Utility Specialist (US), Kwekwe, Zimbabwe

ROCKBlue is an organization working to improve the lives of the urban poor throughout the developing world with water and sanitation for all. For example, with the help of a team of >100 dedicated individuals, ROCKBlue assisted utilities, who kept the taps running for 22 million people across numerous countries, despite the many obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic made one reality very clear to us: Water is PPE (personal protection equipment). But our work is not done.

Are you interested in improving the lives of people in developing nations who need it most, allowing them to live healthier, more productive lives — providing the potential to break the cycle of poverty and to build brighter futures? If so, we have an opportunity for a volunteer Utility Specialist.

Position Description

ROCKBlue is offering an opportunity to get involved with our dynamic and rapidly expanding organization. This Utility Specialist position provides the opportunity to “give back” and to help others gain from your considerable experience and knowledge. In particular, struggling water utilities who will benefit from your input.

In general, you will serve as a mentor and a connector to ROCKBlue’s utility partners. This is not particularly time consuming, does not require a lot of preparation and can be done virtually. Most of our Utility Specialists volunteer less than four to six hours per week assisting their utility partners. This is accomplished by email, WhatsApp or video calls (e.g., Zoom, SKYPE, MS Teams). In the rare event that you would be asked to provide in-country assistance, this would be fully paid for, including possibly your labor and it would depend on your interest and availability.

ROCKBlue as a mentor

As a mentor, ROCKBlue offers management expertise, in 21 categories, to our partner utilities to achieve greater efficiencies and increased capabilities in utility operations and maintenance. Utility management is sometimes unfairly expected to know all areas of operations. When and where there are gaps in a utility’s capabilities, ROCKBlue helps to make sure they are filled; and that in the future those gaps no longer exist.

ROCKBlue's engagement with a utility may vary from ad hoc input from one Utility Expert to a more intensive commitment of onsite support. The level of engagement depends on the needs and wishes of the utility at any given time. The relationship will continue until the utility has become self-reliant.

ROCKBlue as a connector

ROCKBlue connects its partner utilities with: donors, lenders, development partners, regional and international organizations, private sector, regulators, NGO’s, educational institutions, foundations, etc.

We leverage our team members’ international reputations, contacts and experiences to provide these connections, which are indispensable to a utility’s management team as they work to overcome challenges.

Other benefits to you

Your engagement with ROCKBlue will enable you to learn about the operations of a non-profit organization as well as learn about the latest trends in utility management. It is also likely that you will engage with development financial institutions (e.g., the World Bank), aid agencies (e.g., USAID), for- and non-profit organizations as well as other stakeholders working with our utility partners. In essence, you’ll expand your own list of contacts and knowledge in the urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.

In which division you will work and assistance provided

You will work within the Utility Partnership division of ROCKBlue, under the guidance of the Director of Utility Partnerships (DUP). You will also be aided by the Administrative Assistant for this division as well as the local Resident Representative in the country where you work. We have a roster of over 140 Utility Specialists. Hence, if there is a demand from the utility partner that exceeds your availability or capability, you can refer this demand to the DUP of who will help source the additional help.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help, grow their skillset and have fun while doing it. 

Responsibilities

• Your activities are largely led by a Performance Tracking Form (PTF). The utility uses a short, 1-2 page, PTF to describe their top objectives for improved performance (e.g., reducing non-revenue water). Hence your engagements with the utility will largely be governed by helping them strategize on meeting the goals of their PTFs with the help of the DUP.
• Applying the adage “that which gets measured gets done” the PTF’s are reviewed monthly. You will work with the utility partner as well as ROCKBlue’s DUP and the Technical Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist to help ensure a quality PTUF every month.
• Attend calls with the Utility team for a status update and an understanding of their challenges, and coordinate accomplishing tasks that are agreed during this call.
• Attend regular Performance Achievement Workshop Series (PAWS) events each quarter.
• Work closely with and under the direction of the DUP
• Work closely with the Technical Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and Utilities Coordinator.

Requirements and Qualifications

• English Proficiency
• Engineering degree
• Experience working in the water sector in low-and middle-income countries and basic knowledge of utility operations
• Good communication skills
• A stable internet connection
• A fair understanding of the principles of utility operations
• Patience, adaptability, flexibility and cultural sensitivities from work in developing countries