Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Officer (Retainer Contract)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. UNOPS aims to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of these projects by providing essential services such as project management, procurement, and infrastructure support. Since its inception, UNOPS has been a vital resource for various governments, donors, and UN organizations, facilitating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainable development initiatives. In Pakistan, UNOPS has been operational since 1999, focusing on aiding both federal and provincial governments in achieving SDGs, particularly in areas like Climate Adaptation, Basic Service Delivery, and Energy Efficiency. UNOPS Pakistan is part of the South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) in the Asia Region, working towards building a better future through effective partnerships and service delivery.

Job Overview:
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer will play a crucial role in the project "Improved Access to Water and Sanitation Services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh," which aims to enhance WASH infrastructure and community resilience in flood-affected areas. The officer will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of WASH infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet quality standards and align with project goals. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluating the progress of WASH services, providing technical support, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for local communities and government staff. The officer will also be involved in stakeholder coordination, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among contractors, local authorities, and community representatives. The role demands a commitment to improving access to clean water and sanitation, reducing waterborne diseases, and enhancing the overall resilience of affected communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The WASH Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting monthly site visits to assess the quality and progress of WASH infrastructure works, ensuring compliance with approved designs, Bill of Quantities (BoQs), and timelines.
• Verifying adherence to Health, Safety, Social, and Environmental (HSSE) protocols during project implementation.
• Supporting the WASH team in troubleshooting issues and providing capacity-building assistance as needed.
• Submitting concise weekly reports to the Project Manager, detailing progress against work plans, identified issues, and proposed corrective actions.
• Liaising with contractors, local authorities, and community representatives to address any bottlenecks in project implementation.
• Monitoring the effectiveness of training programs for local technicians and government staff, reporting on outcomes and areas for improvement.
• Preparing monthly field visit reports, incident reports, and updated progress trackers with photographic evidence.
• Compiling a final summary report at the end of each retainer cycle, highlighting key achievements and challenges faced during the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources, or a related field. A Master’s degree in these disciplines is preferred but not mandatory and may substitute for the required years of experience. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in WASH infrastructure supervision, preferably in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Experience in contract management, quality control, and HSSE compliance is essential. Familiarity with AutoCAD or hydraulic software is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources, or a related field. A Master’s degree in the same or a related discipline is preferred but not required. Candidates with a Master’s degree may have their educational qualifications considered as a substitute for the required years of experience, thus providing flexibility in the hiring process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in WASH infrastructure supervision. Candidates should have a strong background in contract management, quality control, and adherence to HSSE compliance standards. Experience working in the southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the local context and challenges. Candidates should also have experience in monitoring and evaluating project implementations, as well as providing technical support to ensure project goals are met effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for reporting purposes, and candidates should also be fluent in local languages, particularly Pashto. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that project objectives are clearly understood and met.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Specialist Contract at level LICA 8, with an initial contract duration of 8 months, extending until December 31, 202

• The role is home-based, with a requirement for frequent travel to remote project sites in District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The retainer contract will specify a unit price per day worked, and payment will be made only upon completion of work. Candidates must complete mandatory courses before commencing services with UNOPS, and these courses will not be compensated. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups, ensuring an inclusive working environment.