WASH & Nutrition Officer (Shefa)

Job Posting Organization:
Save the Children is a prominent not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for children's rights and ensuring their well-being. Established with a mission to improve the lives of children globally, Save the Children operates in numerous countries, including Australia and various international locations, responding to emergencies and natural disasters. The organization is known for its ambitious and creative approach, striving to provide education, health, and protection for children from abuse and violence. Save the Children employs a diverse workforce and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The WASH & Nutrition Officer position is integral to the Helti Pikinini, Helti Vanuatu Project, aimed at enhancing child health and nutrition across Vanuatu. This role involves working closely with communities to implement integrated health and nutrition initiatives, particularly focusing on children aged 0-

• The officer will be responsible for developing community WASH action plans, promoting sanitation initiatives, and supporting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security interventions. The position requires a proactive approach to community engagement, ensuring that local populations are actively involved in the planning and implementation of health and nutrition programs. The officer will also be expected to track progress and report on outcomes, contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH & Nutrition Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Community Engagement & Implementation: Facilitate community entry and dialogue, mobilizing leaders and volunteers for WASH and food security activities. Coordinate sensitization events and training sessions on hygiene promotion and food preservation. Mentor community volunteers and mothers’ groups on best practices in WASH.
• Coordination & Partnerships: Collaborate with Area Secretaries, health workers, and other stakeholders to implement project components. Liaise with government departments, schools, and community organizations to support WASH and food preservation initiatives. Represent Save the Children at community-level meetings as needed.
• Logistical & Operational Support: Assist with procurement processes, construction monitoring, and data collection. Organize and oversee CAP-related activities to ensure quality delivery.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting: Track participation and progress of CAP initiatives, documenting success stories and lessons learned. Regularly report to the Program Manager on project outcomes.
• Safety, Wellbeing & Child Safeguarding: Adhere to workplace health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment. Maintain compliance with child safeguarding policies and respond appropriately to any concerns regarding child safety.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Certificate or Diploma in Community Development. Additionally, they should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in project delivery and community mobilization, particularly in WASH, infrastructure, or nutrition programming. Familiarity with participatory approaches and community engagement strategies is essential. Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both Bislama and English are required, along with experience working in rural contexts, preferably within Shefa Province.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Certificate or Diploma in Community Development. This educational background is crucial for understanding community dynamics and effectively implementing health and nutrition programs.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in project delivery and community mobilization. Experience in WASH, infrastructure, or nutrition-related projects is preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to engage communities effectively. Familiarity with participatory approaches and experience working in rural settings will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in Bislama and English is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication with community members and stakeholders, ensuring that project objectives are clearly conveyed and understood.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Port Vila, Vanuatu, and is full-time. The role offers a competitive salary package along with various benefits, including medical reimbursement, annual leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, and other forms of leave. Save the Children is committed to child safety and requires all employees to undergo necessary background checks. The organization values diversity and inclusion, seeking to create a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.