Technical Specialist (Infrastructure Programme Management)

Phanda Personnel; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure-focused institution in Johannesburg is seeking a highly experienced Technical Specialist for a full-time, 18-month contract. You will provide technical expertise on large-scale infrastructure projects, focusing on water and sanitation. Applicants must have a degree in Engineering and significant experience in infrastructure project management. Offers a competitive salary and an opportunity for impact in sustainable national development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• 3-5 years' experience in bulk water and sanitation projects.
• Proven ability to evaluate designs and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise for infrastructure projects.
• Manage the full lifecycle of projects within scope and budget.
• Engage with stakeholders to secure opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project management expertise

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in Engineering (Built Environment)

Postgraduate degree in Engineering (advantageous)

Qualification in Project or Programme Management

Job description

Overview

Technical Specialist (Infrastructure Programme Management) – Phanda Personnel

Location : Johannesburg, South Africa
Contract Duration : 18 months (Full-time assignment)

We are seeking a highly experienced Technical Specialist to join the Programme Management Unit of a leading infrastructure-focused institution. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on large-scale infrastructure projects spanning sectors such as water, sanitation, transport, energy, human settlements, and more, contributing to sustainable national development.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to ensure robust design, feasibility, and implementation of infrastructure projects.
• Develop project concepts, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and investment proposals.
• De-risk projects by identifying and addressing technical and commercial risks, ensuring projects are bankable and aligned with sector standards.
• Manage the full lifecycle of infrastructure projects and programmes from origination to completion, ensuring delivery within time, scope, and budget.
• Lead project/programme planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Monitor and report on milestones, deliverables, risks, and dependencies.
• Engage with stakeholders across political, commercial, and technical spheres to secure mandates and unlock sector-specific opportunities.
• Support investor confidence through strong technical due diligence and risk management.
• Monitor infrastructure assets post-financial close to ensure intended social, economic, and financial outcomes are achieved.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Engineering (Built Environment).
• At least 7 years' experience in large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in bulk water and sanitation projects, with knowledge of relevant technical standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in technical project preparation and due diligence, including feasibility studies, cost estimation, and risk assessment.
• Proven ability to evaluate designs, budgets, and implementation plans for viability.
• Experience supporting bankability assessments for infrastructure financing.
• Strong stakeholder engagement experience from a technical perspective.

Additional Requirements / Advantages

• Advantageous Postgraduate degree in Engineering (Built Environment).
• Qualification in Project or Programme Management.
• More than 10 years' experience in infrastructure projects.
• Over 5 years' focused experience in bulk water and sanitation.
• Experience as a Lender's Technical Advisor (LTA) or equivalent.
• Strong background in technical risk management and negotiation of financing agreements.
• Experience in asset monitoring and evaluation post-financial close.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven project and programme management expertise.
• Ability to deliver results under pressure.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Strategic and innovative thinking with strong business acumen.
• Teamwork and collaboration across multi-disciplinary environments.

Additional Information

This is a full-time contract position (18 months).

The role will require working primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work (subject to approval).

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview to assess technical expertise, experience, and cultural fit.

Desired Skills

Bulk Water & Sanitation, 5 to 10 years desired work experience, degree desired qualification level. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Phanda Personnel by 2x.