Vacancy title:
Project Management Advisor

Jobs at:
Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

Deadline of this Job:
29th March 2018

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Job details:
Project Name: Uganda Energy for Rural Transformation Phase III
Funding Source: World Bank
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the Secretariat of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) as established by Statutory Instrument 2001 No. 75. The REB’s main function is to oversee the management of the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) and facilitate the development and implementation of the Government’s Rural Electrification Programme.

About World Bank ERT III Project:
The Government of Uganda (GoU) has received financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank in the amount of US$135 million equivalent towards the cost of Uganda Energy for Rural Transformation Phase III (ERT III) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for consulting services to be procured under the project. The Project Development Objective of ERT III Project is to increase access to electricity in rural areas of Uganda. Under the ERT III project, REA will be responsible for implementation of component 1 and subcomponent 2.4. Component 1 (On-grid Energy Access) shall support on-grid investments namely; (i) Grid Extension and Associated Connections; (ii) Grid Intensification and Associated Connections; (iii) Household Connections from Existing Lines and (iv) Implementation Support for On-grid Energy Access. Subcomponent 2.4 (Quality Assurance for Solar Market Development) will be implemented in collaboration with the UNBS and it aims to promote quality assurance and awareness of solar products so as to enable the market for affordable, high-quality PV products in rural areas.

Job Summary: The primary purpose of the Project Management Advisor will be to oversee the implementation of electricity distribution network extension and grid intensification works for the different World Bank-funded activities under the ERT-3 project country wide. He/she will support the Project Coordinator, ERT-3, across all project management functions (e.g., coordination and oversight, planning and budgeting, procurement management, monitoring and evaluation, etc.). The Project Management Advisor will not only advise and guide, but will be responsible for the overall implementation of the ERT-3 project, with the aim of achieving the project objectives within set timelines in accordance with the project framework.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide relevant assistance to the Project Coordinator, ERT-3 in all aspects of project management to ensure the effective implementation of the project, supporting engagement with both internal (e.g., REA's Management, technical, procurement, safeguards, and contracts committee) and external stakeholders (e.g.. World Bank, contractors, consultants).
• Advise and assist in the preparation of quality monthly project implementation progress reports to REA's Management, World Bank and other stakeholders as required, highlighting key challenges and remedial plans, assessing implementation performance vis-a-vis agreed milestones, targeted last-mile connections and disbursement targets
• Keenly review and assess the past performance of the ERT-3 project implementation and make recommendations for turnaround strategies based on "best practices".
• Assist with the preparation and regular update of the risk management plan, identifying, assessing, responding to, monitoring, and reporting risks affecting project implementation.
• Flag "notice of early warning" and follow up on mitigating actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure the regular inspection of the records of the contractor's site activities, and adequately document the progress and performance of the work, making recommendations of corrective actions and changes to the records as required.
•  Assist with the preparation and monitoring implementation of the annual work plan.
•  Facilitate engagement of key stakeholders during design and implementation stages of the project, supporting cross-sectoral strategic linkages.
• Design and guide/conduct training, coaching and/or mentoring of project staff to respond to immediate needs for knowledge and skills and/or to remove impediments to the implementation of the project.

 Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant for the World Bank Project Management Advisor job placement must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University.
• Master's Degree in Engineering or Management or Business Administration (MBA).
• Project Management Certification from a recognized institution: PRINCE2,CSPM, PMP will be an added advantage•
• Professional registration and membership with an Engineering Professional body will be an added advantage.
•  At least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in planning, managing, and supervising works related to the design and construction of electricity distribution or transmission infrastructure projects, including substations.
• Previous exposure and experience with World Bank-funded projects (or from similar international financial institutions) will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in monitoring social and environmental safeguard requirements for infrastructure projects.
• Excellent reporting and communication skills.

Job application procedure
All interested and qualified Ugandans should send their applications including; a cover letter, detailed CV, names and addresses of three referees and copies of relevant and testimonials addressed and delivered to: The Executive Director, Rural Electrification Agency, Plot 10 Windsor Loop, Kololo 2nd Floor, House of Hope, P.O. Box 7317, Kampala - Uganda.

NB: Only short listed applicants will be contacted.