KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Project Manager, Electricity Meter Deployment, Kiribati
Sector: Utilities
Position Type (full/part time): Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): Short term
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): In-country in South Tarawa, Kiribati
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
Kiribati Utilities Reform Programme (KURP) is a 5-year project that aims to ensure that citizens of Kiribati have reliable and safe access to public utilities in the urbanised areas of South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. Since 2020, KURP has been working closely with stakeholders - the Public Utilities Board (PUB), the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Department (MLPID), and Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE).
KURP aims to strengthen the management of the public utilities through the delivery of professional development and training courses, improve the delivery of utility services through the integration of a new Information Management System that will streamline daily utility operations to make it more efficient, and deliver on improvement works through the replacement of pre-paid meters and installation of new diesel generators and communication hardware.
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The PUB is being supported by the KURP in preparation, investigation, scheduling, leadership, communication, training, implementation, and reporting of a new metering system for PUB electricity customers. The Project Manager, Electricity Meter Deployment, will provide these services during 2024. The plan is to deploy 10,000 electricity meters in Tarawa and Kiritimati Island during 2024.
The Project Manager, Electricity Meter Deployment, is an expert in the management of deployment meters across multiple sites and is responsible to the PUB CEO for the prudent and efficient project management of the PUB deployment of new pre-paid meters.
He/she will lead deployment of staff and contractors, performing a variety of tasks aimed at achieving:
- Close working relationship with the Customer Service Manager
- Clarity in communications
- Effective work of pub employees and contractors working on the deployment
- Provision of safety guidelines, monitoring, and reporting
- Deployment targets
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee deployment of pre-paid meters for electricity consumers in accordance with the deployment plan;
- Provide efficient and effective technical resource management upholding the Health and Safety of the personnel and network assets;
- Lead the team of engineers, technicians and labour in ensuring implementation of the deployment plan and safe and effective work practices;
- Coordinate and monitor the work of staff and contractors, supporting supervisors and managers with clear and timely instructions;
- Develop communications for external and internal distribution in order to inform government, donor, consumers and potential customers, citizens, PUB staff and contractors on issues and progress in the deployment;
- Develop, monitor and update the deployment schedule and advise management of risks and required mitigation such as delays, work accidents, unsafe meters, dangers for citizens;
- Provide on-the-job and off-the-job training for PUB staff and contractors;
- Respond to deployment incidents, and safely sanction the restoration of deployment following incidents. Investigation and root-cause-analysis of deployment incidents;
- Establish systems for collecting, storing, processing, and analyzing the data collected from the pre-paid meters;
- Provide regular and ad hoc reports dealing with progress in the deployment, highlighting any concerns, risks, and required mitigation;
- Generate contextual, and relevant knowledge of pre-paid electricity meter technology, for policy makers, staff, and development partners;
- Compliance with all relevant Legislation, and PUB policies, procedures and practices as varied from time to time;
- Demonstrate a personal commitment to PUB Occupational Health & Safety, and Equal Employment Opportunity objectives, to ensure personal safety and the safety of others, a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and a philosophy of quality assurance and pollution prevention; and
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the PUB Safety Management System and the local area Health and Safety Program and undertake all work in accordance with PUB’s Workplace Health and Safety policies and procedures.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Accountabilities:
- Preparation and submission of a customer communication and implementation plan
- Successful Project Management of the installation and commissioning of the metering role out program
- Preparation and procurement of materials and equipment requirements
- The timely transport of meters, enclosures, and materials to customer premises
- Suitably qualified resources are available for installation and commissioning
- All electrical work meets ASNZ 3000/2018 wiring regulations
- Preparation of monthly progress reports submitted to the KURP Team Leader
- Ensure that call centre personnel are properly trained to respond to customer concerns.
- Maintain and update PUB information management system as it applies to the meter rollout program.
- Compliance with PUB occupational health and safety standards and procedures.
- Management of the relationship with the meter supplier vendor.
- Ensuring all staff are fully trained in the correct installation and commissioning procedures.
Minimum Experience:
- At least 10 years of relevant technical experience
- Must have electrical work background (A Grade electrician or electrical engineer).
- Minimum 5 years project management experience.
- Proven track record of having project managed large multi-site projects with a work force of 20+ persons.
- Ideally has experience of working in developing countries, preferably in the Pacific Islands.
- IT competence – Microsoft Project, Excel, and Word.
Personal Attributes:
- A collaborative working style
- Goal oriented
- Well organised
- Attention to detail
- Calm under pressure
- Patient
- Creative problem solver and adaptable to new approaches when needed
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Location
The hired Project Manager, Electricity Meter Deployment, will be expected to conduct capacity building workshops with the Public Utilities Board in Kiribati. The total number of approximately 150 workdays over up to 30 weeks should be undertaken over 1 or more visits to Kiribati. The KURP Team Leader may approve additional days based on 6 days per week.
Remuneration
- A generous fee will be offered depending on the experience and capabilities of the appointee.
- A per diem will be paid as a daily allowance, at a rate in accordance with the MFAT’s current approved rate for per diems. The per diem covers accommodation, meals, internet data. incidentals in South Tarawa, and transit per diems in Nadi, Fiji. (Refer to MFAT website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/working-with-the-aid-programme/getting-paid/per-diem-rates/).
- Per diems will be used primarily for accommodation and meals. Other incidentals may need approval by the KURP Team Leader. The KURP Training Coordinator may assist to book accommodation for the period in-country, following confirmation of PUB staff availability for training, and approval by MFAT.
- Necessary road transport in Kiribati will be provided by PUB. Fuel costs will be reimbursed on provision of payment receipts.
- PUB will assure the availability of internet and reliable connection during the duration of the in-country period. Mobile phone data and voice re-charge costs with Vodafone Tarawa will be reimbursed on provision of receipt of payments.
- Note: The Project Manager will provide their own mobile phone and laptop.
Flights
- KURP will reimburse the approved economy return airfares for the most direct flights between the Contractor’s city of residence and Kiribati. The itinerary must be approved by the KURP Team Leader prior to the bookings. Any upgrade and/or deviation from the specified route will be at the Project Manager’s expense.
- The Project Manager will submit scanned copies of boarding passes and receipts attached to a summary of expenses, to the KURP Training Coordinator within a reasonable time after the expenses have been incurred in order to be reimbursed by the KURP.
Performance of the Project Manager
The performance of the Project Manager will be monitored by the KURP Team Leader. The contract may be terminated with notice of one week, in the event of performance judged unsatisfactory. The KURP Team Leader is responsible for oversight and directing performance of the tasks, and the KURP Training Coordinator is available for advice and assistance on administrative, transport, accommodation, and venue arrangements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
If hired, the Project Manager Electricity Meter Deployment should be ready to start promptly.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed:
"Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position".
You may also email your cover letter and CV to newzealand@cowater.com.
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.