WASH Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. In the Middle East, NRC has over 3,000 staff dedicated to helping those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization focuses on several core competencies, including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). NRC is committed to delivering high-quality aid and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their humanitarian interventions are effective and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist will play a crucial role in planning and coordinating all WASH interventions, either directly within the WASH Core Competency (CC) or as part of an integrated response across other competencies. The position holder will be responsible for scaling up WASH operations in the West Bank and addressing the immediate needs arising from the hostilities in Gaza. This role requires strong implementation oversight experience and a proactive approach to building a comprehensive program portfolio. The WASH Specialist will ensure the timely and quality provision of support, develop innovative technical solutions, and maintain high standards across all WASH projects in line with NRC's Programme Policy. The position also involves collaboration with various teams to ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes, as well as the establishment of strategic partnerships to enhance program quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the technical development and quality assurance of WASH programming in the country, ensuring holistic programming in collaboration with other core competencies.
• Establish proposals, budgets, modifications, project reviews, and reporting processes, ensuring high technical quality and strategic guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design.
• Oversee the establishment and adherence to quality project deliverables, including technical and safety assessments, bill of quantities, and participation in tender processes.
• Support programmatic MEL efforts, including indicator tracking, WASH data reviews, and follow-up in conjunction with project teams and the MEL unit.
• Conduct joint technical assessments and needs assessments, collaborating with program and MEL teams for baseline, mid-, and end-evaluations.
• Develop and implement quality improvement plans based on benchmarks and feedback mechanisms, ensuring continuous improvement in programming.
• Conduct field support visits to evaluate project needs and provide support to teams, raising red flags when necessary.
• Promote synergies between WASH and other NRC programs, focusing on integrated responses in areas such as Shelter, CASH and Markets, Education, Protection from Violence, and ICLA.
• Ensure that budgets, work plans, and spending plans align with donor requirements and are maintained by supporting project coordinators and managers. 1
• Contribute to the recruitment processes for WASH staff in the country. 1
• Incorporate NRC’s Safe and Inclusive Programming (SIP) and digital solutions into WASH programming. 1
• Represent NRC in relevant forums and clusters, engaging with national authorities and donors to promote the rights of internally displaced persons and returnees.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the WASH Specialist position should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree relevant to WASH, such as civil engineering, public health, or related fields of study; a master’s degree is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 2 years of expertise specifically in WASH as a Specialist, Technical Adviser, or Program/Project Manager.
• Experience as a engineer" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">civil engineer with a background in designing emergency water supply systems.
• Previous experience working in complex political contexts, with significant knowledge of the Middle East Region and the Palestinian context being highly preferable.
• A good understanding of key technical standards (SPHERE, HAP, IASC, safe and inclusive programming, gender mainstreaming, IHL, humanitarian principles, etc.) and the ability to integrate these into programming.
• Strong skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programs.
• Experience in leading needs assessments, project monitoring, evaluation activities, and program development.
• Proven experience in team capacity building and a flexible approach to managing a diverse workload.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly in MS Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a degree relevant to WASH, such as civil engineering, public health, or related fields. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline would be considered an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience within a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 2 years specifically focused on WASH expertise. Candidates should have experience in roles such as Specialist, Technical Adviser, or Program/Project Manager, demonstrating their ability to manage and implement WASH programs effectively. Experience in complex political contexts and knowledge of the Middle East Region, particularly Palestine, is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have experience in leading needs assessments, project monitoring, evaluation activities, and program development, as well as team capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Hebrew or Arabic is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the region and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in either Amman, Jordan, or Jerusalem, Palestine, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to performance and availability of funds. The role requires a minimum of 30% travel time to Gaza, where NRC operates. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s grade 9 salary scale, which includes accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and responsibility among employees at all levels, fostering a supportive work culture.