Emergency WASH Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established with the mission to innovate solutions and advocate for change, the organization reaches 28 million people annually through proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit, Action Against Hunger operates in 52 countries with a dedicated workforce of 7,122 staff members who partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. The organization strives to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in 8 countries, including Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti, with its Regional Office based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Job Overview:
The Emergency WASH Officer plays a crucial role in the assessment, planning, design, implementation, quality assurance, monitoring, and documentation of emergency WASH interventions. This position is responsible for ensuring the timely and technically sound delivery of WASH services while promoting cross-sector integration with Health and Nutrition, and mainstreaming Protection, Disability Inclusion, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP). The Officer will support stakeholder coordination, risk management, resource management, and technical supervision to ensure that WASH interventions are effective, safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of affected populations. The role involves working with displaced persons, vulnerable households, and communities affected by various emergencies such as floods and disease outbreaks, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant humanitarian standards and organizational procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Emergency WASH Officer will conduct rapid WASH assessments in emergency-affected communities, identify needs and gaps, and translate findings into response priorities. They will support the development of Concept Notes, proposals, budgets, and activity plans for emergency WASH interventions. The Officer will lead the implementation of emergency WASH activities, ensuring compliance with approved project plans and technical specifications. They will supervise WASH staff and contractors, conduct regular field supervision, and ensure that WASH infrastructure meets established standards. Additionally, the Officer will develop monitoring plans, collect and analyze WASH data, and prepare reports. Coordination with local governments, health authorities, and humanitarian partners is essential, as is the management of risks associated with WASH activities. The Officer will also supervise WASH Assistants and support staff capacity building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Public Health, or a related field. A Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Disaster Risk Reduction, or Humanitarian Action is an added advantage. The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 2 years in humanitarian/emergency WASH programming within a reputable organization, preferably an NGO. Candidates should demonstrate technical experience in WASH assessment, planning, design, implementation, and quality assurance, including emergency water supply and sanitation interventions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Public Health. A postgraduate qualification in areas such as Project Planning and Management or Disaster Risk Reduction is preferred and will enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The Emergency WASH Officer should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have at least 2 years of experience specifically in humanitarian or emergency WASH programming. This experience should ideally be gained within a reputable organization, particularly in the NGO sector, and should include demonstrated technical expertise in WASH assessments, planning, and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial in this role. Knowledge of relevant local languages is considered an added advantage, as it can facilitate better engagement with affected communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require working outside normal office hours and on weekends, depending on mission requirements. Regular travel to field locations is expected, which may involve exposure to challenging living conditions and high-security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks. The role is full-time and may involve direct supervision of WASH Assistants and other staff, as well as fiscal responsibilities related to project budgets and resource management. Action Against Hunger is committed to safeguarding and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, adhering to a strict code of conduct.