Pacific Technical Assistance Mechanism 2

(PACTAM2)
Adviser Terms of Reference
PACTAM2 Adviser Terms of Reference
Adviser Title Chief Executive Officer Public Utilities Board
PACTAM2 Project / Employer The Public Utilities Board of Kiribati
Duration This position is expected to commence in July 2017 until
December 2018 with possible extension
Location Tarawa, Kiribati
Adviser Type (LTA or STA) LTA
Adviser Remuneration D4
Framework (ARF) level
Primary capacity In line, transitioning to capacity building
development role
Purpose
PACTAM2 is an Australian Government initiative funded through its official aid agency, the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and managed by Scope Global. It places highly
skilled Technical Advisers in Partner Government organisations across 12 Pacific Island countries.
Through development cooperation arrangements, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (MFAT) is working in partnership with DFAT to contribute funding for this assignment.

Background
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Kiribati is a Corporate Body established under the Public Utilities
Ordinance (CAP 83) on 1st July 1977 and is also governed under the State Owned Enterprises Act
2013. The PUB is committed to provide and deliver high quality, efficient, reliable, and affordable
electricity, water, and sewerage disposal services to meet the standards demanded by PUB
customers and stakeholders. The principal activities of the PUB are to provide and deliver
electricity, water supply and sewerage disposal services to registered customers on South Tarawa.

The Government of Kiribati has recently established a State Owned Enterprise Roadmap and as
part of this establishment, in collaboration with its development partners, prepared an assessment
of the current utility performances, investments, acceptable and affordable services and
institutions reform options for improvement of service delivery and management. The recruited
CEO will play a critical role in the ongoing implementation of the performance improvement
program.
Placement Objectives
To ensure that the Public Utilities Board (PUB) appropriately exercises the duties,
functions and responsibilities as set out in the Public Utilities Ordinance (CAP 83) and the
State Owned Enterprises Act 2013
To develop the vision and strategy to achieve financial sustainability and to ensure
strategic and business plans are effectively implemented, the results are monitored,
reported to the PUB Board, and financial and operational objectives are improved
To ensure that the PUB provides timely advice, reports and recommendations to the
Government relating to the proper functioning and effective asset management of the
electricity, water and sewerage services
To lead the development of the PUB by building internal capacity (particularly second tier
management) and achieving broad stakeholder support through maintaining strong
relationships and coordinating with key stakeholders
 To thoroughly examine the operations and maintenance needs of the PUB to improve
service levels and to ensure that these needs are addressed and incorporated into the
annual budgetary cycle
Specific activities
Directing the sustainable operation of the PUB consistent with the primary objective of
providing electricity, water and sanitation services, and ensuring the long term
sustainability of the PUB
Advising on appropriate regulatory action for electricity, water and sewerage services
including information requirements and making decisions to ensure the proper
functioning of the PUB in a timely manner
Prepare a Statement of Intent (SOI) with a vision, values and strategy to achieve financial
sustainability of the PUB and developing and implementing strategic planning in
consultation with the PUB Board. This will include preparing objectives, policies and
strategies, the business plan, and the annual budget
Provide leadership in the development, planning coordination and implementation of
capacity building and training programs for staff, particularly in operational planning,
performance management, safety and standards, and maintenance
Provide leadership, support and coordination support to ensure successful
implementation of current and pipeline donor supported investment projects
Provide a detailed work plan on expected milestones to be achieved to the Board of PUB,
SOEMAU, the Minister of Works and Public Utilities, DFAT, NZMFAT, the PRIF Utility
Reform working group partners and Scope Global approximately eight weeks after
commencing in the position
Provide mid-cycle and completion report to the Board of PUB, SOEMAU and the Minister
of Works and Public Utilities and then to DFAT, MFAT, the PRIF Utility Reform working
group partners and Scope Global on implementation of the above
Continue to implement, review and update activities identified in the Performance
Improvement Plan, in particular
Implementation of short-term performance improvement measures and
Further development and implementation of the medium-term reform plan for utility
and responsibility for securing approval from the Cabinet
Carry out other duties as requested by the Board of PUB, and the Minister of Works and
Public Utilities

Accountability and working relationships

The PUB CEO will be accountable to and managed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works
and Utilities and the PUB Board of Directors.

This is an in line position in the PUB.

Key selection criteria
Essential
Qualifications
Tertiary qualifications in a related field

Skills, experience, knowledge

At least 7 years of xperience in managing water/power utilities
 Demonstrated track record in organisation leadership, capacity building, stakeholder
management (including Government, government departments, private sector utilities,
and consumers), and public administration
Thorough understanding of the electricity and water industries, especially electricity and
water law, economics, technical and financial
Detailed knowledge of key areas of electricity and water regulation including licensing,
dispute resolution, competition issues, safety and reliability standards, tariffs, consumer
protection and contract administration
Desirable
Experience with electricity and water sector issues in the Pacific region and/or other small
island economies is highly desirable
Experience successfully managing organisational change and corporate restructuring will
be highly desirable
Previous experience living and working in a developing country (particularly in the Pacific)
Special conditions
Scope Global recruitment practices operate under equal employment opportunity principles and
laws. We encourage all appropriately qualified and experienced people to apply regardless of their
sex, age, race, ethnicity, physical ability or beliefs.
We require all Advisers to:
(a) Comply with the terms and conditions of the PACTAM2 Adviser Service Agreement
including completing a police check, undergoing a medical examination, and attending a
pre-departure briefing.
(b) Comply with DFAT safeguard policies and any other policies specific to their placement.