Job Description
Company Overview
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Job Description
Project Overview
The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) is seeking consulting services to conduct a technical feasibility study and produce the preliminary design for the water conveyance system of the Lesotho to Botswana Water Transfer Scheme. The bulk water transfer scheme is intended to mobilize water in Lesotho and convey it through South Africa to Botswana, while supplying users along the route. The study will assess and integrate technical, financial, environmental, regulatory, institutional, social, and climate considerations to support financing and implementation decisions.
The assignment covers route confirmation, demand and socioeconomic assessment, topographical and cadastral surveys, geotechnical and materials investigations, climate risk assessment, hydraulic modelling and optimization, preliminary design of pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs and supporting infrastructure, cost estimation, economic analysis, and preparation of detailed-design terms of reference and a Record of Implementation Decision.
Position Description
CDM Smith is seeking a Water Resources Expert/Specialist to lead water-resources, hydrology, and related hydraulic analyses for the anticipated feasibility study. The position will help confirm design water requirements, assess hydrological and climate-related risks, support preliminary design of abstraction and conveyance infrastructure, and coordinate water-resources inputs across the multidisciplinary team.
*Professional engagement is contingent on project award and client approval.
Responsibilities
- Review prior reconnaissance, prefeasibility, feasibility, hydrology, yield, and water-demand studies relevant to the selected conveyance route.
- Undertake and guide hydrological analyses, including flood-risk and climate-change considerations for project facilities.
- Support confirmation of water requirements, system capacity, operating scenarios, and linkages with upstream sources and downstream users.
- Contribute to hydraulic-structure studies for abstraction, inlet and outlet works, hydropower, and flow-control equipment.
- Coordinate water-resources inputs to the Design Criteria Memorandum, optimization studies, preliminary design reports, cost estimates, and feasibility report.
- Work with hydraulic, pipeline, structural, electro-mechanical, climate, economic, social, and environmental specialists to integrate analyses and recommendations.
Skills & Abilities
- Advanced hydrology, water-resources planning, and river-basin modelling.
- Strong understanding of transboundary and multipurpose water-resource projects.
- Ability to interpret hydrological, hydraulic, climate, sedimentation, and demand data for feasibility-stage decisions.
- Effective multidisciplinary coordination and technical-report preparation.
- Clear communication of assumptions, modelling results, risks, and recommendations in English
Qualifications
- Minimum, MSc. Degree in Water Resources Engineering or equivalent
- 15 years of experience, partly in Africa, related to transboundary river basin planning and hydrological modelling and multipurpose water resources project preparation
- Track record of involvement in multi-disciplinary teams in planning and design of:
- large dams, designs of hydraulic structures including inlet/outlet works, design and installation of hydraulic control equipment (gates, valves, penstocks), hydraulic analysis, hydropower development and dam safety evaluations
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience on transboundary river-basin planning or multipurpose water-transfer assignments involving Lesotho, Botswana, or South Africa.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Orange-Senqu River Basin, the Makhaleng River system, or Southern African water-resource planning and operating institutions.
- Experience applying climate-change scenarios to yield, flood-risk, drought-risk, sedimentation, or water-availability analyses.
- Experience coordinating hydrology and water-resources inputs with large-diameter pipeline, pump-station, hydropower, and dam-feasibility teams.
- Familiarity with applicable water-resource policies, data systems, and approval processes in the L-BWT State Parties.
- Experience preparing bankable feasibility studies for multilateral development bank-financed water infrastructure.
Amount of Travel Required: 20% – 40%
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant’s criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available: No – We are not open to sponsoring for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
