WASH Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping 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 assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. NRC's mission is to protect the rights of displaced and vulnerable populations, ensuring they can access essential services and secure durable solutions to their displacement. In South Sudan, NRC has been active since 2004, focusing on integrated and multi-sectoral interventions across six core competencies: Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Education, WASH, and Shelter. The organization is committed to transitioning its WASH programs from primarily humanitarian responses to sustainable solutions, addressing the urgent needs of communities while promoting stability and resilience.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist will play a pivotal role in leading and directing the WASH programs within NRC's South Sudan Programme Unit. This position requires a strategic thinker who can develop and implement effective WASH strategies that align with both regional and global priorities. The Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the quality of all WASH program activities, exploring opportunities for scaling up initiatives, and representing NRC in relevant coordination and decision-making forums. The role also involves building the capacity of staff through mentoring and training, as well as identifying funding opportunities to enhance program growth. The WASH Specialist will contribute to the overall mission of NRC by ensuring that displaced populations have access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, thereby improving their living conditions and promoting their rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the development and revision of the WASH strategy; providing technical guidance for the implementation of the WASH strategy and macro logframes; ensuring compliance with NRC policies and procedures; contributing to fundraising efforts by developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports; identifying trends and technical standards relevant to WASH; ensuring high technical quality and synergies in project implementation; providing systematic training and capacity building for technical staff; engaging in advocacy efforts; representing NRC in relevant coordination forums; promoting the rights of IDPs, returnees, and refugees; leading the development of WASH proposals; strengthening coordination with Clusters; and ensuring accountability for organizational learning throughout the project cycle.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of experience in humanitarian WASH programming, with at least three years in a senior project or program implementation role. A minimum of one year of experience in WASH strategy development and implementation is also required. The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, such as Civil, Water or Environmental Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, or Public Health. An advanced academic qualification will be considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in protracted emergencies and complex contexts, knowledge of market analysis and cash-based interventions, and the ability to coordinate tasks effectively under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, such as Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, or Public Health. Candidates with advanced degrees in these areas will be preferred, as they may bring additional expertise and insights into the complexities of WASH programming in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of experience in humanitarian WASH programming, with a minimum of three years in a senior-level project or program implementation role. Candidates should also have at least one year of experience specifically focused on WASH strategy development and implementation, demonstrating their ability to lead and innovate in this critical area.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in South Sudan would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate better communication and engagement with affected communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and is offered as a national contract for a duration of 12 months. The role involves approximately 30% travel within the country. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s national salary scale, specifically at grade

• NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity and inclusion without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to take responsibility and contribute ideas. Candidates must have the legal right to work in South Sudan, as NRC will not sponsor visas or work permits. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.