WASH Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization that has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflict and natural disasters for over 40 years. The organization focuses on meeting the basic needs of food, water, and shelter for vulnerable communities. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. The organization applies its expertise in access to drinking water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and livelihoods. SI operates in more than 20 countries, employing teams made up of expatriates, national employees, permanent staff at headquarters, and volunteers, all working with professionalism and respect for local cultures. SI has been active in Myanmar since 2008, initially responding to Cyclone Nargis and later expanding its operations to focus on various sectors including Livelihoods, Food Security, Shelter, and WASH. Currently, SI operates mainly in Rakhine and Kachin States, with emergency outreach capacities through local partners in other locations. The organization is supported by a coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination team based in Yangon and is funded by various agencies including FCDO, ECHO, CIAA, CDCS, and UN agencies, with potential for further development in geographical coverage and activities to address emerging needs.

Job Overview:
The WASH Coordinator plays a crucial role in contributing to the strategy of Solidarités International by proposing a sector-based strategy in the field of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). This position is responsible for ensuring the quality of technical approaches and the appropriateness of WASH activities. The WASH Coordinator will coordinate the project cycle and operational monitoring of WASH programs, contributing to the capitalization and improvement of SI's methods and techniques in WASH. The role involves significant representation on the mission, including participation in the monthly WASH cluster meetings in Yangon, engagement with the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) of the WASH Cluster, and regular meetings with donors as required. The WASH Coordinator will also hold a leadership role in consortia, including partnerships with local organizations for emergency and post-emergency responses. The position requires remote management due to limited access to the field, particularly in Rakhine, and involves challenges related to understanding the context and implementing activities remotely. The WASH Coordinator will be heavily involved in capacity assessment and building of partners, particularly in the first few months of the role, which will focus on restructuring the WASH/Programs organizational chart in Rakhine and strengthening SI's leadership in emergency response consortia.

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

• Develop and propose a sector-based strategy for WASH in alignment with SI's overall mission.
• Ensure the quality and appropriateness of WASH activities implemented by the organization.
• Coordinate the project cycle for WASH programs, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Contribute to the capitalization of experiences and improvement of technical approaches in WASH.
• Represent SI in the WASH cluster meetings and engage with donors and partners.
• Lead the WASH component in consortia, ensuring effective collaboration with local partners.
• Conduct capacity assessments and provide technical support to partners operating in constrained areas.
• Manage remote activities and ensure effective communication and coordination with field teams.
• Address challenges related to context understanding and implementation of WASH activities in Rakhine. 1
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of WASH programs and make necessary adjustments to strategies and activities.

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

• A university-level degree, preferably a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Engineering, Environment, or Geology.
• Strong knowledge and experience in water supply and water resource management.
• Expertise in emergency and protracted sanitation solutions.
• Proven ability in transformative and behavior change-based hygiene promotion.
• Experience in engaging with donors on technical and sectorial matters.
• Strong external coordination skills and technical leadership experience, particularly in cluster or large-scale consortia settings.
• Excellent communication skills and an appetite for external communication and technical advocacy.
• Ability to manage complex interventions in challenging contexts, particularly in Rakhine.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a university-level degree, with a preference for a Master’s degree in fields related to Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Engineering, Environment, or Geology. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage WASH programs and contribute to the organization's mission.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in the WASH sector, particularly in emergency and protracted contexts. Experience in managing complex interventions, engaging with donors, and leading technical teams is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working in challenging environments, particularly in areas with limited access and high security constraints.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external partners. Proficiency in Myanmar/Burmese is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of WASH programs.

Additional Notes:
This is a salaried position with a short-term contract lasting 12 months. The starting salary is EUR 2860 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 2600 and a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 600 is provided. SI covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment. The organization implements a system of alternating work and time off, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, along with a USD 850 break allowance. Expatriates benefit from a comprehensive insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs. Essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatments are also reimbursed. The position is based in Yangon, with field visits to Mandalay and Sittwe, and offers good living conditions in the guesthouse provided by SI.