WASH Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide, providing essential support and services to millions of displaced individuals and communities. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality aid while advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. With a workforce of thousands of employees, NRC emphasizes professional growth, teamwork, and a culture of open dialogue and respect. Their mission is to save lives and rebuild futures, ensuring that all employees contribute to a safe and dignified environment for those they serve.

Job Overview:
The WASH Technical Officer position is crucial for the day-to-day implementation of the CC Project, focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities. The officer will be responsible for ensuring adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines while implementing the delegated project portfolio according to the established plan of action. This role requires the preparation and development of status reports as required by management, ensuring proper documentation and filing of project-related documents. The officer will also be tasked with identifying and targeting beneficiaries in need, exploring innovative ways to assist them, and promoting technical improvements within the project. The position demands a proactive approach to planning, implementation, and monitoring of WASH activities, ensuring that they align with the strategic objectives and operational plans of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Technical Officer will support the WASH team in planning, implementing, and monitoring water supply activities in accordance with the project strategy, proposals, budgets, and plans. Key responsibilities include breaking down annual operational plans into actionable weekly, monthly, and quarterly plans, and submitting reports on water-related works as per the reporting schedules. The officer will assess community water and training needs, assist in developing training materials, and create technical specifications and bills of quantities (BOQ) for various works. Additionally, the officer will participate in planning for procurement, development, and distribution of materials and equipment for water-related activities, ensuring timely adherence to procedures. The role involves liaising with the community to establish and train water point committees, monitoring their performance, conducting water quality testing, and ensuring compliance with WASH safety standards for all construction activities. The officer will also collaborate with the WASH Specialist and Project Manager to provide context-specific technical guidance, collect data for project reporting, and contribute to addressing community feedback mechanisms (CFM) in a timely manner. The officer will compile weekly and monthly WASH reports, program documents, project proposals, and budgets, and represent NRC in WASH coordination meetings as delegated by the Project Manager or Coordinator. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the WASH Technical Officer position should possess a higher diploma in Civil or Water Engineering, Public Health, or a related field. A minimum of three years of experience working as a Project Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context, particularly in WASH, is required. Previous experience in complex and volatile environments is essential, along with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of emergency water supply, hygiene, and sanitation requirements and protocols is crucial, and familiarity with international standards for water and sanitation delivery, such as SPHERE, is advantageous. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are mandatory, and candidates must demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team, take direction, and share technical skills with colleagues. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly word processing and spreadsheets, is required, and familiarity with AutoCAD, GPS, ArcGIS, and Google Earth is strongly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the WASH Technical Officer position includes a higher diploma in Civil or Water Engineering, Public Health, or any other related course. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively manage and implement WASH projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience working as a Project Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context, specifically within the WASH sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond to challenging situations. Additionally, previous experience in community-based water and sanitation programs, particularly with an international non-governmental organization (INGO), is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with some written and spoken proficiency required. Additionally, fluency in one or more of the national languages, particularly Arabic, is preferred and considered an asset for effective communication within the community.

Additional Notes:
The WASH Technical Officer position is a full-time role, and the organization is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally. The position may involve travel within the country to various project sites. NRC emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and expects all employees to contribute to a safe and respectful environment. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.