa region, for purposes of supporting countries in the sustainable management of their water resources. Member partners constitute the GWPEA Consulting Partners of the regional network bringing to the network expertise, experience, information and commitment to facilitate an integrated approach to water resources throughout the region.

To deliver its work in the region, GWPEA has a governance structure with three parts:
Consulting Partners:It is a representative body of the regional network which meets Bi-annually to set policies, programmes and budgets, inter alia.

Regional Steering Committee: It has an advisory and supervisory role, provides orientation to the Partnership, takes decisions on strategic issues (i.e. work plan and budget approval) and is responsible for supporting fundraising initiatives aiming at ensuring the financial sustainability of GWP-Eastern Africa.

Secretariat: A small secretariat responsible for the overall co-ordination, management and administration of the Regional programme activities. The secretariat is currently hosted by the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) which is based in Entebbe, Uganda. The secretariat is headed by a Regional Coordinator appointed by the GWPEA RSC.

Functions of the Regional Coordinator
T he Regional Co-ordinator is the head of the Regional Secretariat and secretary of the GWPEA Steering Committee. The Regional Co-ordinator reports to the Regional GWPEA Steering Committee and also the Consulting Partners through the Steering Committee Chair for the activities of the Secretariat.

Specific functions of the Regional Co-ordinator are:
Co-ordinate, manages, administer and monitor the implementation of the GWPEA programme.
Prepare and submit quarterly reports ( both narrative and financial ) to the RSC for information and guidance;
Prepare annual, biennial and five-year work plans and budgets for the GWPEA as needed, and direct the implementation of the work plans, ensuring the involvement of partners in the planning and implementation thereof. Be responsible for ensuring that the work programme outputs and processes contribute meaningfully to IWRM promotion and implementation in the Eastern Africa.
Establish and Coordinate the functions of the Regional Technical Committee
Be responsible for the financial management of the work programme.
Manage and administer the GWPEA Secretariat to ensure a high quality professional service to the Partnership and strategic partners
Manage the Regional Database of Partners on behalf of GWPO
Co-ordinate the activities of the GWPEA partnership members by facilitating effective networking, communication and information sharing among its partners.
Develop, strengthen and maintain effective working relationships with the co-operating partners (donors and lead regional partner institutions) and Country Water Partnerships where they exist.
Be proactively responsible for fundraising for work plan activities including organizing the preparation of proposals.
Assist country water partnerships in the preparation of project proposals eligible for financing.
Prepare periodic activity and financial reports and ensure their timely submission to the decision-making organs of the GWPEA and the GWPO Secretariat.
Ensure strategic relevance of the GWPEA programme in the region and that the work programme outputs and processes contribute meaningfully to IWRM promotion and implementation in the Eastern Africa region
Report to the GWPEA Steering Committee on the progress of GWPEA Secretariat activities.
Act as Secretary to the GWP EA RSC and to the CP, taking part in meetings with the right of voice but without vote;
Facilitate processes and decision-making for the preparation of strategies and other documents to be submitted to the GWP EA RSC, CP and GWPO;
Call the meetings of the GWPEA RSC at the request of the Chair, as well as organise and prepare the necessary documents for the CP and the GWPEA RSC meetings;
Act as the focal point and formal address of GWPEA.
Be responsible for ensuring that the role of GWPEA and the quality of processes and outputs developed meet the basic minimum conditions of the ‘GWP Organization and Network’.
Be responsible for ensuring that GWPEA benefits from and contributes meaningfully to the global network.
Liaise and consult with the Chair of the Steering Committee on matters relating to the fundraising and implementation of Committee decisions.
Ensure effective networking, communication and information sharing among GWPEA Partners, including promotion of lessons learnt between the Partnership, other regions and GWPO;
Maintain permanent communication with the GWPEA RSC, the host institution, and GWP Partners.
Co-ordinate, liaise and work very closely with the GWPO Network Officer for the region to ensure timely submission of regional inputs to the centre, synergy within the GWP Network and the sharing of knowledge across the Network.
Any other responsibilities as assigned by the Chair of the steering committee.

Term of Office
GWPEA offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with the qualifications and relevant experience. Remuneration will be in accordance with the staff grading system in the water sector of the host country, with the concurrence of the GWPO. Only qualified individual with requisite experience are legible to apply for these positions, and women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications
Advanced degree (M.Sc. degree and above) in any or combination of the following fields: natural science, water management, economics, development Studies, environmental and social sciences, engineering or any equivalent educational background.
At least 7 years relevant experience in a combination of some of the following areas: the management, protection and conservation of environment and water resources, climate change, skills in transboundary water management, flood/drought management, and land use planning, and socio-economic development and/or impacts. The candidate must be familiar with and have also sound knowledge and skills of planning, monitoring and evaluation of project s and programmes mainly in the field of environment and WRM.
Excellent organizational capability and skills to analyse, set priorities, take initiatives and complete work plan deadlines with minimal supervision.
A flexible, diplomatic, friendly and cooperative personality with a sensitive approach to national and regional political environments and to working with people from many cultures, professional and inter-disciplinary backgrounds.
Ability to network at high political levels including water ministers and senior government officials
Good understanding of national governments economic development processes and experience of working with governmental development programmes
Ability to communicate with small and large groups, including organising and preparing reports for meetings.
Experience in proposal writing and fundraising.
Excellent experience on team building with the secretariat staff
Proactive on IWRM and other sector issues
Fluency in English, written and spoken. Proficiency in French will be an added advantange
Effective PC skills (Excel, Word, power point, etc.)
Must be willing to learn from others.
Knowledge of the international context of IWRM and the major international organizations involved, including the aid agencies will be an added advantage

How to Apply
Application/cover letters clearly indicating the position applied for and accompanied by detailed curriculum vitae should reach the Executive Director Nile Basin Initiative not later than 20th January 2012 at recruitment@nilebasin.org. Only short listed candidates will be contacted