Water Network Operations and Maintenance Specialist

Position Summary

The specialist will be responsible for the assistance to EPAL for the management of the water network for the province of Luanda (11 000 km), with a special focus on the water network of the cities of Luanda and Cazenga (3 000 km).

He will transfer knowledge to EPAL team through WIKTI methodology, training, and technical assistance regarding network operation, leak detection and repairs, execution and rehabilitation of connections, installation, and rehabilitation of accessories.

He will be responsible of the implementation of optimizations in the cities of Luanda and Cazenga through a dedicated budget for the installation of valves, flowmeters, pressure sensors.

He will collaborate in the improvement of the GIS and hydraulic model, and in the installation of SCADA for the water network, together with dedicated SUEZ experts.

He will also collaborate with the customer services expert in actions dedicated to improve the invoicing and collection of water tariffs.

His/her main objective will be to calculate the NRW in the cities of Luanda and Cazenga and reduce it by 30 % over the duration of the contract, and to enhance capabilities of EPAL teams to efficiently manage the water network.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Evaluate the condition of the water networks and its present operation.
• Determine reasonable objectives of improvement over the duration of the contract. the operational conditions of each DWTP, propose and implement solutions to improve the operation of each plant.
• Manages a team of 49people seconded by our client and 5 people recruited for the needs of the project.
• Collaborate with the Water Supply Control expert in the installation of instrumentation and tele transmission in the 28 centers of distribution.
• Collaborate with the Customer Services expert in taking joint actions to improve invoicing and collection.
• Collaborate with the Water Engineering expert in the improvement of GIS and implementation of a hydraulic model.
• Participate in the development and discussion of indicators to measure improvements in water network management.
• Proposes and implements solutions to reduce leakage and improve asset management, together with the Water Control expert.
• Improves health and safety practices in its field of activity.
• Implement WIKTI in its field of activity as a methodology for knowledge transfer, determination of training needs and regular assessment of client’s level of maturity in the field of water production.
• Implement a solution to program and register interventions in the water network.
• Uses the technical assistance provided by SUEZ according to needs and available budget.
• Calculate indicator values and report them internally and to the client.
• Reports on its activity internally and at the client.
• Ensures the protection of interests, non-disclosure of confidential information and documents to third parties.
• Manages the relationship with the partner in its field of activity in a balanced way for the common goal of success of the project.
• Perform the duties and duties outlined in this job description in a timely and correct manner.
• The job description is not exhaustive and may take on additional duties within the incumbent’s jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• Degree in civil engineering, hydraulics, or logistics.
• Extensive experience in management of water network operators and technicians.
• Fluency in Portuguese, English and French language.
• Mastery of MS Office skills.
• Special skills/abilities required.
• Understanding hydraulic models.
• Vast experience in leak detection and repairs.
• Experience in identifying and regularizing illegal connections.
• Ability to interpret instructions, manuals, operation and maintenance procedures and complex specifications related to water networks and equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and health and safety regulations.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to transfer knowledge and train engineers and operators on the job.
• Good contact with consumers, partners, local suppliers, and representatives of the customer EPAL.
• Time management and strong ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Precise management of human resources (engineers, technicians, and workers) in a foreign country and language.
• Hardworking, disciplined, enthusiastic, dynamic and a quick learner.
• Consistent, precise, and meticulous with attention to detail.
• Minimum of 20 (twenty) years in management of water networks.