Water Policy Lead for Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity

The USAID-funded Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity (WAVE) project in Central Asia, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (www.tetratech.com/intdev), is currently accepting expressions of interest for a Water Policy Lead. This position will be based in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This is a local expert position responsible for advancing implementation of priority actions while clarifying and strengthening the institutional structures, roles, sustaining mechanisms, and coordination platforms needed to underpin long-term multi-level water governance. The Water Policy Lead oversees strategies to strengthen legal and policy frameworks and regional governance. The Water Policy Lead also coordinates with the capacity development and IWRM leads to strengthen institutional capacity and connect basin planning and demonstration activities to policy. This is anticipated to be a three-year, full-time position.

Responsibilities:

*Provide oversight and guidance to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategies and activities to strengthen legal and policy frameworks and regional governance.

*Oversee the identification, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of collaborative priority actions between national governments that address WEFE nexus issues, improve mutual benefits, and forge regional cooperation.

*Oversee strengthening Smart Waters-created Regional Coordination Committee (RCC) platform to fulfill the RCC’s mandate.

*Oversee collaboration with USAID/PCA and other donor funded projects that address water needs for hydropower generation and irrigation across the target region.

*Coordinate with other Objective Leads to strengthen institutional capacity and connect basin planning and demonstration activities to policy.

*Supervise National Policy Engagement Specialists.

*Contribute to work planning, grant development, and other strategic activities as needed.

*Lead and provide technical assistance to team members to design and implement activities.

*Work closely with the MEL Manager to ensure the monitoring, evaluation, reporting and ultimately, achievement of targets and results.

*Produce quality technical deliverables and ensure that reasonable deadlines are set and met.

*Serve on the Program Management Team; bring relevant technical issues and decisions to the PMT for discussion and resolution.

Qualifications:

* Advanced degree in Water Resources Management, Climate Change, or another relevant field.

* Minimum six (6) years’ experience in successful implementation of integrated water resource management (IWRM), transboundary water cooperation, or water and environment programs.

* Minimum five (5) years’ experience in senior technical positions for USAID- or other donor-funded development projects.

* Experience working with Central Asian Government counterparts.

* Demonstrated understanding of the water policy sector and transboundary water challenges in Central Asia.

* Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain partnerships and strong working relationships with donors, host country government counterparts, academic institutions, and civil society.

* Proven experience navigating complex and high-pressure operating environments.

* Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Russian is required.