The Rural Electrification Planning Officer placement is to be made to develop rural electrification planning tools and systems and to assist in the Rural Electrification Policy.
Currently some 5% of rural households in Swaziland are connected to the grid; this figure has remained stable for a number of years. The high costs of extending the electricity infrastructure to rural areas, which at present have to be borne by the consumers, largely hamper a wide spread use of electricity in rural areas.
This compounded by the lack of 'villages' or densely built rural communities throughout Swaziland, many homesteads being widely scattered making electrification excessively expensive.
To boost rural development, in which rural electricity is considered to play an important role, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) of the Government of Swaziland (GoS) is developing a programme to facilitate the expansion of the national grid into rural areas.
A number of studies and consultations have been carried out in recent years analysing the technical, financial and social implications of rural electrification. Following on from this work, a draft REP has been developed and is being finalised for submission to cabinet.
A major focus of Rural Electrification Policy is to take power to rural Government Institutions, such as schools, health clinics, Tinkhundla (traditional development centre), rural police stations etc. Through careful planning a number of institutions can be connected at any time thus reducing costs. The lines will also be installed to 'capture' as many homesteads as possible, however this needs to be carried out in close consultation with the proposed Resettlement Policy. Off-grid solutions are to be identified for areas where the grid will not reach in the foreseeable future.
A National Energy Policy is presently under development within the Ministry, with DANCED (Danish Co-operation for Environment and Development). The REP will be an integrated part of the overall policy. The Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) in Swaziland is presently being restructured to allow for private sector involvement. One of the proposals is that the proposed Energy Regulator will oversee rural electrification programmes.
There is a need therefore, in the early stages of policy implementation, for additional capacity within the Energy Section at MNRE to focus upon the development of planning tools and infrastructure for Rural Electrification.
Country
Swaziland is one of the three surviving monarchies in Africa; the other two are Morocco in north Africa and Lesotho in southern Africa. The kingdom is led by King Mswati 111 with parliament and consultation prescribing all laws and customs. Swaziland is fiercely proud of her strong traditions. Swaziland's monarchy is an old and revered institution. It plays an integral part in the life of the nation and is the focus of many traditional ceremonies and much of the cultural life centres around the King. Traditional tribal values have always been maintained, with distinctive national dress regularly worn by all at colourful ceremonies marking specific occasions.
Swaziland is landlocked and covers an area of 1734 kms. (6704sq miles) about the size of Wales. It is divided from north to south by four regions and within these regions every environmental feature of the African continent is to be found - with the exception of the desert. The highveld, middleveld and the lowveld are almost equal in size with the fourth region
Lubombo, being the smallest.
Swaziland is a quiet society compared with other African countries. There is very little nightlife in terms of clubs and bars. The nightclubs can be slightly unsavoury and unsafe. The private clubs are expensive to join and dominated by white expatriates. There are some bars that are nice and lively with a mixed clientele.
There are national libraries in both Mbabane and Manzini. The biggest library and bookshop is at the University of Swaziland (non-students are welcome). There is also a British Council Library which stocks documentary videos and periodicals, and the American Cultural Centre is similar.
There are video rental shops which are quite well stocked. It is possible to find sports facilities in Swaziland: tennis, golf, squash and gym. There are also a few stables where horse riding lessons and trails are available. Football is the national sport and several leagues exist, amateur and professional. Swimming is restricted mainly to the hotels and private residences or private clubs.
Region
The placement is in the capital city, Mbabane. Practically everything can be purchased in Swaziland. There is no need to bring household goods (bed linen, pots and pans). Choice is more limited than in the United Kingdom but prices are less.
English is widely spoken and written in Swaziland as one of the two official languages. The other language is Siswati for which you will receive the necessary training. In the rural areas most people do not speak English although it is taught in all the schools.
The transport infrastructure in Swaziland is poor especially in rural areas. Roads between the towns are good and tarred but once away from these, many roads are dust/dirt tracks. The bus network is good. Links between Mbabane and Manzini are regular and the rural areas are quite well served to the main nearby towns.
Cars can be expensive but a useable car could be purchased for around £2000. Restaurants in Swaziland are few, but cheaper than the United Kingdom and the food is reasonable. There is not a great variety although Italian and limited Indian and Chinese food is available.
Duties and Responsibilities
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To develop short term and long term [plans for rural electrification in Swaziland, with reference to the "2022 Vision" policy that is currently being developed. This would be done in conjunction with the AREO and the AEPO. At various times to report to and meet with the various bodies charged with approving the plans (e.g. The Select Committee for Rural Electrification, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning).
- To identify and prioritise rural Government Institutions that require electrification. This will include regular meetings with the ministries involved (e.g. Health, Education, Agriculture etc.).
- To develop the GIS planning system and database, and to ensure that it remains compatible with the Surveyor General's database.
- To develop an implementation programme, taking into account the inputs of other ministries listed above.
- To initiate, implement and monitor rural electrification projects.
- To provide advice and assistance to individuals, rural communities and organisations with an interest in rural electrification.
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree and (preferably) Masters in an appropriate subject. The Development Worker could have either a qualification in planning with experience in electrical/energy provision; or a qualification in electrical/energy provision and experience in planning.
- Experience in project planning (infrastructure).
- Computer aided drawing and use of GIS's (Microstation 95 would be an advantage or a familiarity with other models).
- Spreadsheet manipulation (Excel would be an advantage).
- Database manipulation (Access would be an advantage).
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
- Ability to be flexible to accommodate issues/situations that arise which are not specifically indicated in the job description e.g. call out to emergencies, cover for shortfall of skills.
Desirable
- Ability to work with people from different cultures, and to adapt work practice accordingly.
- Experience of training others or sharing skills in a less formal manner.
- Valid driver's licence.
Placement Information
Accountability:
Senior Energy Officer (SEO)
Terms and Conditions:
40 hours per week (often there is a need to work late, eg when the Minister wants information for a speech).
8.00am to 4.45pm (4.30 on Friday) with 1 hour for lunch
25 days pa holiday entitlement.
Environment:
The Energy Section of the MNRE is situated in Mbanane. It is a well resourced office and has the full support of other Government departments with a strong commitment to developing the provision of energy in Swaziland.
Staff within the Energy Section work closely with each other and share ideas across. The resources available include a desktop computer and 2 laptop computers (Windows 98, Office 97, and Office 2000), scanner, CD writer, access to e mail and internet, video and still camera, digital projector, slide projector and overhead projector, television and video recorder.
Access to Energy Section vehicle pool (two 4x4 twin cab bakkies, one single cab bakkie which are in good repair and normally on the road. The DW will have to complete a driving test before being given access to a vehicle.
Other Information
The accommodation will either be furnished Government housing or Government leased housing. The furniture from the Government pool can be a bit basic but the essentials are provided and are sometimes supplemented from Skillshare Africa's own store of furniture.
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