WASH Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC has been operational since 1946 and has grown to become one of the leading organizations in the humanitarian sector, with a presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC employs thousands of staff members globally, fostering a culture of responsibility, professional growth, and innovation. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees contribute to a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Job Overview:
The WASH Officer plays a crucial role under the supervision of the WASH Coordinator, providing specialized technical support to organize and implement WASH activities while contributing to the development of new initiatives. This position is responsible for managing resources utilized by the team and offering technical guidance to ensure the effectiveness of interventions. The role involves making decisions that impact the activities and reputation of the organization. The WASH Officer is expected to ensure compliance with NRC policies, guidelines, and standards, implement the assigned WASH project portfolio according to the action plan, and prepare necessary monitoring reports. The officer will also ensure adherence to WASH sector strategies, tools, manuals, and guidelines, guaranteeing technical accountability for the implementation and documentation of project activities. Additionally, the WASH Officer will provide technical support and capacity building for project staff, assess and document ideas for technical improvement, and ensure that projects target the most vulnerable beneficiaries while exploring new ways to assist them.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Officer's specific responsibilities include developing proposals related to contextual changes, displacement movements, and socio-economic realities in the intervention area. The officer will collaborate with the Monitoring & Evaluation team to draft baseline studies, evaluations, and collect information while ensuring accountability mechanisms are in place. The officer will plan and supervise quality control for WASH construction or rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with various modalities. Regular field visits will be conducted to ensure the quality of WASH systems and provide guidance to field teams. The officer will produce and contextualize technical tools to support program implementation, assist in project management, logistics reconciliation, and monitoring and evaluation processes. Weekly quality control of evidence and verification sources collected by field assistants will be ensured. The officer will also ensure the inclusion of Safe and Inclusive Program (SIP) considerations and environmental aspects, plan procurement processes for WASH activities, and implement community engagement and behavior change activities. Training needs assessments for community members will be conducted, and training modules will be prepared to support community engagement and behavior change initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, rural engineering, hydraulics, public works, or a related field. A minimum of one year of experience as a WASH officer in implementing WASH activities in humanitarian/emergency contexts is required. Experience with an international NGO is preferred, along with prior work experience in complex and volatile environments. Proficiency in French, both written and spoken, is mandatory, and knowledge of Swahili and local languages is an asset. Candidates should possess strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and report effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as civil engineering, rural engineering, hydraulics, public works, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of WASH projects and ensuring effective implementation.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience as a WASH officer or in a similar role, particularly in humanitarian or emergency settings. Candidates should have experience working with NGOs, preferably international ones, and should be familiar with the complexities and challenges of working in volatile environments. Previous experience in participatory methodologies and community mobilization is also beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in French is mandatory for this position, both in written and oral communication. Knowledge of Swahili is also required, and familiarity with local languages is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the field.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in a multicultural environment. The Norwegian Refugee Council emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any form of exploitation or harassment. NRC has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against such issues. The organization is committed to providing a supportive culture and open dialogue with management, ensuring that employees at all levels are given responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.