SELECTION OF PROJECT DIRECTORS FOR HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people. Leo Rosten
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Pakistan languishes among the nations at the lowest rung in all of the social and economic indicators. The predominant reason for this poor state of affairs is how Pakistani nation manages its collective affairs. The nation’s collective (or public) affairs are divided into different ministries, divisions and departments which are led and managed by public representatives – ministers and public servants – secretaries. These two discrete groups, responsible for (mis)management and (poor)leadership of public affairs, have led Pakistan to the edge of economic collapse as the debt servicing cost has surpassed 75 % of expected revenues in the financial year 2024-25. Given this downward trajectory, public servants in key positions, depending on their sensitiveness to self-respect (Ghairat) may either strive to reverse the downward trend or exploit available opportunities to secure resources to mitigate risk of social order disruption due to economic meltdown.
It is in this background that the Government of Gilgit Baltistan, has recruited Project Directors for four Federal Government funded/PSDP, small hydro projects, with a total ROM Capex estimate of 50 billion rupees. Selection of two candidates from KPK – Mr. Niamat Khan for Nalter III HPP and Mr. Falak Taj for Thak HPP has unsettled candidates from GB, as the right of employment to the subject position’s rests with candidates from GB unless they are deemed not suitable Over 60 candidates who were not selected allege nepotism or bribery (political or monetary) influenced the recruitment committee’s decisions on the following grounds:
1. Revision of eligibility criteria from 12 years to 5 years for sensitive and high impact position.
2. Inadequate and ineffective constitution of recruitment committee due to absence of professional(s) from small hydro power development/Engineering and Project Management professionals. Interview/recruitment committee consisted of ACS, Secretary W&PD and representatives from Finance and Services Department.
3. 72 candidates were interviewed in just 3 hours at an average rate of 2.5 minutes per candidate. It is not possible to assess and evaluate a candidate in such a short duration.
4. Very short notice period. Candidates from outside Gilgit, including overseas candidates need at least 3 weeks’ notice period to reach Gilgit.
In standard practice, hiring for a position starts with a thorough Job Analysis which is a process that determines in detail the particular duties and requirements for the given position as well as the relative importance of these duties. Job analysis for Project Director – Small Hydro Power Project includes examining the tasks and sequences of tasks necessary to deliver small hydro power project within the constraints of scope, cost, time and quality. The requirements for the Project Director include but not limited to accumulated knowledge that the potential Project Director should possess in the following areas:
Subject Matter Specialization:
Surveying, Geotechnical Investigation, Detailed engineering ( production of complete and correct construction drawings, specifications and other documents), hydraulic and civil structures, selection, installation and T&C of E&M equipment, power evacuation etc

Project Management
Cost Management, Planning and Scheduling , Quality Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Procurement, Scope Management, Risk Management ,Project Close Out, Transition to O&M and Contract Administration ( FIDIC suits).
Standards/Manuals/Guidelines
ESHA(European Small Hydro Power Association) 2004, IEEE:125-1996, IEC:60545-1976, IEC:60041-1991, IEC:61116-1992, IEEE:1248-1998, Guide 5.2 NEMA-1989 etc OR EQUIVALENT

The Chief Secretary, Secretary KAGB, or Planning Commission of Pakistan by virtue of being the proponent(s) of subject PSDP projects are requested to re-evaluate the competency and suitability of the selected candidates by hydro power professionals (potentially from WAPDA) and confirm their appointment only if they are evaluated to possess substantial skills and knowledge – minimum 7 at a scale of 0 ~10 in the aforementioned bodies of knowledge. This initiative will not only increase the probability of successful execution and delivery of the hydro power projects but will promote merit and excellence in the country, as well.

Sajjad Haider
PE, PBA, PMP, CMRP, IR 4.0
Engineering and Project Management Professional
Village Ganish, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan
Email: s.haider442@gmail.com