WASH Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. The organization provides critical emergency assistance during times of displacement, including clean water, sanitation, healthcare, shelter, and food. UNHCR also supports the return of refugees to their home countries and assists with local integration or resettlement in third countries. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on the needs of displaced populations and advocating for their rights.

Job Overview:
The WASH Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the UNHCR Jamjang Sub-Office by providing technical expertise in the development and implementation of WASH strategies for refugees in the Jamjang camps, including Yida settlement. The incumbent will work closely with multi-functional teams, including protection, health, and settlement planning, to ensure effective WASH service delivery to persons of concern (POC). The position requires a rights-based and community-focused approach to design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, adhering to UNHCR's WASH Manual and Technical Guidelines. The WASH Associate will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating WASH activities, ensuring compliance with national standards, and enhancing the capacity of partners involved in WASH interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties, including providing technical guidance and support to partners on WASH-related issues, liaising with implementing partners and governmental counterparts, and regularly reviewing the quality and quantity of water and sanitation services in the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The incumbent will monitor WASH performance indicators, support capacity building for partners, promote community involvement in WASH projects, and maintain close relationships with other sectors. Additionally, the WASH Associate will prepare reports for management and donors, contribute to strategic planning, and ensure timely updates on WASH activities. The role also involves compiling documents related to WASH activities, managing WASH facilities, and establishing complaint mechanisms to improve accountability towards refugees.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of WASH principles and practices, with experience in humanitarian settings being highly desirable. The role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. The WASH Associate should demonstrate a commitment to accountability and community engagement, with a focus on delivering quality services to refugees. Proficiency in project management tools and techniques is essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing environments and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
A degree in environmental engineering, public health, or a related field is required for this position. Additional certifications or training in WASH-related areas will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, as well as familiarity with relevant national and international standards.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in WASH programming, particularly in refugee or humanitarian contexts. Experience in capacity building and working with local partners is highly valued. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as reporting requirements for donors and stakeholders, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Arabic or other local languages would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with the refugee population and local partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Jamjang, South Sudan, which is classified as a non-family duty station with a hardship category of 'E'. The incumbent will be required to adapt to a challenging living environment with limited facilities. security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-clearance" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security clearance is mandatory for travel within the region, and the political situation in South Sudan necessitates a high level of security awareness. The role may involve physical hardship and requires a mature level of cultural awareness. Accommodation is provided for national staff at a cost, and the UNV is entitled to a rest and recuperation cycle every 9 weeks.