Chairperson Position for the Tanganyika Lake Basin Water Board
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Today, we are featuring a call to national service of the highest order. The Ministry of Water has announced a vacancy for the prestigious position of Chairperson of the Tanganyika Lake Basin Water Board. This is not merely a job; it is a three-year term of strategic stewardship over one of East Africa’s most vital natural resources.
Lake Tanganyika and its surrounding basin are a critical lifeline for millions, supporting biodiversity, local communities, and regional economic activity. The Chairperson of this board will lead the charge in ensuring its sustainable management, balancing complex interests and safeguarding this treasure for future generations. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise, unimpeachable integrity, and a profound commitment to public service.
Below is the official announcement from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water.
Official Announcement from the Ministry of Water
The Opportunity
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water announces the vacancy for the Chairperson of the Tanganyika Lake Basin Water Board. This board is established under the Water Resources Management Act, Chapter 331, Section 22, and its associated regulations. The appointed term for the Chairperson is three years.
Responsibilities of the Tanganyika Lake Basin Water Board
The board, under the leadership of the Chairperson, is entrusted with the comprehensive management of the basin’s water resources. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Planning: Preparing water resource management plans, projects, budgets, and implementation strategies for the entire basin.
- Coordination: Integrating district-level plans into the overarching basin management plan.
- Standard Setting: Providing guidelines and standards for the construction and maintenance of water source infrastructure.
- Oversight & Monitoring: Evaluating, approving, and monitoring water infrastructure projects.
- Data Management: Overseeing the collection, processing, and analysis of data crucial for water resource management.
- Regulatory Authority: Approving, issuing, and revoking permits for water use and wastewater discharge.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining a comprehensive water register as required by law.
- Enforcement: Monitoring permit compliance and enforcing measures to prevent pollution.
- Conflict Resolution: Mediating and resolving disputes related to water use among stakeholders within the basin.
- Advisory Role: Advising the Director of Water Resources on technical matters and coordinating communication between water users and the sector.
- Reporting: Preparing and presenting regular reports on the status of water resources in the basin.
Applicant Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Chairperson position must meet the following criteria:
- Possess extensive knowledge and experience in matters related to the water sector or closely related sectors (e.g., environment, natural resource management).
- Have specific and demonstrable expertise in water resource management.
- Be independent and impartial, with no affiliation to an institution that is considered a major water user in the basin.
How to Apply
The application process is formal and has specific requirements. Please follow these steps precisely.
- Prepare Your Application: Your application must include a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with the names and contact numbers of three professional referees.
- Submit a Physical Copy: Send your application in a sealed envelope to the following address: Katibu Mkuu, Wizara ya Maji, Mji wa Serikali, Mtaa wa Maji, S.L.P. 456, 40473, Dodoma.
- Mark the Envelope Correctly: The back of the envelope must be clearly marked with the following Swahili phrase: “Mwenyekiti Bodi ya Maji Bonde la Ziwa Tanganyika“. Failure to do so may result in your application being misplaced.
- Submit an Email Copy: Send a digital copy of your application via email to: ps@maji.go.tz
Application Deadline: All applications must be received by Monday, October 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM.
Strategic Guidance: Positioning Yourself for this Leadership Role
This senior appointment requires more than a standard job application. It requires a demonstration of executive presence, strategic vision, and deep sectoral expertise. As your career partner, Foniatz.com offers the following high-level advice.
1. Craft an Executive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your CV should immediately establish you as a senior authority.
- Lead with a Leadership Profile: Instead of an “Objective,” start with a 4-5 line “Executive Leadership Profile.” Summarize your decades of experience, key areas of expertise (e.g., “transboundary water policy,” “integrated water resource management,” “stakeholder mediation”), and your leadership philosophy.
- Focus on Strategic Achievements: Don’t just list jobs and duties. Under each role, use bullet points that highlight strategic outcomes.
- Instead of: “Responsible for managing water projects.”
- Write: “Chaired a multi-stakeholder task force to resolve a contentious water allocation issue, resulting in a landmark agreement adopted as regional policy.“
- Instead of: “Analyzed water data.”
- Write: “Directed the development of a basin-wide hydrological model that improved water availability forecasting by 30%, informing national drought mitigation strategies.“
- Highlight Governance Experience: Emphasize any experience serving on boards, advisory panels, or high-level government committees. This demonstrates your familiarity with the governance duties of a Chairperson.
2. Write a Visionary Statement of Interest
Although not explicitly requested, a formal letter of application is essential. Treat it as your “Statement of Interest” and your vision for the role.
- Acknowledge the Mandate: Begin by demonstrating your understanding of the legal and strategic importance of the Board as established by the Water Resources Management Act.
- Articulate Your Vision: Dedicate a significant portion of the letter to your vision for the Tanganyika Lake Basin. What are the top 3 challenges you see (e.g., climate change impact, industrial pollution, cross-border cooperation)? What is your strategic approach to addressing them? This shows you are a forward-thinking leader.
- Subtly Address the Independence Clause: Without being defensive, frame your career as one of impartiality. You can state something like, “Throughout my career in [academia, regulation, independent consulting], I have prided myself on being an objective, evidence-based mediator, a quality I believe is essential for the Chairperson role.”
3. Prepare to Demonstrate Your Expertise and Impartiality
Your entire application should be a testament to your suitability based on the three core qualifications.
- Deep Sectoral Knowledge: Weave in references to key national policies, like Tanzania’s National Water Policy, and international agreements relevant to the Lake Tanganyika basin. This demonstrates you are not just an expert in water, but an expert in water in the Tanzanian context.
- Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy: The role of the board is often to balance the competing needs of agriculture, industry, domestic users, and the environment. Highlight your experience in negotiation, mediation, and building consensus among diverse groups. This is a critical, and often undervalued, skill for a Chairperson.
This is a role of immense responsibility and national importance. We encourage qualified leaders to step forward.
We wish you the very best in this and all your professional endeavors. Thank you for making Foniatz.com your trusted career resource.
Warmly,
The Foniatz.com Team
