Policy and Regulatory Lead-Expanding Water and Sanitation

Position Description:
RTI is seeking a Policy and Regulatory Lead for the Expanding Water and Sanitation Project. The Policy and Regulatory Lead will lead the implementation of the project’s policy review, reform, and design activities in support of a strengthened and more effective policy framework for WASH services in Zambia. This position will be based in Lusaka with the need to travel to provincial areas throughout the program implementation period. The Policy and Regulatory Lead will directly report to the Chief of Party.

Local nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide overall vision and leadership on policy, legal, institutional, and regulatory components of the project.
Responsible for leading implementation of the project’s policy analysis and review, reform, and design activities in support of a strengthened and more effective policy framework for WASH services in Zambia.
Serve as main point-of-contact for Government of Zambia partners, such as MWDSEP, working with other Objective Leads and the Chief of Party to engage private sector partners, commercial water utilities, NWASCO (the water sector regulator), and municipal governments on strategies to improve private sector involvement and participation in WASH through policy reform, an enabling environment for private investment, and public-private partnerships.
Work with MWDSEP, NWASCO, and the CUs to build out the regulatory instruments for rural WASH and review the legislative framework for rural water sanitation, identify gaps, and create a roadmap to guide legislative changes.
Ensure synergy between policy component activities and alignment with other project components, including activities in governance, private sector engagement, and civil society engagement.
Guide policy team on preparation and delivery of high-quality technical reports; support annual workplan development, goal setting and establishment of indicator targets, and contractual reporting to USAID, including quarterly, annual, and other performance reports as requested.
Foster and maintain effective, professional relations with government counterparts, local organizations, international donors and other stakeholders for successful implementation of project policy activities.
Work closely with the Service Delivery Lead and the PSP Lead in designing the institutional arrangements for growth centers. Collaborate and share knowledge with other conservation organizations and initiatives.
Diplomatically supervise component staff and coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
In coordination with the Chief of Party, liaise with USAID and RTI home office on technical and financial implementation of and reporting on policy programming.
Manage any subcontracts and grants with local partners that include activities under the project’s policy component, ensuring the quality and timeliness of deliverables.
Oversee performance monitoring and evaluation to ensure all policy project targets are met or exceeded – making recommendations for improvement in program implementation.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in public administration, government, public policy, government relations, law, or related field and 10 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree in related technical field with 12 years of experience.
Experience and expertise in the implementation of large and complex projects relating to public policy, policy reform and design, public administration, water utilities management, water resources management, and/or WASH service delivery.
Five years’ substantive experience working with counterparts at various levels of government, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in policy reform and design, WASH service delivery, and/or enforcement of water sector regulations.
Experience with working with governments on an international, national, provincial, or district level on policy issues in the water sector or other equivalent sectors.
Demonstrated understanding of the policy, institutional, and regulatory framework of the Zambian WASH sector.
Demonstrated skills in building, mobilizing, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated skills and proven ability to develop, articulate and implement a strategic vision for policy reform and design as a vital component of project implementation.
Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
Proven ability to manage projects with satellite or remote offices and team members.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to travel and work in any of the three provinces and difficult terrain/conditions at times.
Proficiency in English is required.
Work experience in Zambia required.