Senior Project Officer - WASH Specialist for Healthcare Facilities

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established in 1943, CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries, irrespective of race, religion, or nationality. The organization’s mission is to alleviate suffering and promote human development by providing emergency response, health services, agriculture support, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding initiatives. CRS Philippines, founded in 1945, is the longest-running CRS country program globally, with a dedicated team of over 55 staff members located in Manila, Davao, and Cotabato City. The organization collaborates with a robust network of church partners, government agencies, and NGOs to implement effective programs in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and peace governance.

Job Overview:
The WASH Specialist for Healthcare Facilities will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership and oversight for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems and infrastructure improvements in church-run healthcare facilities. This position is vital for ensuring that WASH and infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions meet established quality standards, project objectives, and national regulations. The WASH Specialist will also focus on strengthening the capacity of project staff and partners to deliver sustainable WASH services. This role is aligned with Catholic Relief Services’ mission to serve the poor and vulnerable, ensuring that coordination and partner relationships adhere to best practices while continuously striving to enhance the impact and benefits for the communities served by CRS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Specialist will be responsible for organizing and leading the implementation of project activities as outlined in project documents, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and best practices. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that water, sanitation, hygiene, healthcare waste management, and IPC interventions meet quality standards and project objectives while enhancing the capacity of project staff and partners.
• Coordinating and overseeing relationships with local project stakeholders, including the CBCP Health Commission and healthcare centers, to mobilize local actors and promote project activities.
• Supporting capacity building and technical support activities to ensure project activities are implemented according to guidelines and standards.
• Ensuring that learning is integrated throughout the project cycle and supporting accountability through project evaluation activities.
• Analyzing implementation challenges and reporting inconsistencies or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and schedules.
• Conducting ad-hoc inspections of project sites to ensure timely implementation and adherence to established standards.
• Tracking resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and assisting implementing partners.
• Coordinating logistical and administrative support for staff and partners.
• Ensuring proper reporting and documentation of project activities, including trends analysis reports and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Sanitary or Civil Engineering, with a postgraduate degree being a plus. A minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in WASH programming for an international or non-governmental organization is required, with experience in improving WASH/IPC systems in healthcare facilities considered an advantage. Preferred qualifications include further education in International Relations, Public Health Management, or Sanitary Engineering, as well as experience working with healthcare facilities, participatory assessment, and action planning. Familiarity with project monitoring and data collection is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Sanitary Engineering, or Civil Engineering. A postgraduate degree in a related field is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in the field of WASH programming within an international or non-governmental organization. Experience in enhancing WASH/IPC systems in healthcare facilities is highly desirable, as is experience in project monitoring and data collection.

Languages:
Proficiency in written English and conversational Filipino is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Manila, Philippines, and may involve travel up to 50%. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is aligned with the agency-wide competencies of CRS, which emphasize integrity, continuous improvement, relationship building, talent development, strategic mindset, accountability, and stewardship. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.