Principal Specialist: Water Services Regulation & Policy Development

Minimum Requirements

• Matric/ Grade 12 plus a relevant Bachelor's Degree NQF Level 7 in one of the following fields: Natural Sciences, A 4 years BSc Water engineering degree, BSc Honours in Water Utilization, Bachelors of Town and Regional Planning;
• A minimum of 8–10 years' relevant experience in leadership/ management, water services regulation, water resource management, water services planning, infrastructure planning, environmental management, policy development or municipal service delivery, of which at least 4 years must have been at a supervisory, specialist, management or senior professional level.
• Demonstrable experience in water services legislation, regulation, policy formulation and implementation, preferably within the local government or public sector environment, will be an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of the Water Services Act, National Water Act, Municipal Systems Act, MFMA, NEMA and other applicable water services and municipal regulatory frameworks
• Minimum Code 8 Driver's license.

Primary Function

• To regulate, maintain and evaluate the sustainability of water service delivery by JW through applying necessary management and engineering and engineering skills and ensure that JW compiles with all the norms and standards and, relevant legislation and regulations governing its business. Development policies / by laws as well as regulate JHB water to ensure the sustainable implementation of water services. Provide technical advice and guide the development and implementation of projects in the water sector.

Key Performance Areas

• Contribute to the development of the Directorate's strategic planning process;
• Lead the Section's operational planning process;
• Lead the Section's financial planning and budgeting processes;
• Lead and facilitate the Section's Demand Planning process;
• Lead and facilitate the Section's Performance Management planning process;
• Lead and manage the development of the Section's Individual Learning Plans ILPsprocess;
• Ensure effective and efficient Section's functions, processes, procedures, systems and policies;
• Leading the Recruitment, Selection and Placement process for the sourcing of suitably qualified staff for the Section;
• Ensure effective and efficient Procurement Management in line with Supply Chain Management processes, legislative, regulatory and policy framework;
• Provide sound leadership for the achievement of the Water Services Regulation and policy Development objectives;
• Manage and direct the implementation of Water and Sanitation policies strategies and regulations in consultation with other stakeholders and Joburg water in terms of sections 9 and 10 of the Water Services Act as well as enforcement of the City norms standards;
• Monitoring, reporting and verification MRV of Water Services status;
• Ensure effective Section's Financial Resource Control;
• Ensure effective Directorate Asset Management and Control;
• Implement good governance and effective risk management systems;
• Ensuring compliance with international reporting standards;
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, Municipal-Owned Entities MOEs and employees, to promote sustainable water services, infrastructure and capital programmes to ensure that water and waste water needs of current and future customers are planned for and met;'
• Ensure effective management of specific administrative and reporting requirements associated with the Directorate and individual performance.

Leading Competencies

• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead and manage teams, and to make informed decisions
• Planning and Organising: Proficiency in operational planning, resource allocation, and performance management
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and team management
• Customer Service: Strong customer service skills to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction
• Financial Management: Budgeting processes and financial management skills;
• Professional writing skills;
• Project management and excellent time management skills;'
• To operate independently with little supervision and be able to liaise and interact with wide variety of stakeholder on local and national level;

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of local government environment;
• In-depth knowledge of water security and the impact of climate change;
• Knowledge of local and national government policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of the City's strategy IDP, prescribed Methodologies, Legislative, Policy and Regulatory Frameworks;
• In-depth knowledge of function principles, techniques and tools and how they can be practically applied;
• Knowledge of water and sanitation, issues and relevant legislation.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal organisation, administration and personnel management;
• In depth knowledge of water services issues, legislation and policies governing the water services;