Vacancy title:
Senior Connections Officer

Jobs at:
Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

Deadline of this Job:
14th September 2018

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Summary
Date Posted: 31st August 2018 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed , Employment Type: Full-Time

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is implementing the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP) whose goal is to increase electricity access from the current 20% to 60% by 2027. The ECP was designed to address the major challenges that have kept electricity connections low and hence enable acceleration of connectivity throughout Uganda. The ECP targets to achieve a minimum of 300,000 connections per year in order to achieve this goal

JOB DETAILS:

The connections will be rnade by the licensed electricity distribution companies, namely the Service Providers (SPs). These include: Umeme Limited, Kilembe Investments Limited, Bundibugyo Energy Cooperative Society Limited, Kyegegwa Rural Electric Cooperative Society Limited, Pader—Abim Multipurpose Electric Cooperative Society Limited, West Nile Rural Electrification Company, Kalangala Infrastructure Services and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will be responsible for the operationalization of the ECP. In order to support effective and efficient implementation of the ECP Programme, REA seeks to engage the sen/ices of a Senior Connections Officer to provide project management support under the Programme.
REA is seeking to recuit individuals of high integrity, dedication, and dedication for the position of Senior Connections Officer whose details can be viewed and obtained on the procurement notice board of REA at REA offices on www.rea.or.ug

Main Purpose
The primary responsibility of the Senior Connections Olticer will be to provide project management support towards implementation of the ECP Programme in the electricity Service Territories. The Officer will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring and supervision of operations under the ECP Programme to ensure that policy goals and objectives are achieved in a timely manner.

Scope ot the assignment Key Responsibilities
The Senior Connections Officer will be required to carry out the following:

•  Provide project management support towards implementation oi the ECP Programme including, but not limited to, planning, executing, monitoring and supervision of operations under the policy. 
• Prepare work plans and budgets for connections initiatives under the ECP Program me.
  
•  Set appropriate connection targets and other related performance targets for the SPs. r
  
•  Establish a robust monitoring framework and regularly monitor the performance of SPs with respect to implementation of the ECP Programme.
  
•  Monitor the performance of consultants contracted as Independent Verification Agents to verify the connections made by SPs, and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
  
•  Support the SPs to put in place appropriate systems and mechanisms that are necessary for efieotive implementation of the ECP Programme and achievement of policy goals and objectives.
  
•  Review, analyse and validate quarterly progress reports submitted by SPs and Independent Verification Agents (lVAs) with a view of authenticating the integrity of the submitted information and data, as well as avoid duplication of customers.
  
•  Prepare consolidated project progress reports on a quarterly and annual basis, as well as other special reports that may be required, in a format that is acceptable to key stakeholders. The consolidated progress reports shall be based on the outcome of the analytical and validation exercise highlighted in g) above.
  
•  Regularly interact with SPs, lVAs and other stakeholders (e.g., through tield visits, meetings, emails, telephone calls) to ensure that ECP Programme implementation is on track.
  
•  Identify issues and challenges affecting implementation of the ECP Programme and, in consultation with the Manager Connections Department and other stakeholders, actively and creatively identify appropriate solutions and ensure timely implementation of the same.
  
•  Explicitly ensure compliance with relevant safeguard, fiduciary and other project requirements by SPs, IVA and other stakeholders.
  
•  Provide monitoring and support supervision oi_ECP Programme activities within the Service Territories.
  
•  Participate in and support marketing and mobilisation of connections so that target connections are achieved through SPs.
  
•  Work closely with the Database Specialist to ensure that the connections database is accurate and up-to-date.
  
•  Carly out any other relevant activities to support implementation of the ECP Programme as maybe assigned by the Manager Connections Department. '
  

Qualifications and Experience

•  Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University.
  
•  Post graduate diploma in Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation or Certification from a recognized institution such as PRINCE2, CSPM, PMP.
  
•  Mastefs Degree in Engineering, Management, or Business Administration (MBA) will be an added advantage.
  
•  Professional registration with and membership to an Engineering Professional body will be an added advantage.
  
•  At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in project management or utility operations and management preferably in Uganda's electricity sector.
  
•  Demonstrated working experience with donor-tunded projects will be an added advantage. '
  
•  Highly motivated, innovative, pro-active and committed team player.
  
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills and fluency in English.
  
•  Excellent report writing skills.
  
•  High level of interpersonal and management skills and ability to work with teams within and outside the organisation at all levels.
  
•  Must be able to work under pressure and deliver amidst tight deadlines.
  
•  Computer knowledge and skills in MS Word, MS excel and internetl email is a mandatory requirement.
  
•  Proven integrity and confidentiality in handling public resources.
  Period of performance
  

The assignment shall be for a period of 2 (two) years subject to probation period of6 (six) months, and renewable subject to satisfactory pedormance.
Reporting:
The Senior Connections Officer will report to the Manager, Connections Department.

Duty Station:
The Senior Connections Otlicer position will be based in Kampala, with occasional travel to the various Service Territories.