Water & Sanitation Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Water & Sanitation Specialist
Location: Khulna
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through the sustainable development of nations. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and encourages applications from marginalized and underserved populations.

Job Overview:
The Water & Sanitation Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting water interventions and addressing water-related issues within the framework of a project aimed at enhancing the adaptive capacities of coastal communities in Bangladesh, particularly focusing on women. The project seeks to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change-induced salinity on agricultural livelihoods and drinking water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The specialist will work under the direct supervision of the National Project Manager and will be responsible for the operational and maintenance aspects of water interventions, including rainwater harvesting systems. The role involves promoting community participation, conducting needs assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards. The specialist will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating project activities to ensure quality implementation and will facilitate training for partner staff and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operational and maintenance issues related to water interventions of the project, ensuring effective implementation of rainwater harvesting systems.
• Promote community participation and ownership by liaising with beneficiary communities and establishing training programs.
• Conduct WASH needs assessments in collaboration with beneficiaries and implementing partners.
• Participate in WASH coordination meetings, representing the project and reporting relevant issues.
• Maintain collaboration with local administration and stakeholders to achieve program objectives.
• Prepare and implement the water component monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Support timely implementation of project activities, including financial and logistical support.
• Assess procurement needs and prepare necessary documents.
• Train partner staff on operations and maintenance aspects of water interventions. 1
• Ensure compliance with the project's Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework. 1
• Review and finalize technical designs and cost estimations for WASH infrastructure. 1
• Document project performance and prepare reports for donors and stakeholders. 1
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project progress and troubleshoot issues. 1
• Engage in professional development and contribute to the overall goals of the UNDP mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum High School Diploma with 6 years of working experience, or a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Development, Hydrology, Environmental Science/Management, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in operations and maintenance of WASH-related interventions.
• Experience working with rainwater harvesting systems is highly desirable.
• Strong administrative skills and a results-oriented approach to work.
• Experience in UN/UNDP/development partner-funded projects is preferable.
• Ability to coordinate with different stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma, with a preference for a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Urban Development, Hydrology, Environmental Science/Management, or Public Health. The educational background should align with the technical requirements of the position, emphasizing knowledge in water and sanitation systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in operations and maintenance of WASH-related interventions at either the national or international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing water interventions and working collaboratively with various stakeholders.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and will be supervised by the National Project Manager of the project aimed at enhancing adaptive capacities of coastal communities. The role involves significant fieldwork and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders. UNDP emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.