WASH Technical Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization established with the belief that a better world is possible. Founded in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, economic development, and community resilience. The organization has been active in Nigeria since 2012, addressing humanitarian needs and supporting communities affected by conflict and displacement. With a mission to help people triumph over adversity, Mercy Corps partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that foster sustainable development and resilience.

Job Overview:
The WASH Technical Advisor will play a crucial role within the Mercy Corps Nigeria Humanitarian and Resilience Program team. This position is designed for an experienced professional who will provide strategic and technical leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality WASH programming. The Advisor will be responsible for supporting programs funded by various donors, enhancing design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, implementation, monitoring, and learning while adhering to Mercy Corps’ global technical standards. The role includes contributing to proposal development, technical strategy, and program innovation to ensure effective humanitarian and resilience-focused WASH interventions. The Advisor will also engage in coordination forums, represent Mercy Corps in sector discussions, and promote integration with other sectors such as Nutrition and Protection to enhance overall program impact. This position requires a proactive approach to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and learning across teams to strengthen Mercy Corps’ humanitarian response and resilience programming in Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Technical Advisor will be responsible for a variety of essential tasks, including:

• Program Development and Strategic Planning: Conduct situational analysis for the WASH sector, identify opportunities for program development, and participate in proposal development, including technical writing and budget preparation.
• Program Quality and Implementation: Ensure quality and timely implementation of WASH program activities, develop project-specific strategies, and oversee the collection and reporting of program data.
• Capacity Building and Supervision: Strengthen the capacity of the WASH team through training and technical guidance, monitor staffing needs, and support recruitment processes.
• Coordination and Representation: Represent Mercy Corps in WASH sector coordination meetings, ensure effective coordination with partner organizations, and develop relationships with key stakeholders.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding principles into work, respect the dignity of participants, and encourage open communication within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, Public Health Engineering, or a related WASH field; a master’s degree is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have relevant technical certifications and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in WASH programming, including emergency interventions. Strong theoretical and applied knowledge of WASH programming, experience in proposal development, and practical field experience in crisis response settings are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in capacity building and technical guidance, along with familiarity with major humanitarian donors and their compliance requirements.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Civil Engineering, Water Resources Management, Environmental Engineering, or Public Health Engineering. A master’s degree is preferred, and relevant technical certifications are considered an asset. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of WASH programming and the technical aspects involved in implementing effective interventions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in WASH programming, with significant experience in emergency WASH interventions. Candidates should have a proven track record in program development, technical writing, and program design. Practical field experience in emergency or crisis response settings is essential, demonstrating the ability to adapt technical approaches to complex operational environments. Experience in delivering capacity building and mentoring to field teams and partners is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the operational context in Nigeria.

Additional Notes:
This is an unaccompanied position based in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the living conditions are basic but functional. The position holder will reside in shared staff housing and will have access to essential amenities and health services. Travel to operational areas is required, primarily conducted via UNHAS scheduled flights, and adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols is mandatory. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization emphasizes ongoing learning and encourages team members to dedicate time to personal and professional growth.