WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent humanitarian NGO that operates in 34 countries worldwide. Established to provide assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable local populations, DRC is committed to addressing the needs of those affected by displacement and crisis. With a mission to ensure that displaced individuals can lead dignified lives, DRC employs a workforce of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to deliver effective humanitarian responses. The organization is known for its strong adherence to international standards and best practices in humanitarian assistance, making it a leader in the sector.

Job Overview:
The WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) Specialist position is a critical role within the Danish Refugee Council, aimed at enhancing the organization's response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The primary objective of this role is to support the Head of Programme in implementing strategies that monitor and evaluate the quality of WASH programs in accordance with Sphere standards, donor strategies, and protection principles. The specialist will be responsible for developing WASH tools and Bill of Quantities (BoQs), ensuring quality control, and providing technical support to WASH officers. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including local partners and field teams. The specialist will also represent DRC in relevant clusters and working groups, ensuring that the organization's WASH strategy is effectively integrated with other programs, such as protection and livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) Specialist include executing departmental strategies, planning field-level WASH responses, developing and reviewing technical specifications and BoQs, ensuring adherence to international standards, and developing monitoring and evaluation systems to assess project impact. The specialist will support decision-making processes, represent DRC in the WASH Cluster and Shelter & Settlement Working Group, design the WASI strategy, and ensure integration with other DRC programs. Additionally, the specialist will lead training sessions, develop relationships with partners, stay informed about sector developments, and consider the needs of vulnerable populations in program execution. The role also involves revising technical reports and developing project proposals, as well as performing other assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) Specialist position, candidates must possess professional technical experience relevant to the duties outlined. A university degree in Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resource or Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a directly related field is required. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of international humanitarian field experience, along with relevant educational background and knowledge of the UN system. An understanding of the complexities related to displacement and vulnerability is essential, as is proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant field such as Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Water Resource or Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a directly related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of WASH programs and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of international humanitarian field experience. This experience should include direct involvement in WASH programs and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in challenging environments. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the humanitarian context and the complexities associated with displacement and vulnerability.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as this will be essential for collaboration with local partners, stakeholders, and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) Specialist position is offered as a 12-month contract, which is renewable based on funding availability and performance. The role is classified as a national contract, and the salary is categorized under Band G, which is non-management. The organization provides comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees. DRC emphasizes core competencies such as achieving excellence, collaboration, taking initiative, effective communication, and demonstrating integrity. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English or Spanish through the DRC employment platform, as applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for April 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM local time, with the possibility of early closure if a suitable candidate is identified before the deadline.