WASH Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. NRC is particularly active in crisis areas, including Cox's Bazar, where it responds to the Rohingya crisis and addresses the impacts of climate change in various regions of Bangladesh. The organization is committed to principled aid delivery, promoting the agency and dignity of affected populations, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Overview:
The WASH Assistant position is crucial for the implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities, particularly in emergency response contexts. The role involves conducting field outreach with communities, monitoring day-to-day implementation of WASH programs, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders. The WASH Assistant will support the WASH Project Officers in conducting needs assessments, infrastructure assessments, and data collection to identify cases requiring WASH assistance in refugee camps and host communities. This position requires a proactive approach to community engagement and the ability to establish strong relationships with project participants to understand their needs effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Assistant will be responsible for providing general administrative and operational support to the WASH and Emergency response program. Key tasks include assisting in needs assessments, preparing estimates and drawings for WASH infrastructure, monitoring the loading and offloading of WASH materials, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, and overseeing the utilization of stock-out materials for repair and rehabilitation works. The assistant will also direct and monitor daily workers, evaluate their performance, and ensure that activities are implemented according to planning and quality standards. Additionally, the WASH Assistant will mobilize refugee and host communities for awareness campaigns and conduct research through focus group discussions, interviews, and questionnaires. Establishing excellent relations with project participants and maintaining regular contact to understand their needs is essential.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in a relevant field, with prior experience in supporting refugee populations through local or international NGOs considered an asset. A Bachelor's degree or Diploma in architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or a related field is required. Candidates should possess good knowledge of the refugee context in Bangladesh and demonstrate professional fluency in the Bangla language, with the ability to communicate in the Chittagonian dialect. Knowledge of the Burmese language is also an asset. Familiarity with software programs such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or Diploma in architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or an equivalent field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the technical aspects of WASH infrastructure and ensuring effective implementation of related activities.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience, particularly in roles that involve working with refugee populations or in humanitarian contexts. Experience in a non-profit organization is advantageous, as it provides insight into the operational challenges and dynamics of working in such environments.

Languages:
Professional fluency in Bangla is mandatory, with the ability to communicate in the Chittagonian dialect being highly desirable. Knowledge of the Burmese language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with specific refugee populations.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, with a contract duration of 12 months. The position involves approximately 80% travel. The salary for this role is set at 44,150 BDT per month, in accordance with NRC’s Salary Scale, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. NRC provides group insurance for staff and dependents, 24/7 psychosocial assistance, two festival bonuses, end-of-service benefits, and various types of leave (annual, casual, maternity, paternity, etc.). NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and local candidates. The application process requires candidates to submit their CV in English and complete all required fields in the application system.