Utility Specialist Malawi

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ROCKBlue is an organization working to improve the lives of the urban poor throughout
the developing world with water and sanitation for all. For example, with the help of a
team of >100 dedicated individuals, ROCKBlue assisted utilities, who kept the taps
running for 20 million people across numerous countries, despite the many obstacles.
Are you interested in improving the lives of people in developing nations who need it
most, allowing them to live healthier, more productive lives - providing the potential to
break the cycle of poverty and to build brighter futures? If so, we have an opportunity for
a volunteer Utility Specialist.
Position Description
ROCKBlue is offering an opportunity to get involved with our dynamic and rapidly
expanding organization. This Utility Specialist position provides the opportunity to "give
back" and to help others gain from your considerable experience and knowledge. In
particular, struggling water utilities who will benefit from your input.
In general, you will serve as a mentor and a connector to ROCKBlue’s utility partners.
This is not particularly time consuming, does not require a lot of preparation and can be
done virtually. Most of our Utility Specialists volunteer less than four to six hours per
week assisting their utility partners. This is accomplished by email, WhatsApp or video
calls (e.g., Zoom, SKYPE, MS Teams). In the rare event that you would be asked to
provide in-country assistance, this would be fully paid for, including possibly your labor
and it would depend on your interest and availability.
ROCKBlue as a mentor
As a mentor, ROCKBlue offers management expertise, in 21 categories, to our partner
utilities to achieve greater efficiencies and increased capabilities in utility operations and
maintenance. Utility management is sometimes unfairly expected to know all areas of
operations. When and where there are gaps in a utility’s capabilities, ROCKBlue helps
to make sure they are filled; and that in the future those gaps no longer exist.
This document is proprietary in nature and owned by ROCKBlue Inc. It may not be shared with or by anyone outside of this

organisation.

ROCKBlue's engagement with a utility may vary from ad hoc input from one Utility
Expert to a more intensive commitment of onsite support. The level of engagement
depends on the needs and wishes of the utility at any given time. The relationship will
continue until the utility has become self-reliant.
ROCKBlue as a connector
ROCKBlue connects its partner utilities with: donors, lenders, development partners,
regional and international organizations, private sector, regulators, NGO’s, educational
institutions, foundations, etc.
We leverage our team members’ international reputations, contacts and experiences to
provide these connections, which are indispensable to a utility’s management team as
they work to overcome challenges.
Other benefits to you
Your engagement with ROCKBlue will enable you to learn about the operations of a
non-profit organization as well as learn about the latest trends in utility management. It
is also likely that you will engage with development financial institutions (e.g., the World
Bank), aid agencies (e.g., USAID), for- and non-profit organizations as well as other
stakeholders working with our utility partners. In essence, you’ll expand your own list of
contacts and knowledge in the urban water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
In which division you will work and assistance provided
You will work within the Utility Partnership division of ROCKBlue, under the guidance of
the Director of Utility Partnerships (DUP). You will also be aided by other members of
his team as well as the local Resident Representative in the country where you work.
We have a roster of over 140 Utility Specialists which may be called upon to assist you
and the utility. Hence, if there is a demand from the utility partner that exceeds your
availability or capability, you can refer this demand to the DUP of who will help source
the additional help.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help, grow their skillset and have
fun while doing it.
Responsibilities
● Your activities are largely led by a Performance Tracking Form (PTF). The utility
uses a short, 1-2 page, PTF to describe their top objectives for improved

Interested candidates can send their applications to hr@rockblue.org.

performance (e.g., reducing non-revenue water). Hence your engagements with
the utility will largely be governed by helping them strategize on meeting the
goals of their PTFs with the help of the DUP.
● Applying the adage "that which gets measured gets done" the PTF’s are
reviewed monthly. You will work with the utility partner, ROCKBlue’s Local
Resident Representative (LRR), as well as ROCKBlue’s Director of Utility
Partnerships. You will also work with other members of the Utility Partnership
Division (UPD) to help ensure a quality PTF every month.
● Attend calls with the partner utility for a status update and an understanding of
their challenges, and coordinate accomplishing tasks that are agreed during this
call.
● Attend regular Performance Achievement Workshop Series (PAWS) events each
quarter.
● Work closely with and under the direction of the Director of UPD.
Requirements and Qualifications
● A strong understanding of the principles of managing a utility and utility
operations
● Significant experience working in the water sector in low-and middle-income
countries and strong knowledge of utility operations
● Engineering degree
● English Proficiency and fluency in language of the utility to which you would be
assigned
● Good communication skills
● A stable internet connection
● Patience, adaptability, flexibility and cultural sensitivities from work in developing
countries