WASH Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people forced to flee due to conflict and crises. Established to provide life-saving assistance and long-term support, NRC operates in 40 countries with a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members. In the Middle East alone, NRC has over 3,000 employees focused on aiding those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, leveraging its expertise in various core competencies including Shelter, Education, WASH, Livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA).

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist role at NRC Syria is pivotal in providing technical oversight and strategic direction for the development of the WASH Core Competency (CC) across the country and area offices. The specialist will ensure the quality implementation of all WASH interventions, focusing on improving governance and climate resilience of WASH systems. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure the relevance and quality of a large WASH program portfolio, which includes capacity building of staff through mentoring and training. The role also involves developing and refreshing the NRC WASH country strategy and creating a donor strategy to expand the program. The WASH Specialist will work closely with local and international stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to WASH initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will be responsible for several key tasks, including: leading the technical development and quality assurance of WASH programs, ensuring holistic programming in collaboration with other core competencies, and maintaining consistency across WASH projects in alignment with NRC's Programme Policy. The specialist will oversee the establishment of proposals, budgets, modifications, project reviews, and reporting, ensuring high technical quality and strategic guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. They will also lead the establishment of quality project deliverables, conduct technical and safety assessments, and represent NRC within the WASH sector at relevant meetings. Additionally, the specialist will support programmatic monitoring and evaluation, develop and maintain budgets and work plans, and ensure the integration of NRC’s Safe and Inclusive Programming and digital solutions into WASH programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 2 years at a senior level as a Specialist, Technical Adviser, or Project Manager. An advanced degree is preferred, although significant experience in the WASH field may be considered in lieu of formal education. Knowledge of the Syrian context and experience in team capacity building are essential. Candidates should also have advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications, and experience in leading coordination activities within humanitarian clusters. Understanding of SPHERE and other core humanitarian standards is required, along with experience in water governance and climate adaptation strategies related to WASH.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as environmental engineering, public health, or a related discipline. However, significant practical experience in the WASH sector may be accepted in lieu of formal educational qualifications. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas will be beneficial for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in WASH, including at least 2 years in a senior role. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, particularly in humanitarian settings. Familiarity with the Syrian context and other Middle Eastern countries will be advantageous, as will experience in team capacity building and leading WASH initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of program implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role involves approximately 40% travel within areas of operation. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 9 on NRC’s national or international salary scale. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring a work environment free from discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees with the responsibility to contribute ideas and take initiative.