Water Policy Expert

Job Description

Opportunity

Abt Associates seeks a qualified Water Policy Expert to support the anticipated USAID-funded Philippines Water and Energy Activity.

The Water Policy Expert is responsible for overseeing the implementation of project activities, management of project staff, and coordination with partner organizations related to water sector reform and/or water policy development and/or implementation. S/he will lead strategic planning and implementation related to water policy support and sector reform; coordinate and maintain working relationships with project stakeholders (including ministries, high-level government officials, private sector partners); and collaborate with local partners to strengthen government and stakeholder capacities.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage country-level project operations related to water policy support and water sector reform
• Assist in the development of annual planning and timely, high quality implementation of activities and deliverables
• Serve as lead technical advisor providing guidance and oversight to staff and partners
• Lead, coordinate, and supervise multi-disciplinary teams of experts and partners
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with national and local counterparts to ensure effective coordination of project activities with relevant ministries and agencies, civil society and private sector organizations, international donor institutions, various project stakeholders, and other USAID and U.S. government-funded initiatives
• Lead and manage monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and deliverables related to water policy support and water sector reform

Preferred Skills / Prerequisites

• Minimum of 5-10 years demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: water sector policy development or implementation; water sector reform; and/or liaising with government at the national and/or local level on water policy development and related issues.
• Experience managing or implementing USAID-funded or other donor-funded projects is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required; fluency in Tagalog strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of social, economic, legislative, environmental, and cultural context of the Philippines. Experience living or working in the Philippines strongly preferred.
• University degree in a relevant field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

(6+) years of experience and a master degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

About the Organization

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1965, Abt Associates was built on the concept that sound information and empirical analysis are the best foundations for effective decision making. The firm blends the subject matter expertise of our staff with technical capabilities in applied research, program implementation, and data collection to shape policy, strengthen systems, measure performance, and deliver other solutions to our public and private sector clients. Examples of Abt Associates’ work include nationally recognized research, evaluation, and technical assistance to improve the efficiency of healthcare systems, the effectiveness of government housing programs, the production of food, and the measurement of public opinion. Abt’s staff of more than 2000 includes national and international experts who are known for their understanding of communities and governments worldwide, innovative research techniques, and insightful—and often groundbreaking—analyses and recommendations. Approximately 51 percent of our staff has graduate degrees; one in six has a doctorate. Our staff’s educational and professional disciplines include economics, engineering, environmental analysis, epidemiology, food security, health, housing, international development, psychology, social science, statistics, and survey methodology. Abt’s research staff is experienced with prominent statistical software packages, including SPSS, SAS, and STATA, along with qualitative software such as NVIVO and Atlas. In 2011, Abt Associates was ranked among the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 development innovators. Abt has offices in Atlanta, Ga.; Bethesda, Md.; Cambridge, Mass.; Chicago, Ill.; Durham, N.C.; and New York City and program offices in nearly 40 countries in Africa, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa. www.abtassociates.com