Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Infrastructure Technical Advisor - Ebola Response

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in August 2007, Mercy Corps has been operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over a decade. The organization employs approximately 300 national and expatriate staff and operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Mercy Corps focuses on providing bold solutions to help communities overcome adversity and build resilience. In the DRC, the organization has reached over half a million people through integrated programs that ensure equitable access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, economic development, and social cohesion, thereby fostering peace and good governance.

Job Overview:
The WASH Infrastructure Technical Advisor for the Ebola Response is responsible for providing strategic technical leadership and quality assurance for Mercy Corps' Ebola-related WASH programming in the DRC. This role is crucial in ensuring that all interventions are technically sound, contextually appropriate, and aligned with national protocols and humanitarian best practices. The advisor will work closely with the IPC/WASH Program Manager to set technical standards and guidance for interventions in various settings, including health facilities and high-risk communities. The position requires regular field visits to ensure compliance with technical specifications and to provide hands-on guidance where necessary. The advisor will also collaborate with various stakeholders, including health authorities and implementing partners, to ensure an integrated and adaptive response to the Ebola outbreak.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Infrastructure Technical Advisor will lead the design and implementation of Ebola-specific WASH interventions, conduct technical assessments, and ensure high-quality implementation of WASH activities. Responsibilities include developing technical guidance, overseeing WASH infrastructure projects, conducting rapid assessments, and providing technical oversight for hygiene promotion activities. The advisor will also support the development of proposals and response strategies, ensure compliance with national and international standards, and promote community engagement in hygiene practices. Additionally, the advisor will represent Mercy Corps in relevant coordination forums and build relationships with local authorities and community leaders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Public Health Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water and Sanitation Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian WASH programming is required, including at least 3 years in emergency response settings. Candidates should have demonstrated technical experience in WASH and IPC programming for infectious disease outbreaks, particularly Ebola. Strong communication and coordination skills, along with an understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements, are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Public Health Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water and Sanitation Engineering, or Civil Engineering. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in humanitarian WASH programming, with at least 3 years specifically in emergency response or outbreak settings. This experience should include technical expertise in WASH and IPC programming for infectious disease outbreaks, preferably Ebola or similar viral hemorrhagic fever responses. The candidate should also have experience working effectively with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and local organizations.

Languages:
Effective verbal and written communication skills in English and French are required. Knowledge of additional languages such as Swahili, Lingala, or Tshiluba is considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bunia, DRC, which is currently experiencing insecurity due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The role requires a significant amount of travel (30%) to field offices in insecure environments. Team members will live in group accommodations with limited freedom of movement and access to medical services. The position may require exceptional work schedules, including evenings and weekends, to respond to the urgent needs of the Ebola response. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning and encourages team members to dedicate time to personal and professional development.