WASH/Shelter Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing essential support and services to millions of displaced individuals and families. The organization is recognized for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC emphasizes professional growth, innovation, and a supportive work culture, fostering an environment where employees at all levels are given responsibility and encouraged to contribute to the mission of saving lives and rebuilding futures. The organization is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees treat everyone with respect and dignity, and contribute to a safe working environment.

Job Overview:
The WASH/Shelter Technical Assistant plays a crucial role in providing both technical and administrative support for the effective implementation of Shelter and WASH projects. This position involves a variety of responsibilities, including assisting with assessments to identify needs and resources, collecting data, supporting the selection of beneficiaries, and conducting regular field monitoring to ensure that project activities are executed according to established standards. The assistant is tasked with gathering data, verifying the quality and quantity of materials prior to distribution, and ensuring that all activities align with the required standards. Additionally, the role includes monitoring the performance of implementing partners, construction contractors, and vendors to ensure compliance with project guidelines and progress towards objectives. The position is primarily focused on providing technical and operational support to enhance the effectiveness of the Shelter and WASH initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WASH/Shelter Technical Assistant include but are not limited to: facilitating and supervising the construction and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, shelters, and other community infrastructures as identified by NRC; participating in preliminary activities such as needs assessments, beneficiary identification, and the design of technical documents for the WASH/Shelter sector; supporting the capacity building of masons, skilled and unskilled workers, and local populations; providing technical advice and supervision to integrate traditional construction systems and knowledge, assisting beneficiaries in building their own shelters or latrines; promoting the sustainability of community infrastructure interventions through technical training in management and maintenance; collecting and sharing weekly evidence and sources of verification for WASH-Shelter installations, including distribution lists, photographs, success stories, testimonies, and field notes; providing feedback to the line manager regarding the quality of goods and materials ordered, as well as the performance of contractors; sharing observations from the field, particularly feedback from beneficiaries to enhance program effectiveness; supporting the implementation of Safe and Inclusive Programming throughout all programs; and performing any other tasks as assigned by the immediate superior.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related engineering field. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in implementing WASH/Shelter interventions, with at least one year of experience in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Solid technical expertise in WASH and/or Shelter, particularly focusing on hardware aspects, is essential. Previous experience working in complex and volatile environments is also required. The candidate must demonstrate a willingness and ability to travel frequently and work regularly in field locations outside the office.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a related engineering field. This educational background is critical for understanding the technical aspects of WASH and Shelter projects and for effectively contributing to the design and implementation of these initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the implementation of WASH/Shelter interventions, with at least one year of experience specifically in humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience is vital for navigating the challenges associated with working in complex and volatile environments, as well as for ensuring the successful delivery of project objectives.

Languages:
A good knowledge of English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context in which the projects are being implemented.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and the specific contract duration may vary based on project needs and funding availability. The role may involve working in challenging environments, requiring flexibility and adaptability. NRC is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to building a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation, harassment, or abuse. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against such issues.