Wash and Shelter Project Manager

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 around the world, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the aid and support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid delivery and its focus on safeguarding and protecting vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Wash and Shelter Project Manager position at NRC is a critical role aimed at implementing the delegated WASH project portfolio in Asosa, Ethiopia. The primary purpose of this position is to oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of WASH projects, ensuring that they align with NRC's policies, strategies, and donor requirements. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing project staff, developing project work plans, and ensuring high technical quality in project implementation. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing protection risks and needs within the community, contributing to the development of comprehensive project proposals, and maintaining transparency in project execution. The position also involves regular reporting to the Area Manager and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of WASH interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Wash and Shelter Project Manager include:

• Line management of project staff, ensuring effective team performance and adherence to NRC policies.
• Development and implementation of WASH project strategies, including the creation of detailed project work plans, spending plans, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans.
• Coordination and management of WASH project activities, budgets, and documentation in accordance with proposals and donor requirements.
• Ensuring high technical quality of WASH projects through the implementation of technical direction and quality assurance measures.
• Conducting needs assessments to identify protection risks and community needs, providing input for proposal development.
• Monitoring and oversight of project implementation, ensuring compliance with NRC's Protection Policy and guidelines.
• Contributing to the development of contingency plans and participating in rapid response mechanisms (RRM) related to WASH activities.
• Supporting the integration of cash-based interventions and market-based approaches within WASH responses where appropriate.
• Regularly reporting progress to the Area Manager and WASH Specialist, ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Wash and Shelter Project Manager position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in managing WASH projects in humanitarian settings, with a focus on technical quality and adherence to standards.
• Strong understanding of protection issues and the ability to integrate protection considerations into project implementation.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct needs assessments and develop effective project proposals.
• Familiarity with donor requirements and reporting standards in the humanitarian sector.
• Ability to work effectively in challenging environments and adapt to changing circumstances.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position. Candidates should have a degree in a field related to WASH, such as civil engineering, environmental science, public health, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in WASH or humanitarian response will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in managing WASH projects in humanitarian contexts. Experience working with international NGOs and familiarity with the specific challenges faced in the Ethiopian context will be highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful project implementation and management, as well as experience in team leadership and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ethiopia, such as Amharic or Afaan Oromo, will be considered a strong asset and may enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Asosa, Ethiopia, and requires frequent travel within the region, estimated at 50% of the time. The contract is national and initially set for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with the national salary scale for Ethiopia. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. NRC emphasizes a culture of respect, safeguarding, and accountability, expecting all employees to contribute to a safe and supportive work environment.