Emergency Response WASH Program Manager

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Position Title: Emergency Response WASH Program Manager
Location: Gaza
Country: Palestinian Territory
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global organization founded in 1986, dedicated to helping people in the most challenging environments. With a mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), economic development, and crisis response, employing a diverse team of professionals committed to making a long-term impact in the communities they serve. In the Palestinian territories, Mercy Corps has been instrumental in providing critical services and enhancing economic self-sufficiency for Palestinians, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza, where they have been responding to humanitarian needs exacerbated by ongoing conflicts.

Job Overview:
The WASH Program Manager will play a crucial role in the Emergency Response Team, reporting directly to the Emergency Response Director. This position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality WASH interventions in Gaza, particularly in response to the humanitarian crisis that has intensified since October 7, 202

• The manager will develop strategies for maintaining water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, while also creating tools for planning, assessment, and monitoring interventions. The role requires a proactive approach to project design and implementation, ensuring that all activities meet international standards and are tailored to the needs of the affected population. The WASH Program Manager will also be involved in training Mercy Corps and partner staff, as well as conducting baseline and end-line surveys to assess program effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Program Manager will lead Mercy Corps' WASH interventions in Gaza, addressing the needs of the affected population during emergency, recovery, and rehabilitation phases. Key responsibilities include overseeing needs assessment surveys, technical assessments, and feasibility studies; assisting in planning WASH and infrastructure development activities; ensuring compliance with international norms and standards; developing engineering designs and BOQs; conducting site visits to assess implementation quality; supervising implementation teams; designing training modules; and preparing situation and progress reports. The manager will also provide strategic direction for the WASH portfolio, improve short-term interventions, establish coordination mechanisms, strengthen management systems, and contribute to organizational strategic planning and new program development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in civil or public health engineering, with a master's degree preferred. A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in WASH program development and management is required, particularly in emergency and transitional programming. Experience in complex settings with time-sensitive deliverables is essential, along with strong mentoring skills and the ability to manage diverse teams. An internationally recognized qualification in project or program management is preferred, or a commitment to obtain such a qualification early in employment. Knowledge of humanitarian standards, participatory approaches, and community mobilization is crucial, as is the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders in sensitive environments.

Educational Background:
The position requires a bachelor's degree in civil or public health engineering, with a master's degree being an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of WASH principles and practices, as well as relevant technical knowledge to support program implementation and management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in WASH program development and management, particularly in emergency and transitional contexts. Experience working in unstable environments with complex challenges is necessary, along with a proven track record of mentoring and building the capacity of team members. Familiarity with donor requirements and compliance, particularly with USAID/BHA and ECHO programs, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a plus, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Gaza and is expected to involve significant fieldwork. The role may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a challenging environment. Mercy Corps is committed to providing a supportive work environment and encourages professional development and learning opportunities for all team members. The organization adheres to strict professional standards and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff and beneficiaries.