Description
ARD, Inc. requests expressions of interest from qualified specialists in infrastructure finance and water supply and sanitation sector reform for a long-term position in ARD’s Sustainable Water and Sanitation in Africa (SUWASA) project office in Nairobi, Kenya. SUWASA is a new regional initiative of the US Agency for International Development, with a mission of fostering the transformation of urban and peri-urban water and sanitation service delivery in Africa to achieve long-term financial sustainability through the application of market-based principles. Over the four-year life of the project, SUWASA will support at least 12 reform activities in multiple countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Position Responsibilities:
–Lead the design of SUWASA activiities to support water sector reforms and implementation of innovative financing approaches to water and saniation investments.
–Assist the Chief of Party in managing SUWASA activities involving sectoral and financial reforms.
–Provide technical assistance to individual SUWASA activitities involving sectoral and financial reforms.
–Coordinate with the international donor community and financial institutions involved in water and sanitation reform and finance.

Qualifications:
–A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with a proven track record in infrastructure and utility reforms, particularly in the water and sanitation sector;
–Experience in designing, structuring and implementing infrastructure projects for water supply and waste water management, preferably with private sector participation in finance, construction, and management;
–Demonstrated experience in in-depth feasibility analysis, particularly in financial modeling, for medium to large-sized infrastructure construction projects and familiarity with concepts of financial and operational risk management;
–In-depth knowledge of approaches to partial risk guarantees in the context of structuring complex projects for private participation in infrastructure (PPI), from ‘take-or-pay’ and demand-based guarantee mechanisms to more advanced performance-based models.
–Advanced degree in Economics, Finance, Master of Business Administration, or any other relevant financial degree;
–Experience in working in a donor-funded environment will be an advantage;
–Working experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly with regard to reforms in water and sanitation will be an advantage;
–Ability to plan, direct, manage, control and take initiatives independently, communicate fluently, work as a team member at a matured level of sensitivity and diplomacy in dealing with key stakeholders;
–Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in French is desirable.

To apply:
Please email full, current CV in reverse chronological format to pgaetjens@ardinc.com. Please refer to “Water Reform Finance Specialist” in the subject line. Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered. No phone calls will be accepted.

Apply by: 11 April 2010

ARD, Inc. is committed to diversity and gender equality in all of its operations—in the US and overseas. We strive to reflect these goals in our global mission and in our workforce. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial and cultural groups. ARD, Inc. is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Website: www.ardinc.com