WASH & Shelter Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational in Cameroon since 2017, focusing on supporting individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to overlapping humanitarian crises. NRC's mission is to protect displaced communities and assist them in rebuilding their lives. The organization operates in various crisis-affected regions across Cameroon, including the Far North, Northwest, Southwest, East, and Adamawa. NRC's work is centered around four main areas: legal assistance (ICLA), water and sanitation (WASH), shelter, and education. These programs are designed to address urgent needs while also promoting long-term recovery. As of 2027, the NRC Cameroon country office will also oversee operations in the Central African Republic. NRC promotes an integrated approach across its offices, aiming to provide coordinated support that helps communities transition from emergency situations to stability. More information about NRC can be found on their official website and through their promotional video.

Job Overview:
As a WASH & Shelter Specialist, you will play a crucial role in providing technical oversight and strategic direction to both Country and Area offices, focusing on the development of the WASH & Shelter Core Competency (CC). Your responsibilities will include leading the strategic direction and enhancing the technical quality of NRC’s Shelter and WASH programs in Cameroon. You will be tasked with supporting the implementation of WASH and Shelter projects at the field level, which will require you to travel within the country to ensure quality assurance for all projects. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing a collaborative country strategy, building the capacity of staff through mentoring and training to enhance their technical skills, and formulating a donor strategy to further expand the program. This position is pivotal in ensuring that NRC's WASH and Shelter initiatives are effectively executed and aligned with the organization's overall mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include providing support to colleagues and partners involved in WASH and Shelter responsibilities, developing relevant training programs for WASH and Shelter staff and partners to ensure compliance with NRC’s standards. You will also contribute to the induction of new staff involved in WASH and Shelter processes. Furthermore, you will develop inclusive WASH and Shelter CC strategies, technical guidance, and Macro Logframes that align with regional and global strategies. You will be involved in fundraising efforts, including developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports. It will be your responsibility to monitor compliance with contractual commitments within the CC, ensuring high technical quality and synergies in project implementation according to NRC policies and procedures. You will provide technical direction and project implementation support to the implementation team, ensuring that key learnings from CC implementation are integrated into staff development processes. Additionally, you will represent NRC in relevant forums and clusters, engaging with national authorities and donors, while ensuring adherence to NRC policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in a technical expertise area within a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 2 years specifically in WASH and/or Shelter expertise as a Specialist, Project Manager, or similar role. A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields is required. You should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts and demonstrate documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of your own leadership skills and profile is essential. Fluency in both French and English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. This position requires approximately 60% travel to field offices.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or a similar qualification in relevant fields related to WASH and Shelter. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities and technical requirements of the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a technical expertise area within a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 2 years specifically focused on WASH and/or Shelter. Experience in complex and volatile environments is essential, along with a proven track record of documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Yaounde, Cameroon, and is offered as a 12-month Resident/National Contract. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s national salary scale, specifically at grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from potential female candidates. The organization emphasizes a supportive culture, professional growth, and open dialogue with management, ensuring that employees at all levels are given responsibility and opportunities to contribute to the organization’s mission.