Technical Specialist: Water

About the Role:An exciting opportunity exists for a Technical Specialist in the Water & Sanitation sector to join a leading infrastructure investment team. The successful candidate will ensure that water and sanitation infrastructure investments are technically sound, financially viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. This role combines technical expertise with financial and project acumen to support investment origination, due diligence, portfolio management, and sector advisory for large-scale water and sanitation projects. Key Responsibilities:Technical Advisory and ExpertiseProvide expert technical guidance and sector-specific insights for water and sanitation projects.Stay abreast of emerging technologies, policy developments, and global best practices.Diagnose complex sector challenges and design practical, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.Lead or contribute to technical consultations, training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure technical alignment across project stages. Investment Support and Programme DevelopmentConduct technical due diligence on infrastructure transactions and assess sector risks.Enhance project bankability by identifying and mitigating technical and sector-specific risks.Support project preparation through feasibility studies, business planning, and innovative solutions.Contribute to the design of new products and services aligned with development mandates.Assess sector impact across South Africa and Africa, considering regulatory frameworks, market conditions, and sustainability factors.Provide structuring recommendations to support investment approvals and develop sector-specific conditions.Monitor and evaluate portfolio performance and ensure compliance with technical, environmental, and sector standards. Sector Governance and Stakeholder EngagementPresent sector research findings and investment insights to internal committees and decision-makers.Develop and implement sector strategies, guidelines, and technical frameworks.Provide credible advice to clients, governments, and finance partners, influencing investment decision-making.Build strong stakeholder relationships to align expectations and ensure successful project implementation. Innovation and Continuous ImprovementChampion innovation and continuous improvement within the water and sanitation sector.Identify opportunities to enhance processes, products, and services using technical knowledge and industry insights.Explore and implement cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency, quality, and value. Reporting and AnalyticsPrepare high-quality, data-driven technical reports and assessments.Analyse complex data to deliver actionable insights for decision-making and risk mitigation. Qualifications and Experience:Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources, Sanitation Engineering, or related discipline.Minimum 10 years’ sector experience in structuring and preparing investment-ready water and sanitation infrastructure projects.Proven track record in infrastructure finance and investment, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) and transaction advisory services.Extensive professional network and relationships with senior stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector across South Africa and Africa.Knowledge of sustainable development principles, climate adaptation, and inclusive service delivery.Experience in designing technical and financial solutions to enable deal closure and mobilise private or blended finance.Desirable:Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Development Studies, Sustainable Development, Infrastructure Planning, or an MBA.Professional registration with a recognized engineering or sectoral professional body (e.g., ECSA). Key Competencies and Personal Attributes:Strategic, innovative, and analytical thinker.Strong project management, financial acumen, and business development skills.Customer service orientation and stakeholder management.Ability to drive delivery of results in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.Teamwork, collaboration, organisational awareness, and adaptability. Why Apply?This is a rare opportunity for a senior water and sanitation infrastructure specialist to contribute to high-impact, sustainable investments, provide expert technical guidance, and influence the development and delivery of critical infrastructure projects across South Africa and the wider African continent.