Chief Engineer Grade A at Department of Water and Sanitation

Requirements and Expectations

Requirements:

• A degree in engineering (B Eng/BSc Eng) or relevant qualification.
• Six (6) years of post-qualification experience.
• Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a professional engineer.
• A valid and unexpired driver’s licence.
• Extensive experience in water and sanitation services planning and implementation, including feasibility studies, design, legislative compliance, site supervision, and project close-out.
• Knowledge of programme, project, and financial management, and the ability to effectively liaise with a wide range of sector role players.
• Comprehensive understanding of the water sector and relevant legislation, including but not limited to:
• Water Services Act (No. 108 of 1997)
• National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998)
• National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)
• Competence in research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, and relevant software tools.
• Strong technical report writing, networking, and professional judgment skills.
• Abilities in problem-solving, analysis, decision-making, team leadership, creativity, and self-management.
• Strong stakeholder focus, responsiveness, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Excellent planning, organizing, people management, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated strategic capability and leadership.
• Must be available to travel frequently, sometimes at short notice.

Duties

• Manage technical services and provide support in conjunction with engineers, technologists, technicians, and associates in field, workshop, and technical office activities.
• Provide analytical and project management support for water and sanitation services projects.
• Offer technical support to the water and sanitation sector.
• Conduct strategic analysis of water services themes and topics and develop related business perspectives with recommendations.
• Engage and liaise with all stakeholders and sector role players regarding project planning and implementation.
• Support water services authorities (WSAs) to ensure the effective application of planning and implementation frameworks and methodologies.
• Monitor and report on adherence to approved planning and implementation methodologies.
• Identify, prioritize, and initiate projects; manage associated financial processes and budget structuring.
• Coordinate planning across all spheres of government (Water Boards, WSAs, and other WSPs) to ensure integrated, reliable, and sustainable service delivery.
• Investigate, assess, monitor, and report on all aspects of water and sanitation service delivery.
• Ensure accurate data management and reporting through systems such as the Water Services Knowledge System and the National Integrated Water Information System.
• Maintain data-sharing partnerships with key sector role players and stakeholders, including Statistics South Africa, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance, and the Office of the Presidency.
• Ensure quality assurance of technical designs and specifications, and make or recommend approvals where appropriate.
• Monitor project implementation to ensure compliance with prescribed norms and standards.
• Evaluate water and sanitation services delivery projects.
• Provide technical and engineering guidance on the operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Support town reconciliation studies, water conservation and demand management (WCWDM) initiatives, bulk water and sanitation master planning, and disaster management efforts.
• Pursue continuous professional development to remain abreast of new technologies and procedures.
• Conduct research and literature studies to enhance technical expertise and professional competence.

Closing Date: November 14,2025