WASH Technical Advisor

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Position Title: WASH Technical Advisor
Location: Goma
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global organization that has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 200

• With a dedicated staff of approximately 400 individuals, Mercy Corps has established its national office in Goma, complemented by sub-field offices in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Kasai provinces. The organization focuses on a combination of longer-term development initiatives and immediate humanitarian response programs aimed at improving water service delivery, ensuring equitable access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition, and promoting diversified livelihoods and economic recovery. Mercy Corps DRC's humanitarian programs specifically target populations affected by conflict and crisis in Eastern Congo, with funding from various humanitarian donors, including FCDO, BHA, and ECHO. The organization is committed to implementing interventions in a conflict- and gender-sensitive manner, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the needs of the communities they serve.

Job Overview:
The WASH Technical Advisor (WASH TA) is a pivotal role within Mercy Corps, responsible for providing technical support and strategic vision for WASH implementation activities and program development across the organization's emergency WASH portfolio in the DRC. The WASH TA will oversee water and sanitation activities, including the design, construction, and quality control of infrastructure, as well as contribute to program development through quality inputs for proposals and technical analyses. Reporting directly to the Emergency WASH Programs Manager, the WASH TA will collaborate closely with the Emergency WASH response team in Eastern DRC, offering advice and technical support for WASH response designs and implementation. This role also involves participating in the design of WASH activities, capitalizing on lessons learned, and building the technical capacity of the team through field supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Technical Advisor will be responsible for a variety of essential functions, including:

• Strategy & Vision: Recognizing opportunities for innovative action, creating an environment that welcomes alternative viewpoints, and coordinating with management to set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Technical Assistance: Collaborating with WASH Program Managers and staff to design, implement, and evaluate WASH activities, providing technical advice and quality control for emergency WASH interventions, and assisting with assessments of local conditions resulting from emergencies.
• Financial and Operational Management: Contributing to the establishment of WASH procurement and logistics planning, ensuring that WASH goods and services meet specifications and are delivered to field sites in a timely manner.
• Coordination and Representation: Participating in NGO sector coordination groups to identify areas for collaboration and coordination with other organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the WASH Technical Advisor position must possess a BA/S in engineering, international development, or a relevant field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience implementing WASH programs in Africa or rural/peri-urban settings. Experience in emergency WASH infrastructure design and construction is essential, as is knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response. Candidates should demonstrate experience in building staff capacity, possess excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, and be able to work effectively with a diverse team in a sensitive environment. Fluency in French and professional proficiency in English (both spoken and written) are preferred, and prior work experience in the DRC, along with an understanding of the local context, is a significant advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the WASH Technical Advisor position includes a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, international development, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical aspects of WASH program implementation and infrastructure design.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in implementing WASH programs, particularly in emergency settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in Africa or rural/peri-urban environments, with specific experience in emergency WASH infrastructure design and construction being highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in building the capacity of staff and partners in WASH program implementation is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, along with professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and the communities served by Mercy Corps. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as unaccompanied, with shared housing provided in Goma according to Mercy Corps DRC housing policy. The role may require travel up to 40% of the time to program areas within North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. Living conditions in Goma are generally comfortable, although water and electricity can be unstable. While security in Goma is relatively stable, the surrounding areas may present risks due to armed forces and rebel activity. Mercy Corps emphasizes the importance of professionalism and respect for local laws and customs among its team members, both during and outside of work hours.