To lead the development and management of KOBWA’s water infrastructure portfolio, ensuring the successful delivery of capital projects, and the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of existing infrastructure. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Mbabane
- Category: Project Management
- Closing Date: 2026-09-05
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of water infrastructure projects within approved scope, budget, quality, and timelines
- Coordinate feasibility studies, technical investigations, project planning activities and project planning activities to support infrastructure development initiatives
- Coordinate feasibility studies, technical investigations, project planning activities, and infrastructure development initiatives
- Oversee the procurement, management, and performance of consultants, contractors, and service providers, ensuring effective contract administration and compliance with applicable policies and procedures
- Monitor project implementation and construction activities to ensure compliance with technical specifications, contractual obligations, engineering standards, environmental regulations, and health and safety requirements
- Manage project budgets, expenditure, risks, and mitigation plans to ensure cost-effective and timely project delivery
- Support the operation, maintenance, inspection, assessment, and optimisation of KOBWA’s water infrastructure assets to ensure reliability and performance
- Prepare project reports, technical recommendations, and progress updates for management and governance structures
- Liaise with government authorities, consultants, contractors, communities, and other stakeholders to facilitate the successful delivery of project objectives
- Lead, develop, and supervise project staff through effective guidance, coaching, and performance management
- Promote continuous improvement, best practices, and cross-functional collaboration to support organisational objectives
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or an equivalent qualification (NQF Level 7)
- Postgraduate qualification in Project Management will be an added advantage
- Professional registration with SACPCMP is mandatory. Registration with ECSA or an equivalent
- A minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience in infrastructure project management, including at least five (5) years managing large-scale infrastructure projects
- A valid driver’s license and a valid passport are required
Salary
E/R1,260,128.10 per annum
How to Apply
Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of Eswatini and South Africa. Candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and undergo security clearance. Applications, accompanied by a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae and copies of academic and professional qualifications, should be submitted by email no later than 05 September 2026, clearly indicating the position applied for. The Recruitment Manager SNG Grant Thornton Advisory (Eswatini) (Pty) Ltd Umkhini House, Lot 195, Karl Grant Street, Mbabane Email: recruitment.ez@sng.gt.com Advert also available on Website and LinkedIn: SNG Grant Thornton LinkedIn
About the Company
KOBWA — the Komati Basin Water Authority — is a binational institution established under an agreement between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa to jointly manage the Komati River Basin. It operates in Eswatini with a primary focus on implementing water infrastructure and sustainable resource management initiatives, particularly Phase 1 of the Komati River Basin development. Its work directly supports water security and agricultural productivity in eastern Eswatini, including areas bordering the Komati River. KOBWA functions as a statutory authority with responsibilities spanning both countries but maintains operational presence and project implementation within Eswatini.
Water resource management authority for the Komati River Basin in Eswatini
Website: https://www.kobwa.co.za/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for the Water Infrastructure Portfolio Manager role in Eswatini?
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resources management, or a related field is usually mandatory, and many employers prefer a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma. Professional registration with the Swaziland Institution of Engineers (SIE) or equivalent recognition by the Eswatini Engineering Council is strongly advised. Relevant project management certifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation or PMP are increasingly valued, especially for donor-funded infrastructure projects common in Eswatini.
What does a typical day look like for a Water Infrastructure Portfolio Manager working on the Kobwa initiative?
The role involves coordinating multiple water infrastructure projects—such as borehole rehabilitation, piped supply upgrades, and catchment protection—across rural and peri-urban areas in the Lubombo or Hhohho regions. Daily tasks include stakeholder meetings with local councils, Ministry of Natural Resources officials, and community representatives, plus reviewing technical reports, budget tracking, and ensuring compliance with national water policies and donor requirements (e.g., World Bank or UNICEF standards).
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for this role in Eswatini compared to other countries?
Respect for hierarchy and consensus-driven decision-making are central; seniority and relationship-building with traditional leadership (e.g., chiefs and indvuna) often influence project acceptance and timelines. Punctuality is expected, but flexibility around meeting times may be needed due to transport challenges or community consultation schedules. Employers value humility, cultural fluency in siSwati, and demonstrated experience engaging with rural communities and government structures at both local and national levels.
What realistic career progression paths exist after serving as a Water Infrastructure Portfolio Manager in Eswatini?
Successful performers often advance to senior technical advisory roles within the Ministry of Natural Resources or the National Water Authority, or transition into regional coordination positions with multilateral agencies operating in Southern Africa. Some move into consultancy leadership or take up academic or capacity-building roles at institutions like the University of Eswatini or the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM). Continued engagement with national development frameworks—such as Vision 2022 and the National Development Plan—strengthens long-term relevance.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are commonly offered for this role in Eswatini?
Employers typically provide 21–30 days of annual leave, statutory sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave aligned with the Employment Act of Eswatini. Medical aid is often included, either through a national scheme like the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) or a private provider, and pension contributions follow the Eswatini Pension Fund rules for public sector-linked roles or private schemes for NGOs and contractors. Benefits vary significantly between government, parastatal, and international donor-funded positions, with formal contracts always outlining entitlements clearly.
How should I apply, and what do employers in Eswatini specifically look for in candidates for this role?
Applications are usually submitted via email or online portals linked to the hiring entity—commonly the Ministry of Natural Resources, SWACO, or implementing partners like UNICEF or SNV—and must include a CV, certified academic documents, and a cover letter referencing relevant Eswatini water projects. Employers prioritise proven experience managing multi-stakeholder water infrastructure projects in rural Eswatini, familiarity with national regulations (e.g., Water Act No. 4 of 2007), and demonstrable success in community engagement, reporting to donors, and navigating intergovernmental coordination processes.