The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (“URCA”) of The Bahamas came into effect on 1 August 2009 as the converged regulator for the Electronic Communications Sector (ECS) – covering broadcasting, radio spectrum and electronic communications. On January 28, 2016 URCA became the regulator of the Electricity Sector (ES) in The Bahamas. The new sector was added to URCA’s responsibilities with the passing of the Electricity Act 2015 (EA) and the URCA (Amendment) Act 2015 on December 31, 2015.

URCA is further strengthening its capacity and is seeking to employ a suitably qualified individual to fill the post of Senior Case Officer, Economics in the Utilities and Energy department with the requisite competencies and experience. The position will be based in The Bahamas and will report to the Director of Utilities and Energy.

SENIOR CASE OFFICER – ECONOMICS CORE DUTIES:

• Analyze/monitor/evaluate the financial, economic and operational performance of utilities in the Electricity Sector and assess whether the utilities are likely to meet economic regulation conditions set out in their licences and relevant regulatory measures
• Research best practices in utilities regulation and recommend policy
• Lead the assessment of the development plans for the electricity sector
• Develop and monitor standards for the electricity industry
• Assist URCA in ensuring that the operation of the sector is fair and transparent and that Plants are utilized in the most efficient and cost effective manner
• Assist in the development of the regulatory framework for and take the lead in implementing economic regulation of the Electricity sector
• Assist in enforcement of regulations and licence conditions
• Evaluate rate applications for Electricity
• Any other relevant duties which may be assigned from time to time
• Work in close liaison with URCA team members in the performance of various regulatory activities
• Research, develop and maintain awareness of best practices in utility regulation analysis and disseminate findings to staff
• Make recommendations on the optimal development plan for the electricity sector
• Make recommendations to on standards for the efficient performance of the electricity sector
• Monitor the financial and operational performance of the electricity market to ensure that objectives are realized and efficiency maintained
• Prepare and submit periodic reports as required and assist in ensuring that the Annual Report is completed on time in accordance with established procedure
• Perform the detailed work for the economic regulation of the Electricity market and provide advice and support
• Monitor international utility input costs and prices to consumers, particularly in countries having similar economic conditions to The Bahamas
• Supervise staff as assigned
• Provide assistance and training to develop regulatory expertise of case officers
• Provide assistance in the economic regulation of other sectors regulated by URCA as required by the Director of Utilities and Energy and other executive members from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE

• Master degree in Economics, Engineering or Regulation
• A minimum of Eight (8) years post-graduate experience with at least five (5) years of experience working in utility regulation either with company or regulatory agency with increasing responsibilities and demonstrated technical competencies
• Outstanding leadership skills in the areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling, etc.
• Demonstrated outstanding analytical and research capabilities
• Demonstrated understanding of the financial, and economic/ technical factors underpinning the performance of all Utilities, but in particular Electricity, in order to develop pricing models
• Strong theoretical and practical appreciation of critical regulatory issues
• Good strategic thinking, analytical, technical report writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with senior industry and government personnel
• Knowledge of the URCA Act, other relevant Acts and government policies relating to the regulated sectors
• Working knowledge of international utility regulatory bodies
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and database tools