NRW Technical Losses Specialist for projects in Central Asia (f/m/d)
Project description
Central Asia’s water sector is entering a new phase with significant infrastructure investments planned across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, shifting focus from expansion alone to long-term performance, financial viability and institutional resilience. As part of this strategic transition, GFA’s Water, Sanitation and Waste Management (WSWM) department is preparing for a new generation of donor-funded water sector programmes that combine capital investment with systemic reform in partnership with institutions such as ADB, EBRD, KfW and the European Union. Our projects go beyond construction. We design projects that work in real institutional environments, not only on paper. In practice, this means we:
- Integrate lifecycle costing, financial sustainability and climate resilience from the outset
- Link tariff and revenue dialogue to operational performance realities
- Embed advisory support within utilities rather than relying on stand-alone workshops
- Strengthen governance, accountability and management structures
- Sequence reforms in line with institutional dynamics and political timelines
- Introduce modern management systems, digital performance tools and AI-driven analytics for data-informed decision-making and asset management
Job description
We are looking for reform-driven experts who combine technical depth with institutional insight and can meaningfully contribute to future water sector projects across Central Asia. Beyond project mobilisation, selected experts will engage through a Water Reform Platform for Central Asia – a thought leadership space focused on advancing systemic reform and shaping the future of water sector governance, financing and service delivery in the region. Engagement opportunities include, but are not limited to, contributions to regional and international events, closed IFI roundtables, technical design labs, peer exchanges, sector publications and expert panels. Applications from both international and national experts are welcome.Qualifications
- Education: University degree in Engineering (e.g. Civil, Mechanical, Electromechanical or related discipline)
- General professional experience: At least 7 years of professional experience in the water sector
- Languages: Strong working proficiency in Russian preferred, English at least B2 level
- Specific professional experience:
- Proven experience in electromechanical systems in water utilities (e.g. pumping stations, pressure control equipment, valves)
- Strong expertise in pump and pressure management, including pressure zoning and optimisation
- Demonstrated experience in technical non-revenue water (NRW) reduction
- Hands-on experience with District Metered Areas (DMAs), including design, implementation and operation
- Track record of measurable NRW reduction achievements (ideally supported by quantified results, e.g. reduction of NRW by X%)
- Experience in defining, monitoring and using performance indicators (KPIs) for NRW and network performance management
- Donor experience: Proven experience in donor-funded projects (e.g. ADB, EBRD, KfW, EU or similar); familiarity with IFI procedures required
- Regional experience: Central Asia experience required (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan or Turkmenistan); prior work experience outside the home country preferred
Not a 100% match? We still encourage you to apply. GFA considers a wide range of profiles depending on project-specific requirements.
Your application
Interested candidates are invited to submit a tailored CV and their fee expectations via the "APPLY FOR JOB" button.
At GFA GROUP, we embrace the strength that comes from diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where your unique skills and perspectives are celebrated. We look forward to hiring new colleagues who identify with this appreciation of diversity. We welcome applicants irrespective of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, social origin, religion and beliefs, disability and chronic disease, age and sexual identity. Your skills and motivation are our only decision factor! We would like to encourage you to apply and bring your talents, skills and personal life experiences to enrich and advance our joint endeavours.
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