Project Human Resource Management

'Non-implementation of rules cause of power crisis'

‘Non-implementation of rules cause of power crisis’

By Ijaz Kakakhel

ISLAMABAD: Senior experts on power distribution companies (DISCOs) on Wednesday linked the current energy crises to non-implementation of existing rules in respective companies.

Experts expressed these views on concluding of a two-day workshop on introduction of latest international practices in strategic planning and change management.

The main purpose of the two-day workshop was to focus on the ways to improve DISCO operations, which will lead to increased revenues and better customer services.

Officials of the companies were of the view that rules exist but are never implemented, which has become main hurdles in energy crises in the country. “If the rules were properly implemented, the power crises—if not fully overcome—would have reduced up to great extent,” they claimed.

“Until cash flow through the electric power system from the consumer to the fuel supplier is adequate to cover all power system costs, the system will not be able to attract investments, address load shedding, improve services and eliminate dependence on government subsidies,” said Dick Dumfor, Director of the USAID Power Distribution Improvement Programme, which organised the training in collaboration with the ministry of water and power.

“By assisting DISCOs to improve their commercial performance, will ultimately improve the financial health of the entire power sector of Pakistan,” he further said. The senior officials were informed that Pakistan’s power sector is, and has been for many years, beset by significant challenges. The challenges include limited availability of reliable and affordable electric power, aging and inadequate transmission and distribution networks, and utility policies and practices that badly lag behind those of modern utilities else where in the world.

For power distribution companies, these deficiencies translate into a level of financial performance that cannot be considered self-sustaining, and where financial self-sufficiency is becoming critical. Pakistan’s power industry is undergoing sweeping changes, transitioning from wholly government-owned utilities to fully autonomous companies that will engage in power generation, transmission, and distribution under the government’s aggressive reform agenda.

Project Officer – Makoni Food and Livelihood Security Support ...

Deadline: 1 July 2011

Applications are encouraged from individuals with suitable qualifications to fill the following position within the organisation.

General description of role:

The Project Officer is responsible for the overall implementation of the project in line with the project documentation and agreements signed between GOAL and the institutional partner in the district assigned. S/he actively guides the physical implementation and on going monitoring of the project. S/he also contributes to the continuous review of the project with a view to improving the anticipated project outcomes. The Project Officer support and line manages the Field Officers and the data capture clerk who work on the project.

Qualifications and skills:

-    A minimum of a degree in Agriculture/Social Science or equivalent related field

-    2+ years’ solid experience in a middle senior capacity in managing livelihoods projects

-    Proven experience of using participatory methodologies such as Training for Transformation and/PRA techniques with rural communities

-    Good understanding and previous experience of using monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies

-    Proven human resource management, organizing and planning skills

-    Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

-    Excellent oral and written communication skills

-    Evidence of maturity and good community approach skills

-    Computer literate in Microsoft products i.e. Word and Excel

-    Motor bike riding experience an added advantage

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be called for an interview. Interested candidates should submit an application letter, a CV with names and addresses of contactable referees and certified copies of certificates. Please indicate the post on the application envelope and submit no later than 1st July 2011 to:

The HR Co-ordinator, GOAL Zimbabwe, 3 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare or P. O. Box 4370, Harare.

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