Expertise: Manager Major Projects
Expertise Group: Project Management/ Institutional Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: project management; engineering
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Solomon Islands Water Authority (trading as Solomon Water – “SW”), was established under the Solomon
Islands Water Act 1993, and commenced operations in May 1993. The Act sets out the functions of SW with
respect to the proper management and development of urban water supply and sewerage services in Solomon
Islands. SW currently provides water supply services to over 65,000 people in 4 urban centers (Auki,
Honiara, Noro, and Tulagi) of which approximately 58,000 live in the greater Honiara area.
In 2017, SW developed and commenced implementation of its 30 Year Strategic Plan and 5 Year
Infrastructure Action Plan aimed at ensuring the ongoing sustainable development of SW’s water and waste
water services throughout Solomon Islands. To improve access to safe water and sanitation services, SW’s
comprehensive strategic plan, and 5-Year Action Plan details the infrastructure development and works
required to meet the growing demand for water and sanitation services throughout Solomon Islands.
With the support of Development partners, the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and European Union, SW
have obtained funding for a significant portion of the 5 year action plan under the Urban Water Supply &
Sanitation Sector Project UWSSSP. UWSSSP will improve access to safe water and sanitation services in
urban and peri-urban areas of Solomon Islands. The project will have the following outcome: efficiency,
climate change and disaster resiliency, sustainability of safe water and sanitation in urban areas
improved.
The project outputs will include:
Output 1 – continuous, safe and climate resilient urban water supply.
Output 2 – effective, efficient and safe urban sanitation services.
Output 3 – enhanced and sustained awareness of hygiene and water issues and sustained improved hygiene
behavior.
Output 4 – SW is financially and technically sustainable.
Output 5 – Management of Honiara’s drinking water source areas are strengthened to build resilience to
climate change.
The Project Management Unit established within SW is responsible for the delivery of SW UWSSSP
investment projects in line with SW 30-Year Strategic Plan and 5-Year Action Plan.
Scope of Work
The Manager Major Projects will be responsible for the management, leadership and oversight of SW
Project Unit with responsibility for delivery of all aspects of SW capital investment program including
international specialists and design consultants undertaking detailed design for project investments.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
The tasks and expected outputs of the Manager Major Projects include but are not limited to:
• Provide program and project management support to the project management unit and SW Chief Executive
Officer regarding ongoing and closing project activities, while maintaining and implementing appropriate
standards and best practices in line with Solomon Water and donor partners policies and procedures
• Liaise with various Donors on potential funding programs, reporting requirements and any other
requirements associated with receipt of donor funds for the further funding support and financing of
projects.
• Develop an annual work plan and budget based upon SW Strategic Plan and 5 Year Action Plan.
• Provide expertise and support to other project managers, construction manager and program managers and
instill a Project Management philosophy within the team.
• Oversee and coordinate tender and procurement processes for UWSSSP and other SW Infrastructure
projects. Ensuring full compliance with all donor requirements.
• Oversee design of various priority projects.
• Possess initiative, strong leader skills, and good verbal communication skills in managing
infrastructure contracts.
• Oversee construction implementation of all UWSSSP other SW Infrastructure projects.
• Work with government departments to facilitate smooth donor funding and government reporting
requirements.
• Effectively manage staff resources to achieve program requirements and deliver design and construction
projects on time and to budget.
• Ensure appropriate safeguards and governance controls are in place, managed and reported as required.
• Maintain strong relationships with donor organizations and key stakeholders, through the development
and implementation of a stakeholder engagement and management plan.
• Attend and report to project steering committee as required by the Chief Executive Officer of Solomon
Water.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to local staff managing design and construction projects using best
practice project management.
• Provide knowledge transfer to local staff.
• Be part of the executive leadership team of Solomon Water.
Stakeholder Management
• The Manager Major Projects will report to the SW Chief Executive Officer.
• In consultation with the SW Chief Executive Officer, develop internal and external stakeholder
profiles and facilitate the formulation of stakeholder engagement strategies as applicable.
• Support the formulation and implementation of the UWSSSP communications plan
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholder engagement and communication, as applicable ensuring
effective timing and interdependency management of communications across the projects.
Quality Assurance
• In consultation with SW Chief Executive Officer and donor partners to ensure the UWSSSP project
complies with audit and review requirements as applicable
• Coordinate quality reviews of program and project documentation and deliverables and continuously
identify and improve operational processes relevant to project implementation.
Knowledge Management
• Ensure routine and effective capacity building activities are conducted in order to build the long-
term and sustainable capacity of national personnel.
Personnel Management
• Supervise, motivate and develop relevant Solomon Water project team members
• Ensure that behavioral expectations of tem members are established
• Ensure performance reviews are conducted in a timely manner
• Ensure project team effectively manages, reports and implements project management processes for the
successful delivery of the project.
Working Conditions
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting based in Honiara, Solomon Islands
• Frequent travel to project sites may be required
• May be required to work extended hours or weekends to meet project deadlines
• Contract Duration – 24 months with the option to extend subject to performance
Minimum Qualification Requirements
• The Manager Major Projects will have a bachelor degree in engineering or related field
• Extensive project management experience in major infrastructure development project.
• Minimum 10 years demonstrated experience in project management for infrastructure projects within the
water, energy or transport sector.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead project teams and collaborate with cross functional teams.
• Knowledge of ADB donor procurement and reporting procedures.
• Experience working in small island developing states is an advantage.
Minimum General Experience: 10 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 10 Years
